Q&A: how to interpret Diamonds cards in love readings?

How should Diamonds cards be interpreted when they fall in readings about romance and relationships?

Diamonds cards reflect your sense of financial and emotional security and issues concerning structure and stability. They reflect your desire to acquire things, to increase your financial status, and to feel satisfied with your progress and station in life.

If you have a relationship reading that's not about money but a lot of Diamonds cards appear, think about the ways that money is like a relationship. For example, in relationships you may feel secure or divided. A relationship can grow little by little, or it can be eaten away and feel empty. You may consider it a gift, or an investment of your time and energy. Your relationship status might change and others may congratulate you for reaching a milestone in your relationship. Your relationship may make you wealthy or simply feel blessed!

Let's take a look at a reading submitted for a student's practical exam.

The seeker asked for a general reading but if we look at the first card we can see she is interested in learning about a relationship or partnership. The middle card represents underlying influences and I like to look at it as "the REAL issue or question". So it seems the seeker wants a reading about a relationship (2 of Hearts). Her real question is, "Is he stable (mentally, materially, etc.)? Is he financially secure enough to consider marriage? Is he the type of person that wants to build a life together? (Ace of Diamonds). 

The Ace of Diamonds traditionally symbolizes the engagement ring and it shows up in SO many relationship readings for women. It seems to trump the Ace of Hearts in terms of what women really want. Women know that Hearts personalities don't lead to marriage. Diamonds personalities do.

The numerical theme of the reading is 7 (2 + 1 (Ace) + 4 (King)). This theme often appears when people are wondering what path to take or if they should continue on their current path. They are often asking Should I? questions. So her unstated question might be "Should I continue with this relationship? Is this leading to something more permanent and secure?"

The final card (King of Diamonds) suggests that it is and yes he will take a more permanent role in her life.

Learn to read playing cards like a pro…

Register today for Your Future Is In The Cards: Become a Fortune Teller in 7 Days!  

cards representing love and relationships

A pre-destined romance.

From Llewellyn's Classic Tarot App

Love at first sight.

From Llewellyn's Classic Tarot App

Initial stages of infatuation.

Partnership | 2 of Hearts from Over the Moon Oracle Cards

The ONE. Your ideal partner.

Card 21 from The Cinderella Deck

A dysfunctional relationship that you can't break away from.

From Llewellyn's Classic Tarot App

A faithful partner who makes you feel safe.

Dog from The Simple Lenormand

An old married couple.

Commitment | 4 of Hearts from Over the Moon Oracle Cards

Rings of commitment or handcuffs?

Rings from The Simple Lenormand

Happily ever after...

Card 29 from The Cinderella Deck

a love match reading with Over the Moon Oracle Cards

A student in my course, Your Future Is In The Cards: Become a Fortune Teller in 7 Days, performed the Love Match Spread and was a bit confused about the reading outcome. 

After a huge fight with my EX boyfriend this morning, I did the love match spread. Everything was crystal clear but based on our argument, I find the outcome card a bit of a stretch. I’m interpreting 10D as moving in together -- is there an alternate non money meaning like feeling blessed? And, would that be blessed that we aren’t together?

1. What’s going on in the relationship? 2 Hearts
2. What’s going on with you? 10 Hearts
3. What’s going with your partner? King of Diamonds
4. How you view your partner? Ace of Hearts
5. How your partner views you? 6 Hearts
6. What you want from your partner? Queen of Clubs
7. What your partner wants from you? Queen of Spades
8. What you want from the relationship? Queen of Diamonds
9. What your partner wants from the relationship? King of Clubs
10. Outcome within 3 months? 10 of Diamonds


Here are my insights and the student's responses (in italics):

Ok, so you call this guy your EX. Was he your ex before the fight or only after the fight? I ask because I see a lot of positive feelings in this reading.

A little background: I can’t really say when we broke up because everything sort of stayed the same. If I had to guess I would say June but I know we slept together as late as October. We are and have always had an officially non-monogamous relationship - yet sort of monogamous by default. I guess you can label us polyamorous at heart. I guess the problems started when he met someone at the beginning of November. Our friendship started changing.


What’s going on in the relationship? 

Partnership | 2 of Hearts

 The first card says it all. This is the card of soulmates and compatibility.

What’s going on with you?

Family | 10 of Hearts

What’s going with your partner?

Owner | King of Diamonds

You are thinking about marriage and he is in a committed, long-term, stable relationship. I hope that's with you. The King of Diamonds can also show someone very focused on money and shoring up their security. They are likely to be serious and may have trouble relaxing and letting loose.

This was a concern I had too since he has started seeing someone else. I assumed since my intent was a love match for us that the cards would be about us. Should I do another reading to determine this? 

How you view your partner

Love | Ace of Hearts

How your partner views you

Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts

You both view each other as Hearts - that's very positive. He sees you as a helpful influence, someone who gives affection and takes care of his needs.

What you want from your partner?

Hostess | Queen of Clubs

What your partner wants from you? 

