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 Five of Swords (Defeat) |
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It Deals with This V – The Hierophant |
Do NOT Do This Six of Swords (Science) |
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It Leads to This Nine of Swords (Cruelty) |
It Deals with This
V – The Hierophant
(Taurus, Vav)
The Hierophant is a figure of sacred knowledge and spiritual authority, acting as the bridge between the divine and the mundane. Linked to Vav, the nail, he unites opposing forces and secures the sacred connection between heaven and earth. Taurus, the zodiac sign of stability and sensuality, lends him an enduring, earthy strength.
The Hierophant is depicted as a commanding figure robed in red, symbolising spiritual power and divine authority. He stands as a bridge between the divine and material realms. A large pentagram glows on his chest, signifying mastery over the elements and sacred knowledge. He holds a three-ringed sceptre, representing dominion over body, mind, and spirit. The Egyptian priestess beneath him suggests hidden wisdom or esoteric teachings. Surrounding him are symbolic beasts—the bull of Taurus, an elephant, and four cherub masks—reinforcing themes of strength, structure, and initiation into higher knowledge. The composition conveys mystical revelation, initiation, and the channelling of sacred truths.
In Relationships: The Hierophant suggests relationships guided by shared values, spiritual connection, and mutual growth. It emphasises the importance of trust, commitment, and alignment in beliefs.
In Work: This card speaks to mentorship, tradition, and the power of established systems. It advises you to seek wisdom from trusted sources and honour the tried-and-true methods that lead to success.
Spiritually: The Hierophant represents initiation into higher knowledge and the sacred mysteries. He invites you to seek wisdom from spiritual teachings and align your actions with divine will.
When ill-dignified: The Hierophant warns against dogmatism, blind adherence to tradition, or excessive reliance on external authority. You are advised to discern whether you are following your spiritual truth or conforming to others' expectations.
Do NOT Do This
Six of Swords (Science)
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Aquarius
The Six of Swords depicts six swords arranged to form a Rosicrucian Cross, symbolising mental clarity, focus, and intellectual transformation. The swords point inward towards the centre, reflecting a concentration of mental energy aimed at achieving insight and resolution.
This card represents a transition from confusion to clarity, with the influence of Mercury in Aquarius highlighting a shift towards rational thinking and progressive ideas. It signifies overcoming mental challenges and moving towards a more enlightened perspective through intellectual discipline and mental evolution.
In Relationships: The Six of Swords can signify moving on from emotional turmoil or difficult situations. It suggests healing and transition, where you are leaving behind emotional baggage or moving towards a calmer, more peaceful state. It may indicate that it's time to let go of old wounds in love and seek a more rational and clear-headed path forward.
In Work: The Six of Swords suggests transition, possibly involving a move to a new job or a shift in career direction. It indicates mental clarity and the ability to leave behind old limitations, signalling a fresh approach to work. It may also suggest a time to travel or seek new opportunities that bring growth.
Spiritually: The Six of Swords represents a journey of enlightenment, where you are moving towards greater understanding or higher wisdom. It suggests confusion or emotional struggle is being left behind, and you are embarking on a path towards spiritual clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Six of Swords may indicate resistance to change or being stuck in a transition that isn't moving forward. It could suggest that you are struggling to leave behind mental baggage or remain mired in confusion, even when there are opportunities for progress. This card can warn against avoidance, where you refuse to move on or face the challenges of change.
DO This
Five of Swords (Defeat)
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Aquarius
The Five of Swords represents the complexities of conflict, often showing the aftermath of a battle where the victor is left with a hollow triumph. The card features five swords arranged in a dynamic, chaotic pattern, with broken blades and a sense of turbulence. This design symbolises the intellectual or mental anguish that follows a destructive confrontation.
The Venus in Aquarius influence adds a layer of detachment and the coldness of rationality, as victory here may come at the cost of relationships or the integrity of one's ideals. The imagery implies that the battle was fought without true understanding or empathy, and any success gained feels unfulfilling.
This card is a cautionary message about the nature of conflict and the price of victory. It encourages reflection on whether the victory is worth the emotional toll and whether the ego-driven approach has led to isolation. It warns of the potential for self-deception, where the illusion of winning overshadows the deeper consequences of discord. The Five of Swords highlights the danger of intellectual arrogance, encouraging a re-evaluation of motivations and the long-term effects of strife.
In Relationships: In a romantic context, the Five of Swords can indicate conflict, betrayal, or disagreements that may lead to emotional hurt. The card suggests that intellectual or verbal battles have damaged the relationship or one person has 'won' at the expense of another. It can signify a need for resolution and forgiveness, or the decision to exit a toxic situation.
In Work: The Five of Swords may represent a loss or failure because of conflict in the workplace. It could indicate a competitive atmosphere where you win but feel morally compromised or defeated, even if you technically 'won'. This card warns of the mental toll of rivalry and deceit.
Spiritually: The Five of Swords indicates inner conflict, where your mind is in turmoil. It suggests a time when your intellectual pursuits may have become disconnected from your higher purpose, and ego-driven struggles interfere with spiritual peace.
When ill-dignified: The Five of Swords represents destructive conflict, where your thoughts and actions are driven by ego, and victory is hollow or short-lived. It may suggest manipulation, deceit, or a situation where you have 'lost' even if you technically won. The mental energy is consumed in futile struggles, leaving you with no actual sense of fulfilment.
It Leads to This
Nine of Swords (Cruelty)
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Gemini
The Nine of Swords features nine long swords pointing downward, with blood dripping from their blades. This stark imagery symbolises mental torment, anguish, and the destructive nature of obsessive thoughts. The swords are arranged in a neat, symmetrical pattern, creating a sense of overwhelming confinement. The dripping blood adds an element of suffering, underscoring the emotional pain that often accompanies mental distress.
The Mars in Gemini influence links this card to the struggle of the mind—Mars, the planet of aggression and conflict, is paired with Gemini, the sign of duality and scattered thought. This combination reflects mental cruelty: the mind in conflict, torn between multiple, often contradictory thoughts, leading to heightened anxiety and self-inflicted pain. The Nine of Swords indicates that the distress is exaggerated and often caused by the inability to control overactive, fearful thinking. This card suggests you may be trapped by your mind, but relief comes with confronting these fears and breaking free from the cycle of overthinking.
In Relationships: The Nine of Swords indicates excessive worry or anxiety, maybe stemming from irrational fears or doubts. It suggests your mind is clouded by negative thinking, and you may be overly focused on problems that have not yet materialised. The card urges you to confront your fears and seek clarity, as the situation may not be as dire as you believe.
In Work: The Nine of Swords indicates mental stress, burnout, or overwhelming worry about the future. It suggests a period of sleeplessness, anxiety over work-related issues, or a fear of failure. The card advises you to address your mental health and seek help if needed, as the stress may be disproportionate to the actual situation.
Spiritually: The Nine of Swords represents despair or inner conflict. It suggests your mind is filled with self-doubt, fear, or confusion, preventing spiritual progress. The card calls for mental healing and the release of unnecessary worry to create space for inner peace and clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Swords can indicate a worsening of mental anguish, where you cannot break free from obsessive thoughts or fears. It may suggest depression, overwhelming anxiety, or hopelessness, where the mind is trapped in a cycle of negative thinking.