How to make a 5 card cross reading with the Rider Waite Smith tarot: complete guide

The Cross Drawing is one of the most classic and effective ways of obtaining a clear, in-depth and structured reading of a situation. Used in conjunction with the Rider Waite Smith Tarot, it allows you to explore a problem by taking into account the forces at play, obstacles, advice and future prospects.

Find out step-by-step how to make a cross reading and draw a meaningful interpretation.

Preparing for a 5-card cross tarot reading with the Rider Waite Smith tarot

What you need

• A Rider Waite Smith tarot deck: with its 78 illustrated cards, this is one of the most popular decks for intuitive interpretation, thanks to its detailed symbols.
• A space conducive to concentration: choose a quiet, harmonious place where you can connect with your intuition without being disturbed.

Formulating your question

Before proceeding with the draw, take a moment to clarify your question. It should be open, sincere and precise. A good question is the key to a successful reading. It gives a clear direction to the interpretation of the cards.

The steps of the 5-Card spread Draw: complete method

Shuffle the cards

Shuffle the cards while thinking intensely about your question. This ritual transfers your energy and intention into the deck.

Cutting the cards (optional)

Some tarot readers cut the cards after shuffling. This involves dividing the deck in two and observing the two cards beneath each pile. These cards may offer an initial energetic indication or a message to ponder.

5-card Cross layout

Lay out the cards in a cross pattern on a flat surface, in the following order:

• Left card (n°1) – The consultant / current situation
  Reflects the consultant’s state of mind, current position, or the overall context of the problem.
• Right card (n°2) – Obstacles / opposing influences
  Symbolizes blockages, tensions or oppositions, whether internal (doubts, fears) or external (situations, people, environment).
• Top card (n°3) – Advice / guidance
  This card represents a warning or recommendation. It invites you to remain attentive to signs, opportunities or attitudes to adopt in order to move forward.
• Bottom card (n°4) – The probable outcome
  This indicates the foreseeable outcome of the situation if things follow their present course. This is the main response to the draw, to be qualified according to the context.
• Central card (n°5) – The synthesis / global vision
  Summarizes the draw as a whole. This card gives a coherent overview, highlighting the dynamics of evolution or the key elements to remember.

Correctly interpreting a cross print

Each card in the Rider Waite Smith tarot carries a particular meaning, which varies according to its position in the print. For an accurate reading :

• Analyze each individual card in the context of its place in the cross.
• Take astrological influences into account (each card is linked to a planet or sign).
• Observe the interactions between the cards to build a coherent overall picture.

This draw will enable you to explore your past, present, blockages, external influences and possible outcomes, while offering you personalized advice.

Further interpretation

Would you like to find out more about the meaning of each card according to its position in a cross reading? Find detailed explanations of the 78 cards of the Rider Waite Smith tarot on our website. You’ll also find concrete examples of draws to guide you in your practice :

Card interpretation in the RWS 5-card spread