There are many patterns and layouts for the science of Tarot card readings. Generally, all tarot spreads follow the one principle. The cards are shuffled and the tarot spread is created by placing the cards face up from the top of the pile using a specific pattern. The position of a card in the tarot spread will signify a particular subject such as the past or future of the person consulting the cards.
The way you spread the cards is quite important with each tarot spread yielding differing information. The Celtic Cross is quite a good, broad based spread which will give a good deal of information on a specific situation.
There are other layouts to determine information such as year views and astrological perspectives for example. Some tarot spreads answer specific questions better than others. The following is a list of the most common tarot spreads and what they are used best in determining.
Five Card Spread
This tarot spread helps to determine a course of action in which the person consulting the cards wishes to decide upon.