Classic method5 positions · draw 4 + calculate 1Source type: Historical source

Wirth Five-Card Cross

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

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

1Frame one clear proposition and use only the 22 Major Arcana.
2Draw four cards for Supporting Factors, Opposing Factors, Judgment & Advice, and Resolution & Outcome.
3Add 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.