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 Eight of Swords (Interference) |
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It Deals with This Ten of Swords (Ruin) |
Do NOT Do This VI – The Lovers |
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It Leads to This XII – The Hanged Man |
It Deals with This
Ten of Swords (Ruin)
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Gemini
The Ten of Swords symbolises the culmination of mental struggle and the end of a difficult intellectual phase. The card depicts ten swords arranged in the shape of the Tree of Life, illustrating the collapse of mental structures. This imagery emphasises the breakdown of old thought patterns and the finality of a challenging mental cycle.
This card represents a moment of intense closure, often following conflict, betrayal, or harsh mental realisations. However, it is not merely a card of defeat—it marks the end of a chapter and the potential for renewal. The swords' placement in the Tree of Life suggests that the end of one cycle clears the way for new understanding and growth. Though the situation may feel like a dramatic loss, it carries the seed for transformation, indicating that closure creates space for new possibilities.
In Relationships: The Ten of Swords indicates a painful end or betrayal, often one where mental or emotional abuse has occurred. It may represent the end of a toxic situation or the final straw in a relationship that has been deteriorating for some time. While painful, this card can also indicate that you are ready for closure and can now move on to new possibilities.
In Work: The Ten of Swords signifies a complete failure or collapse of a project or endeavour, often because of betrayal, poor judgement, or harsh realities. It may represent the end of a career or a job but also suggests that this ending is necessary to make way for new opportunities. It's a card of finality and transition, signalling that the worst is over.
Spiritually: The Ten of Swords represents hitting rock bottom mentally and emotionally, but also the possibility of spiritual rebirth. It signals a time when you may have suffered greatly, but this suffering can lead to deeper understanding and growth. It encourages you to release old thought patterns and embrace a fresh, transformative spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: The Ten of Swords indicates prolonged suffering, often due to an inability to let go of mental hurts or betrayals. It suggests you may be stuck in a cycle of self-inflicted pain, unable to release negative thoughts or emotional baggage. The card warns against dwelling in despair and encourages you to recognise that the worst has passed and that renewal is possible.
Do NOT Do This
VI – The Lovers
(Gemini, Zain)
The Lovers represent the alchemical union of opposites, a card rich with symbolism of choice, harmony, and divine love. Associated with Zain, the sword, this card represents the piercing clarity needed to discern and unite polarities. Gemini, the zodiac of duality and communication, imbues it with the energy of connection and synthesis.
The Thoth Lovers card depicts the union of the royal figures of Sol and Luna under the guidance of a cupid-like angel. Below them, the Orphic egg is encircled by the serpent, symbolising potential and cosmic rebirth. The figures are surrounded by the emblems of alchemical transformation: fire and water, masculine and feminine, light and shadow. The imagery suggests not only romantic love but also the integration of the conscious and unconscious mind, as in shadow work.
In Relationships: The Lovers signify connection, mutual respect, and the merging of hearts and minds. It also emphasises the importance of choice and the conscious commitment to love and partnership.
In Work: This card suggests collaboration and harmonising diverse forces to achieve a greater goal. It encourages you to seek partnerships that align with your values and vision.
Spiritually: The Lovers represent the union of opposites within the self, a crucial step on the path to enlightenment. It calls you to embrace your inner dualities and find harmony through integration.
When ill-dignified: The Lovers caution against indecision, misaligned partnerships, or superficial connections. You are urged to examine whether you are avoiding responsibility or compromising your truth for the sake of harmony.
DO This
Eight of Swords (Interference)
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Gemini
The Eight of Swords features two large swords crossed over six smaller ones. These smaller swords are arranged in two sets: three pointing left and three pointing right, symbolising conflicting mental forces and confusion. This card represents mental interference, where over-analysis and conflicting thoughts prevent you from making decisions. The swords, each different in type, further emphasise the scattering and disorganisation of the mind, leading to a sense of being trapped by one's own thoughts, perhaps an inner critic.
The Jupiter in Gemini influence indicates mental expansion, but with a dualistic nature that leads to indecision. The card suggests that although you may feel restricted, the limitations are often self-imposed by an inability to focus or make a choice. While the potential for resolution exists, breaking free from this mental entrapment requires clarity and a shift in perspective to gain control over scattered thoughts and find the right course of action.
In Relationships: The Eight of Swords may indicate feelings of entrapment or restriction. You may feel as if you are stuck in a mental prison, unable to break free from negative thought patterns or emotional ties. It suggests that you must confront your limiting beliefs to move forward.
In Work: The Eight of Swords can indicate mental barriers, such as self-doubt, lack of confidence, or feeling restricted in one's career. It suggests you may feel trapped by circumstances or your own thoughts, but the solution lies in breaking free from these mental constraints.
Spiritually: The Eight of Swords signifies a state of mental paralysis, where you cannot move forward on your spiritual journey because of fear, confusion, or negative thinking. It calls for you to recognise your own role in creating limitations and take action to break free from the mental constraints that prevent growth.
When ill-dignified: The Eight of Swords may indicate a deeper sense of entrapment, where you resist change or refuse to see a way out of your mental struggles. It suggests a state of greater isolation, fear, or hopelessness, and warns that your own thinking exaggerates these feelings.
It Leads to 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.