Next to drawing a single tarot card for a quick answer to a simple question, the 3 Card Tarot Reading is probably the second quickest and simplest form of a tarot spread.  With the three cards, one representing each, the past, the present and the future, you are better able to get a centered reading.

Past Present & Future - 3 Card Tarot Reading

The past is just that, the past.  The card represents what has been taking place in your life up to this point.  It may indicate something that is about to pass or at least behind you.

The present represents everything that is happening now or just did happen in very recent history.  It may be directly linked to the past meaning it could be a continuation of the past or could be the beginning of the future.

The future card represents the direction you are heading or of things to come.  Most would say that it is a prediction of what might happen.  In some cases, the mere fact that you are now aware of the future could change the future. Yes, that is pretty much a definition of a paradox.