Welcome to Tarot Spreads 101 - one of the foundational categories of our growing Tarot Primer. This section features a variety of Tarot spreads, beginning with tried and true basics, then moving to the more advanced spreads, including my own custom creations. This week a very practical spread, my At the Crossroads Spread is featured. This is an excellent spread for users from all levels to use for decision making or when you feel like you are at an important crossroads in your life.
At the end of the tutorial you will be given a practical assignment - a card layout for interpretation. You can practice on your own, or join in the Discussion devoted to this particular spread in our Tarot forum.
| PRIMARY USES A straightforward way to consult the Tarot when you feel like you are at an important crossroads in your life, and need to choose between two different "roads to travel" in making your decision. |
What the Spread Reveals
As you can see in the illustration, this version of the Crossroads spread entails four cards arranged in an "X" configuration.To begin this spread, shuffle the cards carefully, spread them out in a long line in front of you, then allow your Higher Self to draw the four cards from the deck. This should be done carefully and with calm focus, while you meditate on the specific crossroad that you are facing.
Create the X configuration
As you draw the four cards, one by one, lay them on the table surface before you, in the order indicated in the diagram. Begin with the first card in the lower left; the second card in line with it (but angled out like an X) in the lower right portion of the spread. Complete the X by laying the third card in the upper left section, and the fourth in the upper right. This spread will help you to explore the inner meaning of the two roads you must choose from, and the outcome that will occur, depending on which fork in the road you choose to take. It is helpful if you let your ego and conscious mind relax, you release any preconcieved ideas about the correct choice, and just allow your Higher Self to speak to you through the cards you draw.Card One - This card reveals the essential energy of the first of two paths that you can take at this life crossroad.
Card Two - This card reveals the essential energy of the second of two paths that you can take at this life crossroad.
Card Three - This card reveals the outcome if you choose the first potential path.
Card Four - This card reveals the outcome if you choose the second potential path.
Case In Point
To illustrate how this spread works, consider the following At the Crossroad Decision:"Should I pursue a serious relationship with John or Tom?"
You draw the first card and begin the following layout:
First Card Drawn: The King of Cups
This card helps you to understand the energy that a relationship with John brings to your life.
King of Cups: - this card shows a man full of wisdom, bravery, and justice. He is a fair person, and does not falter in the face of adversity. He may seem unemotional since he chooses to consistently exhibit a "brave front", but he is true blue deep within his heart.
You draw the second card and add it to the layout:
Second Card Drawn: The Magician
This card helps you to understand the energy that a relationship with Tom brings to your life.
The Magician: - this card shows a magnificent, strong, spiritual man who is the epitome of masculinity. This is a man who would empower those around him to bring positive energy and circumstances into their own life.
You draw the third and add it to the layout:
Third Card Drawn: The Sun
This card helps you to gain an understanding of the outcome of a serious relationship with John.
The Sun: - this card shows success, intense joy, and the gaining of recognition. It brings you a lot of attention, and you are loving it. Attention is given by all those who are around you - just beware that this doesn't go to your head!
Fourth Card Drawn: The Wheel of Fortune
This final card helps you to gain an understanding of the outcome of a serious relationship with Tom.
The Wheel of Fortune: - this card shows a more philosophical approach to life, where you allow things to occur as they will, and see the bigger pattern within everyday events. It signals spontaneity, where you allow yourself to feel the relationship deeply, without needing to be in control, or the center of attention.
Practice Exercise
To help you practice performing the At the Crossroads spread, I offer a case study below, based on the same spread. In the illustration, you can see the four face up Tarot cards arranged in the "X" formation.1. First Drawn Card: - The King of Swords
2. Second Drawn Card: - The Fool
3. Third Drawn Card: - The Lovers
4. Fourth Drawn Card: - Death
CASE STUDY: Sharon has been married to Rick for 12 years. They both have successful careers and mutually decided not to have children together. Sharon has been working with Dan on a project for the past six months and feels like she is falling in love with him. Dan acts as though he feels the same. Sharon feels confused: she loves Rick but feels their relationship has become stale and too routine. When she is around Dan, she feels younger and more alive. She feels like she is at a crossroads, so decides to consult the tarot. She draws the above four cards, (illustrated below) and asks the question:
"Should I pursue a relationship with Dan?"
If you would like to have an interactive experience with this exercise CLICK HERE to join the Forum Discussion devoted to this particular At the Crossroads Spread Exercise. If you prefer to work in private on your own, by all means, do whatever is comfortable for you.
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