Widow | Queen of Spades

Both cards are Queens so you're on the same page. You want adventure and fun, someone who is playful and you can go out dancing with.  He DOESN'T WANT someone who is bitter and resentful and who is angry with him and makes him feel guilty. I'm not saying you are, just that he's trying to avoid that at all costs so you need to look at his behavior in terms of how he's trying to avoid certain behaviors from you. [When Spades fall in the "want" position, it usually shows what you don't want.]

BINGO – I knew this he is a typical Libra – loves peace at all cost. I as a Capricorn can be a tad judgmental!

What you want from the relationship

Mother | Queen of Diamonds

What your partner wants from the relationship? 

Leader | King of Clubs

Again, more face cards! You want a security blanket relationship - one that feels safe and secure. He wants an adventurous relationship - probably with a little more spice. This matches up with what you want from him (Queen of Clubs). Know that this King isn't above going out to find someone who spices things up outside the relationship.

Not an issue. Also something I knew. My need for security has not always matched his need for freedom.

Outcome within 3 months? 

Wealth | 10 of Diamonds

I can see the progression of these cards to the 10 of Diamonds scenario. Both of you really want the same thing, more Clubs energy - more activity, sex, adventure, and fun. It might even be a good idea to start an exercise regimen together.

Thank you Kristen! I always appreciate your detailed feedback. I am learning so much. I gain confidence when your interpretations mirror mine. (Yay me!!)

Learn to perform this reading and do more stuff with playing cards…

Register today for Your Future Is In The Cards: Become a Fortune Teller in 7 Days!  

yes or no? how to get your answer with the story method of interpretation

I've been reading a lot of blog posts lately about answering yes/no questions using an image-based deck like tarot. Some say it can't be done. Some say it can. Some find ways to do it by assigning cards a positive (yes) spin or a negative (no) spin.

I say if you have an image-based deck all you need to do is look at the picture and say what you see. This is the story method of interpretation. The questioner or subject of the reading becomes the main character in the image and you simply describe what's happening.

For example, what if you are asking, Will I get a promotion? Imagine that someone is getting a promotion. What do they look like? Happy, sad, angry? Imagine the scene -- What are they doing? Celebrating? Relaxing? What kind of body language would we see? Tight and tense or relaxed and open? Now, look through the cards in your deck. What cards would verify a yes answer? What cards verify no?

Let's look at examples using Over the Moon Oracle Cards. I'm using the non-captioned version of the deck so we can see the entire image clearly.

Will I pass my test?

Status | 8 of Diamonds

Look at you! You've got your feet up, chillaxin at home with your needlepoint. I'd say you passed your test.

Rejection | Ace of Spades

You are leaving a school dragging a book on the ground. This looks more like a walk of shame than a victory march so I would say NO you don't pass the test.

Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts

Yes, you will pass the test but with a little help, maybe a tutor or study aid. Or perhaps some help from above -- divine help -- in the form of prayer!

Will my finances improve by next month?

Empty | 4 of Diamonds

You're starving! You've got no money for food so you've resorted to eating plates! It doesn't look good financially.

Fun | 5 of Hearts

You're playing and having fun, without a care in the world, so yes it looks like your finances improve.

Waiting | 2 of Clubs

You are waiting for something, perhaps a check in the mail. It looks like things will still be tense on the financial horizon but you may be in a position of expecting money.

Will I get a new job soon?

Gift | 6 of Diamonds

You are giving or receiving money. Either way, this is a good sign. It looks like you may receive a job offer or at least have enough extra money to hold you over.

Traveler | Jack of Clubs

You're getting out of the house and looking for a job. It could also mean that you will get a job that will require you to travel or move.

Security | Ace of Diamonds

 You're sitting at home by the fireplace, so no job.

Does he like me?

Interference | 3 of Spades

Since the question is does HE like me we'll focus on the male in the image. He appears annoyed at being set up. But perhaps once he gets to know you better, he'll warm up to you.

Romantic| Jack of Hearts

He definitely likes you. He's trying to win you over.

Restriction | 8 of Spades

He is more concerned with his own predicament than a relationship right now. I'd say he's just not that into you.

What if the question is posed negatively instead of positively as in the above examples? This is one of the reasons the story method works so well. If we had randomly assigned yes and no for each card, how would we interpret positive cards in a negatively worded question like the ones below?

Is my boyfriend cheating?

Commitment | 4 of Hearts

No, you two are like an old married couple and he still only has eyes for you.

Troublemaker | Jack of Spades

Well, he looks like he stole something and is trying not to get caught. So, I would say yes, he's probably cheating.

Delay | 4 of Spades

He may not be cheating but he appears disappointed with the relationship. He's not having any fun.

Is the relationship over?

Partnership | 2 of Hearts

You two are still infatuated with each other. Look at the close body language -- I'd say no, the relationship is not over.

