Friendship or Relationship? A Tarot Spread for Situationship Clarity

Understand your situationship with this tarot relationship spread - is it just friendship, or something more?

We’ve all been there: standing at the crossroads of friendship and romance, wondering where the connection might be headed. Is it safe to lean into love? Or is this bond meant to remain a supportive friendship? Or none of the above?

This spread, Friendship or Relationship?, is designed to bring clarity to situationships and undefined dynamics, offering insight into what both parties bring to the table—and what they truly need.

The Spread Layout

Friendship or Relationship? A spread to figure out your situationship.

The spread is built on six cards:

1. You – Friendship (How you show up in a friendship role, your approach to friendship)

2. You – Relationship (How you show up as a partner, your core beliefs about partnership)

3. Them – Friendship (How they show up in a friendship role, your approach to friendship)

4. Them – Relationship (How you show up as a partner, your core beliefs about partnership)

5. What You need (What you truly need, base layer or need/wish from this bond)

6. What They needs (What they truly need, base layer or need/wish from this bond)

   
   

How to Read It

• Compare Friendship vs. Relationship Cards: Notice if there’s harmony or tension. For example, if her friendship card is grounded (say, Queen of Pentacles), but her relationship card is turbulent (Tower), it may show that she’s steadier as a friend than a partner right now. Or maybe that she has grounded and harmonious feelings about friendships, but that past experiences has colored her feelings about going into partnerships.

• Look for Patterns Across Both Sides: Do both people bring similar energies? Or does one lean toward deep partnership while the other shines more in companionship?

• Check the Needs Cards: These often reveal whether the two people can realistically give each other what they require. For example, if she needs emotional depth (e.g., Cups energy), while he needs freedom (Wands or Fool energy), you may see a mismatch that needs careful consideration.

Why This Spread Works

The strength of this spread is that it allows you to see two layers of the connection at once—the friendship foundation and the potential for romantic partnership. By adding the “needs” cards, you go beyond surface attraction and start to explore whether those deeper needs can be met.

This spread doesn’t necessarily tell you “yes or no” about pursuing romance—it gives you the clarity to understand how each of you shows up and what might be required for a healthy future together.

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