What Is The Cross Spread In Tarot?


In the mystical world of tarot, a spread is more than just a pattern on a table; it’s a journey into the depths of one’s life, a mirror reflecting our deepest desires, fears, and potential.

The Cross Spread, in particular, holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first spread I ever learned and used. It has guided me through numerous life events, offering clarity and challenge.

The Cross Spread is a popular tarot card spread that consists of six cards arranged in the shape of a cross. It provides insights into the current situation, challenges, past influences, and possible outcomes.

The vertical axis represents the conscious and unconscious forces, while the horizontal axis represents the past and future aspects.

Allow me to share my insights into the Cross Spread, its purpose, and its profound impact on my life’s journey.

a pack of tarot cards

What Are Tarot Spreads For?

Tarot spreads, such as the Cross Spread, serve as guidance and reflection tools. They allow us to delve into our subconscious mind, shedding light on our innermost thoughts and feelings, which often remain hidden from our conscious mind.

A spread can illuminate the path that lies ahead, revealing potential challenges and opportunities. It’s like a roadmap of our life’s journey, providing direction when we’re at a crossroads or faced with difficult decisions.

More than just predicting the future, tarot spreads empower us to take control of our destiny by helping us understand the dynamics at play in our lives. We can then harness this knowledge to make informed decisions and shape our future in a way that aligns with our deepest aspirations.

What Is The Cross Spread In Tarot?

The Cross Spread in Tarot is a five-card layout that offers a comprehensive overview of any situation. It can dig deep into the heart of any matter, providing clarity on the present, past, and future. Here’s a brief breakdown of what each card position signifies:

  1. The Present: This card reveals the current situation or the querent’s state of mind. It paints a picture of what’s going on right now.
  2.  The Challenge: This card identifies the obstacles or challenges that the querent is currently facing. It could represent internal conflicts or external situations.
  3.  The Past: This card unveils the past events that have led to the current situation. It provides context and helps us understand why we are where we are.
  4.  The Future: This card indicates the possible outcome or direction in which things are heading. It doesn’t predict the future but shows the potential scenario based on the current trajectory.
  5.  The Outcome: This final card provides insight into the overall theme or final result of the situation.

The Cross Spread is incredibly versatile, making it useful for various queries, be it love, career, or personal growth. It has been a guiding light in my personal tarot journey, providing me with profound insights and wisdom.

What is the Celtic Cross Tarot Spread?

The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread is one of the most comprehensive and complex tarot spreads used in the practice of tarot reading. It consists of ten cards, offering a detailed exploration of the past, present, and future, along with the surrounding energies and potential outcomes pertaining to a specific situation.

Here’s a breakdown of what each card signifies:

  1. The Present: This card depicts the current circumstances or the querent’s emotional or mental state.
  2.  The Challenge: This is the immediate problem or challenge facing the querent.
  3.  The Past: This card represents the events from the querent’s past that influence the current situation.
  4.  The Future: This card signifies the immediate future based on the current path.
  5.  Above (Goals or Aspirations): This card represents the querent’s goals or aspirations or the best possible outcome for the situation.
  6.  Below (Subconscious Influences): This card represents what is driving the querent at a subconscious level.
  7.  Advice: This card suggests the course of action the querent could take.
  8.  External Influences: This card represents the people, energies, or situation which will affect the outcome of the question.
  9.  Hopes and Fears: This card embodies what the querent hopes and fears about the situation.
  10.  Outcome: This card forecasts the potential outcome based on the current energies.

The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread is a powerful tool for gaining deep insight into complex situations. It provides a more detailed snapshot of a person’s life, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced tarot readers alike. It’s not a spread I use every day, but when I require a more nuanced outlook, the Celtic Cross Spread is my go-to.

How Do You Practice Tarot Spreads?

Practising tarot spreads involves a blend of study, intuition, and practical application. I found it best to start by learning the basic meanings of each tarot card. A good understanding of the tarot deck is the foundation for effective readings.

Next, I studied the structure and purpose of various spreads. I found it helpful to start with smaller, simpler spreads like the Three Card Spread before moving on to more complex ones like the Cross Spread or the Celtic Cross Spread.

The most crucial aspect, however, is actually laying out the cards and interpreting them. I began by practising myself, asking questions or seeking guidance on issues that I was familiar with. This allowed me to not only apply what I had learned but also to experience first-hand the insights that tarot can provide.

Over time, I started doing readings for others. This offered fresh perspectives and challenges, helping me grow as a tarot reader. It also gave me a profound appreciation of how tarot can resonate with individuals in unique, personal ways.

Remember, practising tarot is as much about your own spiritual and self-discovery journey as it is about learning the mechanics of the tarot. Be patient with yourself, stay open to what the cards are revealing, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Final Mindful Thoughts

Tarot spreads like the Cross Spread and the Celtic Cross Spread offer valuable insights into various facets of our lives. They empower us with knowledge and clarity, allowing us to navigate through life’s complexities with confidence and wisdom.

These spreads, while differing in complexity, both serve as invaluable tools in tarot readings, providing depth and perspective.

My journey with tarot has been enlightening and transformative, offering not just insight into my life’s journey but also fostering personal growth and self-understanding.

Remember, the wisdom of the tarot is always at your fingertips, waiting to be unfolded.

Emma Jones

Hi, I am Emma and I am on a journey to awakening. I am fascinated by the universe and the power that it has to help humanity. I am excited to explore the world around me and learn as much as I can about the mysteries of life.

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