The Romany Spread

The Romany spread is 7 column, 3 row grid spread—yup, that’s 21 cards. As complex as it looks (it always struck me as “vintage” before I learned how to use it) it’s actually pretty simple. It’s also great for practicing interpreting tarot because there’s lots of possibilities for connect. It’s all pretty open-ended though I will share some helpful guidelines I use to interpret.

I really love this spread! Lately it’s been the only one I’ve been using. Use it to connect dots between your past, present, and future.

How to lay out the Romany spread.

The layout is a simple grid. Shuffle your cards, then lay out 7 cards in a row. That’s your past row. Below that, lay out 7 more cards for your present row. Then below that, 7 more for the future.

	*Col 1*	*Col 2*	*Col 3*	*Col 4*	*Col 5*	*Col 6*	*Col 7*
*Past*	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
*Present*	8	9	10	11	12	13	14
*Future*	15	16	17	18	19	20	21

Now, note that in addition to rows, the columns also have significance. The rows and columns intersect to give you faceted peeks into aspects of your situation. Here are what I use for the columns…

Column 1: The Self

This is you or what is important to you.

Column 2: Home

Your surroundings.

Column 3: Hopes & Fears

What you hope getting or fear losing the most.

Column 4: Known Factors

This shows things you have been working towards.

Column 5: Hidden Factors

Your hidden destiny.

Column 6: Short Term Future

I interpret this as “immediate outcome” as well.

Column 7: Long Term Future

And long term future, I identify with “long-lasting outcome.”

Those roughly how to read the Romany spread (you’ll find lots of variations but this direction seems most common) but remember it’s open-ended. You can make up your own rules as you go along.

For example, I also picture left-to-right being from the center of situation to outward influences. And I make note of the cards surrounding certain cards. That once helped me see a legal issue. (It was Justice then a pentacle card then King of Cups then pentacle. King of Cups was getting sued by my client for big money.)

The Romany spread is indispensable for me. I hope you try! Please leave a comment with your results if you do.