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 Disks (Gain) |
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It Deals with This Princess of Wands |
Do NOT Do This XII – The Hanged Man |
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It Leads to This XI – Lust |
It Deals with This
Princess of Wands
Element: Earth of Fire
The Princess of Wands represents the fusion of the fiery creative impulse with the grounded, material energy of Earth. The Princess embodies the potential for creative energy to manifest in tangible, lasting form. As Earth of Fire, she symbolises the ability to bring fiery inspiration and passion into the physical realm, making it real and enduring.
This card speaks to the beginning of a creative or spiritual journey, where passion, enthusiasm, and bold ideas are taking shape and solidifying. The Princess is not just a dreamer but a doer, turning inspiration into something with substance and practical value. Her energy is earthy and stable, allowing for the manifestation of creative projects or ventures to thrive in the material world. The Princess of Wands encourages you to embrace your inner creativity and channel it into something concrete, reminding that significant transformations begin with focused action.
In Relationships: When the Princess of Wands appears in a romantic context, it suggests the early stages of passion—exciting and full of potential, but not yet fully formed. The relationship is in its foundation stage, with room for growth and expansion. It represents a time of exploration and discovery in the realm of love, where energy is building but has not yet taken shape into long-term commitment.
In Work: This card indicates the birth of a new venture or project that will manifest in the material world. The Princess of Wands often heralds the arrival of new opportunities, but she also brings with her the potential for those ideas to be grounded and practical. She urges you to focus on laying solid foundations for future growth.
Spiritually: The Princess of Wands points to spiritual awakening or an initial foray into a new spiritual practice. There is a spark of creative potential, but it is still in the early, earthly stages of development. This card is about planting the seeds for spiritual growth that will flourish over time.
When ill-dignified: The Princess of Wands can signal a lack of direction or focus, where the initial excitement and energy are scattered, leaving you stuck in a cycle of false starts. There may also be an element of stagnation or inertia, as ideas fail to manifest into reality. It is a call for more grounded effort and the need to overcome obstacles to bring creative desires into the physical world.
Do NOT Do This
XII – The Hanged Man
(Water, Mem)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, transformation, and the wisdom gained through self-sacrifice. Associated with Mem, the waters, this card embodies the flow of unconscious depths and the mysteries that lie beyond the material world. It is not a card of suffering but one of enlightenment through letting go.
The central figure is suspended upside-down, forming a cross with his legs, a symbol of balance and sacrifice. His arms form a triangle, evoking the union of spirit and matter. Behind him, the swirling blue-green background suggests the ocean of the subconscious. The serene expression on his face reflects the tranquillity found in surrendering to a greater truth. Around him, rays of light emanate, signifying the revelation that arises from this state of suspension.
In Relationships: The Hanged Man suggests a need for patience, selflessness, and understanding. It encourages you to see things from your partner's perspective and release control.
In Work: This card indicates a period of pause or sacrifice, where immediate goals may need to be set aside for long-term growth. You are advised to trust in the process and focus on the bigger picture.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man symbolises enlightenment achieved through surrender and the release of ego. It calls you to embrace the transformative power of stillness and contemplation.
When ill-dignified: The Hanged Man warns of stagnation, resistance to change, or clinging to outdated beliefs. You are advised to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the wisdom of surrender.
DO This
Nine of Disks (Gain)
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Virgo
This card signifies the rewards of careful planning, hard work, and self-sufficiency. It represents financial success, personal independence, and the satisfaction of having built one's wealth and stability. The Nine of Disks embodies a period of accomplishment, where you enjoy the material comforts resulting from your labour and efforts.
The imagery reflects a time of prosperity and security, where you can bask in the luxury and enjoyment of the material world. At the same time, this card suggests a connection to the material realm not driven by excess or greed. The Nine of Disks speaks to the ability to appreciate the fruits of one's work without becoming consumed by it. It encourages a mindful enjoyment of material success while maintaining independence and self-control.
With the influence of Venus in Virgo, this card highlights the appreciation for beauty, comfort, and refinement within a context of practicality and discipline. The Nine of Disks encourages celebrating achievements and enjoying the rewards of thoughtful, strategic effort.
In Relationships: The Nine of Disks suggests a time of contentment and satisfaction. It may indicate that you enjoy the benefits of a stable, flourishing relationship where both partners are self-sufficient and enjoy material comforts together. It can also signify enjoying peace and abundance in love.
In Work: The Nine of Disks indicates a time of accomplishment and financial independence. It suggests you have worked hard to achieve success and are now enjoying the benefits of your efforts. It may also indicate a time of personal enjoyment and reflection on the rewards of your labour.
Spiritually: The Nine of Disks represents fulfilment and enjoying the fruits of your labour. It suggests you have reached a level of spiritual self-sufficiency and that your path is one of peace, contentment, and balance between material and spiritual realms.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Disks can indicate overindulgence, materialism, or complacency. It may suggest you are too focused on wealth or external appearances and neglect your spiritual growth or inner needs. The card warns against becoming too comfortable and losing sight of goals.
It Leads to This
XI – Lust
(Leo, Teth)
Lust, known as Strength in many other decks, takes on a unique and profound meaning in the Book of Thoth. This card signifies the ecstatic embrace of life's passions and the power derived from uniting primal instincts with spiritual purpose. Associated with Teth, the serpent, it symbolises both the kundalini energy and the continuous cycles of transformation and renewal. Leo, the zodiac of courage and vitality, infuses the card with boundless confidence and creative expression.
The central figure is a woman riding a multi-headed beast, a symbol of primal forces mastered and directed towards a higher purpose. Her nudity represents authenticity and fearlessness, while the cup she holds aloft is the Holy Grail, symbolising the ultimate spiritual goal. The beast itself, covered in fiery hues, represents the dynamic power of creation, destruction, and renewal. The background is filled with swirling red and gold, reflecting the intensity of life force and divine energy.
In Relationships: Lust represents passion, desire, and a fearless embrace of emotional intensity. It encourages you to fully engage with your relationships, revelling in love's transformative power.
In Work: This card signifies success achieved through boldness, enthusiasm, and a connection to one's creative instincts. You are advised to channel your energy into projects that ignite your passion.
Spiritually: Lust symbolises the awakening of spiritual vitality and integrating one's primal and divine natures. It calls you to surrender to the ecstatic flow of universal energy.
When ill-dignified: Lust warns of unchecked desires, destructive passions, or an overindulgence in material pleasures. You are advised to restore balance and align your desires with a higher purpose.