The horoscope spread is a favorite among astrologers. Because the horoscope is a mandala symbolizing the entire life of the individual, the horoscope spread is excellent for a general reading. Starting with the first house of the horoscope, lay the cards in a circle, placing one card in each of the twelve houses. Many readers place a final thirteenth card in the center of the wheel as an overall indicator or summation of the entire spread. On the other hand, some readers prefer to start with a central card signifying the core question and then lay out twelve cards in the twelve houses of the horoscope surrounding the central card.
Here is a schematic diagram of the horoscope spread:
Each card symbolizes matters specific to the house in which it lies. The following list briefly describes the matters each house signifies:
| House |
Significance |
| First House |
Physical body, Self, sense of identity, personal needs, appearance, health, vitality, the start of an enterprise, mother's father, father's mother. |
| Second House |
Money, income, finances, wealth, values, possessions, movable goods, resources. |
| Third House |
Siblings, neighbors, close kin, local travel, short trips, conscious mind, writing, early education, communications, letters, phone calls, examinations, local environment. |
| Fourth House |
Father, elders, home, family, real estate, land, roots, foundations, internal needs, emotional security, the grave. |
| Fifth House |
Children, speculation, risks, hobbies, gambling, games, self-expression, romance, affections, pleasures, creative endeavors, fun, vacations, love affairs. |
| Sixth House |
Illness, work, duty, daily routine, pets, perfection, tedium, drudgery, service, employees, father's siblings. |
| Seventh House |
Spouse, mate, partners, marriage, committed relationships, contracts, law suits, open enemies, opponents, personal consultants, those on an equal footing with us, father's father, mother's mother. |
| Eighth House |
Sex, death, taxes, other people's money, loans, legacies, goods of the dead, others' resources, insurance, partner's money, research, personal transformation, deep understanding, occult interests. |
| Ninth House |
Long distance travel, religion, the law, higher education, philosophy, religion, higher mind, foreign interests, broadcasting, publication, forecasting, spouse's siblings. |
| Tenth House |
Mother, career, profession, ambition, superiors, governors, success, public standing, reputation, status, society, discipline, structure, destiny. |
| Eleventh House |
Friends, groups, clubs, social activities, societies, advice, detachment, hopes and wishes, humanitarian concerns. |
| Twelfth House |
Solitude, confinement, hospitalization, retreat, sacrifice, hidden matters, secret liaisons, psychological problems, undoing, secrets, meditation, the unconscious, the subconscious mind, mother's siblings. |
Excerpted from Tarot Plain and Simple, by Anthony Louis |
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