# Tree of love: five cards

Relationships · 5 positions

Tree of love: five cards uses 5 positions to examine your relationship through past, present, potential and hidden influences. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.

Numbers identify positions; the reading sequence is explained below. Other versions may assign different roles.

Practice deck: all 78 RWS cards

## Version and dealing convention

The numbered diagram defines this version. Other traditions may place or name positions differently. The practice uses consecutive random draws from the displayed deck scope.

## A question to try

What can I examine about your relationship through past, present, potential and hidden influences?

## Before you draw

- Write one open question and define its scope. Keep factual questions separate from symbolic reflection.

- Choose the position order and decide whether to include reversals before drawing.

- Read each card in its role, then compare the positions. Note uncertainty and one practical next question.

## Position guide

### 1. You in the relationship

This position explores “You in the relationship”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 2. Past causes and feelings

This position explores “Past causes and feelings”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 3. Present way of responding

This position explores “Present way of responding”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 4. Future potential

This position explores “Future potential”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 5. Underlying personal or environmental influence

This position explores “Underlying personal or environmental influence”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

## How to connect the positions

Reading sequence (read grouped roles together as explained below): 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5

Read the numbered positions in order, then compare related roles rather than treating each card as an isolated prediction. Write one practical question or action suggested by the comparison.

## What to watch for

Positions about another person represent questions to discuss, not access to their private thoughts. A spread cannot establish consent, loyalty or whether someone will return; respect communication and boundaries.

## Cards to explore alongside this spread

[The Hermit ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/hermit/)[Justice ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/justice/)[The Star ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/star/)
[Study guide →](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/study-guide/)

## Explore another structure

[Study exercise · Relationships · 6 positions

### Relationship mirror spread

Six positions place two perspectives side by side. They organise reflection on perceptions, the relationship and hopes for its direction.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/relationship-mirror/)[Reading layout · Relationships · 4 positions

### Lovers’ pyramid

Lovers’ pyramid uses 4 positions to examine your position, the other perspective and the relationship. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/lovers-pyramid/)