Past, Present, and Future Spread

Past-present-future tarot spread: how to lay and interpret the three-card line.

Three cards create a simple timeline: recent background, current focus, and forward tendency.

When to use it

It works well for focused questions about a situation or timeframe—without needing a large spread.

Interpretation

Read in order: what led here (past), what is active now (present), where energy is heading (future). Future is tendency, not fixed destiny.

  • How many cards are in past-present-future?

    Three: one for past, one for present, one for future. It is one of the most common tarot layouts.