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 V – The Pope |
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It Deals with This VI – The Lovers |
Do NOT Do This XI – Strength |
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It Leads to This XIV – Temperance |
It Deals with This
VI – The Lovers
The Lovers represent choice and the uniting of opposites. It embodies the transformative power of love and the necessity of making meaningful decisions.
Symbolism: The young couple standing beneath Cupid symbolises connection and divine guidance in love. The formal Renaissance clothing and the golden background elevate their union to a sacred level, while the static composition emphasises balance and deliberate choice.
In Relationships: A powerful connection that unites hearts and souls. It may signify a new relationship or a pivotal choice in love.
In Work: A partnership or decision with far-reaching consequences. The Lovers encourage the alignment of values with your work.
Spiritually: The Lovers symbolise unity with your higher self and the harmonious integration of opposites.
When ill-dignified: Temptation, discord, or indecision. It warns against superficial connections or poor choices.
Do NOT Do This
XI – Strength
Strength symbolises courage, patience, and the mastery of inner power. It reflects the triumph of compassion and self-control over brute force.
Symbolism: The figure's calm restraint of the lion reflects the balance of strength and gentleness. Her finely detailed garments and the rendering of the lion's mane reflect Renaissance artistry, while the golden background elevates the scene to a symbolic level.
In Relationships: A time to practise patience and understanding. Strength signals harmony through compassion.
In Work: Success through persistence and confidence. Strength encourages inner resolve rather than aggressive tactics.
Spiritually: Strength represents mastering the ego and cultivating inner peace through compassion.
When ill-dignified: Aggression, self-doubt, or weakness. It warns against succumbing to fear or forceful behaviours.
DO This
V – The Pope
The Pope represents tradition, spiritual authority, and shared values. He embodies the connection between divine wisdom and earthly institutions, urging adherence to established principles.
Symbolism: The Pope's raised hand conveys blessing, while his staff with a triple cross represents divine authority. The kneeling figures at his feet highlight devotion and the transmission of sacred teachings. The symmetrical composition and golden background reinforce his role as a stabilising spiritual guide.
In Relationships: A union founded on shared values or traditions. It may suggest the influence of societal expectations on relationships.
In Work: Success comes through adherence to established systems or mentorship from a trusted authority figure.
Spiritually: The Pope urges respect for spiritual traditions and the wisdom passed down through generations.
When ill-dignified: Dogma, blind conformity, or resistance to innovation. It cautions against rigid adherence to outdated ideas.
It Leads to This
XIV – Temperance
Temperance represents harmony, balance, and the art of blending opposites. It suggests a time of calm, careful moderation, and the synthesis of differing energies into a cohesive whole.
Symbolism: Pouring liquid from one vessel to another symbolises the balance and exchange between opposing forces—emotion and intellect, fire and water, inner and outer worlds. Her graceful posture and tranquil demeanour indicate deliberate action, emphasising that peace comes through moderation. The golden background elevates balance to the divine level, suggesting that harmony is sacred.
In Relationships: Temperance encourages balance in relationships. It asks for patience and moderation in interactions, fostering an environment where both partners can harmonise their differences.
In Work: Success comes through collaboration and maintaining equilibrium. This card advises you to blend your talents with those of others, seeking compromise rather than extremes.
Spiritually: Temperance represents spiritual equilibrium. It calls for integrating the material and spiritual worlds, balancing one's desires and needs for peace and alignment.
When ill-dignified: Imbalance, excess, or a lack of harmony. This could indicate dissonance in relationships, career, or spiritual practice, warning against overindulgence or extremes.