Classic method5 positions · draw 4 + calculate 1

Wirth Cross Tarot Spread

A historically sourced Major Arcana decision cross with four drawn cards and one calculated synthesis card.

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Questions this spread is best for

  • Evaluating one clearly stated proposition
  • Weighing supporting and opposing forces before acting
  • Finding the principle on which a difficult decision depends

Card positions and meanings

Read each card through the role of its fixed position. A card does not mean the same thing in every place in a spread.

  1. Supporting Factors

    Forces that support the matter, action, or proposition, including people, conditions, qualities, and wiser approaches that can be relied upon.

  2. Opposing Factors

    Forces that oppose, weaken, or complicate the matter, including risks, errors, hostility, temptation, and approaches to avoid.

  3. Judgment & Advice

    Weighs the supporting and opposing factors and identifies the standard, attitude, or necessary action to use when reaching a judgment.

  4. Resolution & Outcome

    The practical outcome, direction of resolution, or lesson most likely to follow from the decision when the whole situation is considered.

  5. Central Synthesis

    Integrates the first four cards and identifies the central principle on which the whole question depends. Although calculated and placed last, it should be read first.

Sources and version

Source type: Historical source

The method derives from Oswald Wirth’s cross spread. FlipTarot follows Mary K. Greer’s modern explanation of the calculation so every numerical result is covered.

References

  • Oswald Wirth, Le Tarot des imagiers du Moyen-âge (1926–1927).
  • Mary K. Greer, “Oswald Wirth’s Tarot Spread.”

How to use this version

  1. Frame one clear proposition and use only the 22 Major Arcana.
  2. Draw four cards for Supporting Factors, Opposing Factors, Judgment & Advice, and Resolution & Outcome.
  3. Add their numbers: a drawn Fool counts as 0; repeatedly subtract 22 from totals above 22; a result of 22 denotes the Fool. Place this calculated synthesis in the center and read it first.

Wirth Cross Tarot Spread

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