Simple Cross (Wirth) tarot spread
For, against, the why and the judge; at the centre the synthesis, which is not drawn but calculated by adding up the Arcana.
The 4 positions of the Simple Cross (Wirth)
- 1For
What supports the querent: resources, allied forces, affirmation.
What is working in your favour?
- 2Against
What opposes: obstacles, fears, negation.
What stands in the way?
- 3The why
The discussion: the deep cause of the question and the way the matter is developing.
Why does the question arise now?
- 4The judge
The verdict: the cards' answer to the question, the indication that resolves the tension between for and against.
What is the answer?
- 5Synthesis
The synthesis: the Arcanum that sums up the whole spread. It is obtained by adding the numbers of the first four cards; if the total exceeds 22, its digits are added.
What is the overall meaning?
How to read the Simple Cross (Wirth)
- The fifth card is not chosen: it is the theosophical reduction of the sum of the numbers of cards 1–4 (the Fool counts as 0; if the sum is 0 it counts as 22, that is, the Fool).
- If the synthesis Arcanum has already appeared in the spread, it carries a double weight: its message is reinforced and becomes the key to the reading.
- The judge (4) is the answer; the synthesis (5) is its deeper meaning and tone.
- For ↔ AgainstFavore e contrasto si leggono insieme: la loro tensione è il tema della domanda.
- The why ↔ The judgeIl perché e il giudice formano l'asse verticale: dalla causa alla soluzione.
Origin
A method popularised by Oswald Wirth and a cornerstone of the Italian tradition: four Major Arcana and a calculated synthesis.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards does the Simple Cross (Wirth) use?
The Simple Cross (Wirth) uses 4 cards: the 22 Major Arcana.
What do the positions of the Simple Cross (Wirth) mean?
The positions are: For, Against, The why, The judge and Synthesis. Each card is read as the answer to the question of its position.
How do you read the Simple Cross (Wirth)?
The fifth card is not chosen: it is the theosophical reduction of the sum of the numbers of cards 1–4 (the Fool counts as 0; if the sum is 0 it counts as 22, that is, the Fool). If the synthesis Arcanum has already appeared in the spread, it carries a double weight: its message is reinforced and becomes the key to the reading. The judge (4) is the answer; the synthesis (5) is its deeper meaning and tone.
Where does the Simple Cross (Wirth) come from?
A method popularised by Oswald Wirth and a cornerstone of the Italian tradition: four Major Arcana and a calculated synthesis.
More spreads of the same kind
Past, present and future: the trajectory of the matter read through the archetypal forces of the 22 Major Arcana alone.
Horseshoe SpreadSeven cards in a horseshoe: from the past to the outcome, by way of what is hidden, the obstacles, the surroundings and the advice.
Celtic CrossTen cards: the cross describes the situation and its timing, the staff on the right describes the querent, the surroundings and the outcome.
Astrological WheelOne card for each of the twelve astrological houses and one at the centre as the dominant theme: a complete panorama of life.
