Cross Spread
Difficulty: Easy
The Cross Spread is good for questions asking for advice. It can also be used to determine the meaning of a confusing card from a previous reading, or for that matter, to shed light on other points of confusion.
In questions asking advice, this tarot spread is self-explanatory. The main thing is to determine the difference between cards #2 and #3. #1 is the topic and #4 is the result.
In questions regarding confusion, such as: "What was the meaning of Card (X) in the last spread?" the main thing is also to determine the difference between cards #2 and #3. In this case, #2 will show what the card was not referring to, and Card #3 will show what was really meant. Card #1 is the topic and #4 represents the purpose it serves.
Your Cross Reading
DO This VIIII – The Hermit (L'Hermite) |
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It Deals with This Four of Swords |
Do NOT Do This XVII – The Star (L'Étoile) |
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It Leads to This XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu) |
It Deals with This
Four of Swords
The Four of Swords symbolises rest, recuperation, and mental clarity achieved through stillness. It reflects the need for pause before taking further action.
Symbolism: Four curved swords form an oval frame, with interwoven bindings at the top and bottom, creating a sense of structure and containment. At the centre of the composition, a single blooming flower emerges, symbolising peace, recovery, and renewal. The flowing curves and woven intersections suggest a more organic approach to rest and contemplation. The imagery highlights the importance of finding harmony within stillness, reinforcing the idea that mental clarity arises when balance and inner peace are embraced.
In Relationships: A period of emotional detachment or taking space to reflect on a relationship's direction.
In Work: A time for rest or strategic planning. Progress will come after regrouping and gathering strength.
Spiritually: The card invites retreat into meditation or introspection to realign with higher truths.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, resistance to rest, or avoidance of necessary reflection. It warns against burnout or neglecting self-care.
Do NOT Do This
XVII – The Star (L'Étoile)
The Star is a card of hope, inspiration, and renewal. It symbolises divine guidance and the gentle flow of healing energy after hardship.
Symbolism: A nude figure kneels beside a stream, pouring water onto the land and back into the source, representing the cyclical nature of renewal and the flow of inspiration. Above her, stars shine brightly, offering hope and illumination.
In Relationships: Healing and harmony. It suggests vulnerability and openness to connection.
In Work: Inspiration and the emergence of new opportunities. A time for trust in your creative vision.
Spiritually: The Star invites you to align with your higher purpose, finding peace in the guidance of the cosmos.
When ill-dignified: Doubt, loss of faith, or feeling disconnected from inspiration. It warns against losing hope during challenging times.
DO This
VIIII – The Hermit (L'Hermite)
The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, and the pursuit of inner wisdom. He invites the seeker to retreat from distractions and focus on the guiding light within.
Symbolism: An old man walks with a staff, holding a lantern that illuminates his path. The lantern symbolises the light of wisdom gained through introspection and experience. His posture suggests humility and patience, while his cloak emphasises withdrawal from the external world.
In Relationships: A period of self-reflection or a need for solitude to gain clarity on emotional matters.
In Work: A time for careful planning and introspection. Wisdom lies in patient deliberation rather than immediate action.
Spiritually: The Hermit invites the seeker to turn inward, embracing solitude as a space for spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, fear of introspection, or excessive withdrawal. It warns against cutting oneself off from others or resisting inner truth.
It Leads to This
XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, perspective, and the wisdom gained through sacrifice. It signifies the pause required for deeper insight and the willingness to let go of attachments to achieve spiritual growth.
Symbolism: A figure hangs upside down from a grafted tree, forming an almost serene cross-like posture. The inversion suggests seeing the world from a different perspective, while the living tree structure reflects the connection to spiritual growth. His tranquil expression emphasises acceptance and enlightenment through suspension.
In Relationships: A need for patience, reflection, or a fresh perspective on a relationship. It can also suggest letting go of control.
In Work: A time to pause, reassess, and allow things to unfold. Solutions may come from viewing challenges differently.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man invites the seeker to embrace surrender as a path to awakening and profound understanding.
When ill-dignified: Stubbornness, resistance to change, or avoiding necessary sacrifices. It warns against remaining stuck in unproductive situations.