Loss | 10 of Spades

Unfortunately, yes. Like Humpty Dumpty, it's fallen and it can't get up. As the story goes, no one can put Humpty Dumpty (or the relationship) back together again.

Rest | 4 of Clubs

Maybe, but this might just be a time out period where both of you need a break from each other.

Do you use this method of interpretation?

will i find love this year?

I did your 3-card spread with playing cards. My question was, "Will I find love this year?" There's more red cards so that should be yes, but I'm stumped by the 6 of Spades in the last position. 

Let's look at the cards. I'll be using my Over the Moon oracle cards to examine the story from a visual perspective too. Just looking at the oracle images, we see the first two cards show two people and the final card shows only one person.

If we string the keywords together we get Friendship - Partnership - Resentment. Just based on this, it does seem as though you will find love this year - the Partnership card makes this plain. But, it will not be without problems as the Resentment card reveals. It's also important to keep your question in mind as the reading will answer the question you asked in the way you asked it. You asked will you find love. You did not ask will it last or will it be a satisfying relationship.

The first position reflects what's happening or past experience. It can reveal the current setting or environment.

Friendship | 3 of Hearts suggests you're in a friendship type of relationship with someone right now. Perhaps you wish for this relationship to turn into something more and that has prompted the question. Or maybe you're always "just friends" with a potential romantic catch instead of more than friends.

The second position represents what's really happening, or underlying influences. It can also show a progression of events from the first card.

Partnership | 2 of Hearts suggests that this friendship may turn into a romantic relationship. There seems to be a definite mutual attraction. Notice the difference in body language between the characters in the first card and the second. The Partnership characters have more physical closeness showing a much stronger connection. This card is not a card of commitment, though. It can show the infatuation stages of a romance.

The final position represents the outcome.

Resentment | 6 of Spades depicts an unhappy girl. As a final outcome, it suggests that the relationship will hit a serious rough patch. This card represents a major block. Sometimes spades in the final position can signal the end of a relationship but often it just shows that this relationship will be a difficult one. The 6 of  Spades relates to emotional baggage, regrets, resentment, and selfishness. These issues may prevent forward movement in the relationship.

Since there are only three cards in the reading, we don't know the story of what causes the Resentment vibration. If you had looked at a smaller window of time (3 months for example) instead of the entire year, we may be able to see the transition.

Let's look at the numerical theme for more info. It's 2 (3+2+6 = 11 = 1+1=2) which is a great energy for romantic relationships because it emphasizes cooperation, harmony and compatibility. You will be trying to get along and keep the peace this year. Maybe that's the root of the problem. Perhaps the resentment comes because you feel like you're doing all the work in the relationship.

What is the answer to your question? The majority of cards are red giving a basic YES answer but the last two cards are Hearts + Spades = maybe, but you will experience an emotional loss.

My answer would be definitely yes, you will find love this year. In fact, it may be right under your nose. There is a friendship that seems to have romantic overtones. However, there may be an emotional loss associated with finding love this year. Watch out for emotional baggage, regrets and resentment. These issues may block your progress.

It may be a good idea to select another card for advice, showing what to do to maintain a loving relationship this year or what to do to support a committed relationship this year.

Good luck!

What do you see? Share your insights in the comments section!

Do you want a second opinion on your 3-card reading? See details HERE.

INSIGHT: happy kwanzaa

I was wondering how to create a spread to commemorate Kwanzaa, the African American cultural holiday from December 26 - January 1, when I stumbled upon one already created by the amazing Rachel Pollack. I changed "I" to "we" and read it as an insight reading instead of a personal journal reading. If you want to know more about Kwanzaa, here's the official website.

Day 1: Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
How can we promote unity?

Making sacrifices for each other. Helping others, providing assistance. Ministering to body, mind and spirit. 

Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
How do we claim who we are?

This card suggests that we must define ourselves collectively instead of individually. As an African American, I see this type of solidarity in action every day.


Day 3: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.
How do we help others with their struggles?

Wow, this is pretty profound. In order to help others with their struggles, we must put ourselves in their place and understand their struggle. Why are they labeled troublemaker? What do they run from? What are they trying to escape? 

Day 4: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
How can we help bring genuine prosperity?

Typically, I see this as a card about dividing assets. But is it also suggesting that things cannot always be equal from an economic perspective? One person has to get to the top and then help others up to their level.

Day 5: Nia (Purpose)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
How can we encourage the best in ourselves and others?

I'm stumped by this card here. Any ideas?

Day 6: Kuumba (Creativity)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
How do we express our creativity?

This card may be saying we need to reject the status quo and choose our own path to creativity.

Day 7: Imani (Faith)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
How do we deepen our belief, in ourselves and others?

We need to pat ourselves on the back and take pride in our accomplishments.

Seven is the numerical theme showing that Kwazaa is a time of reflection and determining our direction for the new year. There is a two of a kind with the number 2 which is about choice. Our choices not only affect how we live but also affect others around us, our community, and our race.

Feel free to share your thoughts on how you might interpret these cards for this reading!