Four Card Reading With Tarot

four card tarot spread

Four Card Reading with Tarot

A four-card reading in the Tarot will be used similarly as the three-card readings. These are quick snapshots of understanding with a bit more details that three cards offer.

I use four card readings as an elaboration of a simple “yes” or “no” scenario. You’ll see what I mean with the four card reading spreads I’m offering below as examples.

The number four has a very grounding effect, that why they are ideal for either/or type of question.

If you’re creating your own four-card spreads, be sure you have a nice balance in your questions. Have a beginning card, a “yes” a “no” and a conclusion card.

These examples say it best…

Examples of Four Card Tarot Spreads and Readings

four card tarot spread
Four card Tarot spread
The “Straight Shooter”

The “You” position will (obviously) hold the card that represents you – your energy at the time of the reading.

The “Unknown” represents people, places or events in your life that you’re either not aware of right now, or unwilling to face.

The “Known” represents the details you are aware of. This position is also a clue as to what you can reasonably deal with right now.

The “Action” card is an encouragement to do so (take action) after you have thoughtfully considered the “Knowns” and “Unknowns” in the reading.


four card tarot spread
Four card Tarot layout
The “Personal Perspective”

I use this four card reading when I need to get a clear, unbiased view about my behaviors or reactions about a specific current event in my life. The outcomes in this simple four card reading can be profoundly revealing.

This spread will clarify your motivations and offer a alternative motive if you discover you’re being unreasonable.

The “Issue” card is at the heart of the matter you are dealing with right now.

The crossing card, “Will” is a beneficent card, representing your highest will or the best intention for your highest good.

The “Ego” card represent your ulterior motive. This card tells you if you’re being unreasonable, acting out, or misbehaving – and it explains the underlying (usually ego-driven) reason for your reactions to the Issue identified in the card.

The “Alternative” offers an alternate route. This card will provide a solution that you haven’t thought of, and encourage a different path than the (ego-driven) one.


I hope you enjoyed these examples of a four card reading in the Tarot.

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