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 Nine of Wands |
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It Deals with This Four of Swords, Reversed |
Do NOT Do This Seven of Wands, Reversed |
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It Leads to This Eight of Cups |
It Deals with This
Four of Swords, Reversed
The Four of Swords represents rest, recovery, and retreat. This card suggests a period of respite, where you are called to step back from your usual activities to recharge, heal, and reflect. It signals a time when you may have been through a challenging experience or period of stress and now require rest to regain strength and clarity. The image of a figure lying on a bed with swords above them represents the need to pause and disconnect from the external world to focus on internal healing. It is a moment of stillness and quiet contemplation, where rest and recuperation are necessary before advancing.
Reversed, the Four of Swords can indicate restlessness, burnout, or the refusal to take a needed break. The reversal suggests you may push yourself too hard. It may also signify a delay in healing, where you have not yet allowed yourself the time or space to recover from emotional or mental exhaustion. The Four of Swords reversed encourages you to slow down, step back, and prioritise your health and well-being. It warns that continuing to push forward without rest may lead to burnout or lack of clarity, making it harder to move forward.
In Relationships: The Four of Swords suggests a need for rest or a temporary break from a relationship or emotional situation. This card may indicate that you or your partner are mentally or emotionally exhausted and need time alone to recover. It could also signify a period of reflection or contemplation about the relationship, where you take a step back to evaluate what you want or need from the connection. The Four of Swords encourages you to prioritise self-care and inner peace, ensuring you are in a healthy state before moving forward. It may also indicate a time of healing from past relationship wounds.
In Work: The Four of Swords signals a time for rest, reflection, and mental rejuvenation. This card suggests you may need to take a break from your work or take some time off to recharge. The Four of Swords indicates you may feel overwhelmed or mentally fatigued and could benefit from stepping away from the pressures of your professional life to regain clarity and focus. It is a reminder that taking care of your mental health and well-being is vital for long-term success. This card advises you to avoid burnout and make time for self-care before continuing your career journey. It may also suggest a time of contemplation, where new ideas and insights can arise after a period of rest.
Spiritually: The Four of Swords represents a time of spiritual healing, rest, and introspection. This card suggests you may need to take a break from your spiritual practices or overwhelming spiritual pursuits to reconnect with yourself and regain your inner peace. The Four of Swords invites you to rest and reflect on your spiritual path, creating space for stillness and silence to hear your inner voice more clearly. It may also signify that you are undergoing a process of spiritual healing or recovery, where you integrate the lessons learned from experiences and allow yourself the time to rejuvenate. This card is a reminder that sometimes stillness and reflection are the keys to spiritual growth.
Do NOT Do This
Seven of Wands, Reversed
The Seven of Wands represents perseverance, defence, and standing your ground in the face of challenges. It indicates a time when you are confronted with competition, opposition, or criticism, but must remain firm and assertive in protecting your position or beliefs. Depicted as a figure standing on higher ground, holding a wand to defend themselves against several others below, the Seven of Wands suggests rising above obstacles and confronting adversity head-on. This card calls for courage and determination, encouraging you to defend what you have achieved or believe in when it feels like others are challenging you.
Reversed, the Seven of Wands can indicate feelings of being overwhelmed, defeated, or unable to defend your position. You may feel you are losing the battle, whether in relationships, career, or other areas of life. It suggests you might be giving up or feeling unsure of your ability to withstand challenges. The reversed Seven of Wands may also suggest a reluctance to confront opposition or fear of standing up for oneself. It advises you to reassess your position and gather your strength before moving forward. This card asks you to reclaim your confidence, remembering that you can rise above challenges, even when they seem difficult.
In Relationships: The Seven of Wands indicates tension or rivalry. This could manifest as external pressures, such as family or friends interfering, or internal struggles where both partners may experience differing needs or desires. You may need to stand your ground in protecting the relationship or asserting your boundaries. This card encourages you to remain firm and assertive in your beliefs about love and relationships, even if you face opposition from others. It may also suggest that you must fight for your connection, whether confronting misunderstandings or pushing back against external forces that threaten your unity. For single individuals, the Seven of Wands can indicate the need to stay true to your values and not be swayed by external influences in romance.
In Work: The Seven of Wands signals a time when you may be facing competition, criticism, or challenging circumstances. This card suggests you are in a position of advantage, but you must defend your place to maintain your success. The Seven of Wands indicates you will face obstacles, but it encourages you to remain strong, assertive, and confident in your abilities. It may point to the need to stand up for your ideas, work, or career goals, especially when others question or oppose them. This card advises you to avoid complacency and engage with challenges, knowing that overcoming them will only strengthen your position. It is a reminder that success often requires persistence and the ability to rise above opposition.
Spiritually: The Seven of Wands indicates a time of spiritual challenge or inner conflict, where you may feel the need to defend your spiritual beliefs or practices. The card suggests you are on a path that may be difficult to navigate, and you may face external criticism or doubt from others. However, the Seven of Wands encourages you to remain firm in your spiritual convictions and trust that you are on the right path. It also suggests you may need to stand up for your beliefs, even if you feel isolated or misunderstood. This card encourages inner strength and the courage to defend your truth while remaining open to growth and deeper understanding on the spiritual journey.
