Tarot Cards: The Magic Cross Tarot Spread

The Magic Cross Spread of the Tarot is one of the more obscure of the Tarot spreads. It uses thirteen cards, laid out in a cross pattern. Though many Tarot readers are not familiar with this spread, it can be useful for those seeking detailed answers to a problematic situation.

Preparing to Lay Out the Magic Cross Spread

Before the cards are laid out, care should be taken to ensure that the reader is in the proper mindset. For most readers, this involves laying out a black cloth upon which the cards can be placed. This is done to protect the cards, and is also a part of the Tarot-reading ritual for many people.

The individual must focus very clearly on the situation at hand. The cards need to be shuffled. For this spread, both the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana are shuffled as one. The method of shuffling is not important. How long the cards are shuffled is not important. Instead of focusing on a specific method of shuffling the cards, they should be shuffled until the reader is satisfied.

All seventy-eight cards of the Tarot should be spread in a fan-shape, face down. The individual may then pick a total of thirteen cards, which are positioned, in the order they are chosen, in the Magic Cross Spread.

The Positions of the Magic Cross Card Spread

Each of the thirteen positions of the Magic Cross Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. Position One: This card reflects those things which may have had a great impact on the situation in the past, but now have little or no meaning. These things should be released, as they no longer are important to the situation at hand.
2. Position Two: Sometimes, there are things which still have power over a situation, but are beginning to lose their potency. This card still warrants some attention, but soon all the things that this card represents will become obsolete.
3. Position Three: This card reflects the situation as it is at the present moment.
4. Position Four: The fourth position of the Magic Cross Spread indicates those obstacles which are hidden from the individual. This is the card that may contradict the rest of the spread.
5. Position Five: This position reflects those things which are obviously causing conflict and obstruction in the immediate situation. The individual is usually aware of these things but may not be ready to deal with them at the present time.
6. Position Six: This card expresses the hopes and fears of the individual. As all cards in Tarot can have multiple meanings, both hopes and fears can be expressed in a single card.
7. Position Seven: This card describes the general atmosphere that hangs over the immediate present. This card is neither positive nor negative, but simply is.
8. Position Eight: This card usually refers to attitudes or inner qualities that have yet to be developed, but are essential to the positive resolution of the situation. This card should be given particular attention in a reading.
9. Position Nine: This card represents how the present situation appears to those who view it from the outside. Sometimes, the individual must work to change appearances so that the true situation is reflected in the minds of others.
10. Position Ten: This card is the immediate future card. It is so short-term that it is highly unlikely that the individual will be able to alter this outcome with such short notice.
11. Position Eleven: The eleventh position is a card of suggestion. It gives hints and clues as to what actions need to be taken to help ensure a positive outcome. On the other hand, this card could also be a warning of those things that should not be done.
12. Position Twelve: The situation as it might appear should the qualities of the eleventh card manifest is indicated by the twelfth position of the Magic Cross Spread. As a result, this card could either be positive or negative.
13. Position Thirteen: The final card of the Magic Cross Spread indicates the final outcome of the situation. It is important to remember that the Tarot generally only applies to a period of six months, so the term ‘final outcome’ might be misleading.

The Magic Cross Spread is not widely used, but it can be highly useful. It can apply to many complex situations, and offers a total of thirteen positions. These allow the individual to gain a fairly comprehensive view of the situation, and can be used in conjunction with the Celtic Cross Spread.