Five cards, one question, one synthesis: the cross spread is the great classic of the Tarot de Marseille. Here's how to read it.
The five positions
The cross spread uses five cards, each answering one angle of the question. On the left, the 'for': the forces carrying you. On the right, the 'against': the obstacles or resistances. At the top, the advice: the attitude to adopt. At the bottom, the likely outcome if nothing changes. In the centre, the synthesis, which ties it all together.
The synthesis is traditionally calculated by adding the values of the first four cards, reduced to land on a single major arcanum.
The reading order matters
You first read each card in its position, then let the pairs speak to one another: the for against the against, the advice against the outcome. It's this dialogue — more than any card in isolation — that makes the spread rich.
A card with a difficult reputation, like The Tower or the Nameless Arcanum, is never a fatality: in the advice position, it simply invites you to accept a transformation.
Framing your question well
The cross spread is at its best on a precise, open question: 'how should I approach this career change?' rather than 'will I succeed?'. Take the time to frame it before you draw.
During a tarot consultation on Féedima, the spread is drawn for you, then each card is interpreted in the light of your situation — you can follow up and ask for clarifications at any time.