DO This
Nine of Wands
The Nine of Wands represents resilience, perseverance, and the strength to endure adversity. The ninth card in the Suit of Wands indicates that you have been through a series of challenges or struggles but are still standing strong, holding on to what you have worked for. Depicted as a figure standing defensively, with one wand raised and a weary expression, the Nine of Wands shows a person who has been through a battle, yet continues to guard their position. This card suggests you are at a critical juncture, where your ability to withstand your trials will determine whether you can achieve the eventual success you seek.
The Nine of Wands speaks to a moment of vulnerability, where you may feel exhausted or worn down by the challenges you've encountered. However, the card also indicates you are almost at the finish line. This card encourages you to draw on your inner strength and stay vigilant, even when it feels like you are running out of energy. The Nine of Wands reminds you that you can push through the last obstacles, and success is within reach if you are tenacious now.
In Relationships: The Nine of Wands indicates emotional exhaustion or defensiveness in the relationship. You or your partner may have been through emotional challenges, possibly involving past hurts, misunderstandings, or relationship struggles. This card suggests there is still a desire to protect the relationship, but it also indicates that one or both parties may feel worn out by the emotional toll. The Nine of Wands encourages you to maintain your boundaries and stay resilient, but to avoid becoming too defensive or shutting down. For those in a difficult or testing relationship, this card advises perseverance and faith in the relationship's potential for growth and healing. It also asks you to be aware of emotional fatigue and ensure you are not staying in a situation solely out of a sense of obligation.
In Work: The Nine of Wands suggests you have been through a series of struggles or obstacles in your professional life. You may feel the weight of setbacks or the pressure to maintain your success. This card encourages you to stay resilient and trust in your ability to overcome the final hurdles. While you may feel tired or worn down, the Nine of Wands indicates you are close to achieving your goals and that one last push of effort may be needed to achieve success. It is also a reminder to remain cautious and guard against burnout, as your energy levels may be low. The Nine of Wands advises you to pace yourself, acknowledge how far you've come, and use your inner strength to push through the last challenges.
Spiritually: The Nine of Wands represents a time when you are testing your endurance and strength. This card suggests you may feel weary or worn out, having faced trials or challenges on your spiritual journey. However, the Nine of Wands encourages you to remain steadfast and trust that you are close to a breakthrough. It signifies the need to continue on the spiritual path, even when things seem difficult or uncertain. You are urged to tap into your spiritual reserves and maintain your faith, knowing that perseverance will lead to greater insight and growth. The Nine of Wands also suggests the need for spiritual protection, reminding you to guard your energy and remain resilient in the face of challenges.
It Leads to This
Eight of Cups
The Eight of Cups represents emotional withdrawal, leaving behind what no longer serves, and seeking a deeper sense of fulfilment. This card depicts a figure walking away from eight stacked cups, leaving them behind as they venture towards a mountain or distant horizon. The Eight of Cups signals a time when you may feel emotionally dissatisfied, disconnected, or unfulfilled with your current situation, seeking something more meaningful. It suggests that while the material or superficial aspects of life may seem fine on the surface, an inner longing or desire for emotional depth, truth, and purpose is not being met.
The Eight of Cups invites you to recognise when it's time to leave behind what no longer brings emotional satisfaction, even if it's difficult or uncertain. This card speaks to the courage to step away from relationships, situations, or habits that no longer nurture personal growth. The card represents emotional maturity and the willingness to seek emotional fulfilment even when it requires difficult choices or letting go of the past.
In Relationships: The Eight of Cups suggests you may experience emotional dissatisfaction or disillusionment. You may be considering leaving a connection that no longer fulfils you, or you may already be ready to leave a relationship that has lost meaning. It can indicate the need for personal growth, reflection, and emotional independence. The Eight of Cups encourages you to be honest with yourself about your feelings and recognise when a relationship is no longer serving your emotional needs. For singles, the card may indicate the need to move on from emotional baggage, letting go of relationships or situations that prevent them from opening up to new, more fulfilling connections.
In Work: The Eight of Cups suggests a desire to leave a job, project, or career path that no longer provides emotional or professional satisfaction. You may feel unfulfilled, disengaged, or disconnected from your work, prompting a search for more meaningful work or a different path altogether. This card calls for the courage to leave behind what is comfortable or familiar to pursue a more fulfilling career, even if the path ahead seems uncertain. The Eight of Cups may also indicate that you seek a new sense of purpose in your professional life, encouraging you to follow your passions or seek deeper meaning in your work.
Spiritually: The Eight of Cups represents the quest for deeper meaning and fulfilment. It may indicate that you feel unfulfilled, disconnected from your spiritual path, or seek something more profound. This card calls for introspection and the willingness to leave behind old beliefs, practices, or habits that no longer support spiritual growth. It suggests a journey of seeking greater truths or wisdom and may involve solitude or reflection to reconnect with the inner self and find greater peace. The Eight of Cups encourages you to follow your inner calling, even if it requires stepping into the unknown or leaving behind old comforts.