The Occult Cross Spread

The Occult Cross

In the traditional Pages of Shustah Astrological Wheel layout of 42 cards, the last 6 cards are woven together to form the Occult Cross. The cards are interlaced face down, and placed in the center of the 12 houses. Then the cross is flipped as a unit face up to be read after the 12 Houses of the Zodiac have been read. Each position of the Occult Cross carries a specific meaning, and the card falling in each spot is influenced by the interpretation of that particular position.

When the Occult Cross is employed as part of the Astrological Wheel Spread, it is interpreted in reference to the 12 Houses previously read, and should be a summary of the entire layout. But the Occult Cross also provides an excellent mini-reading on its own, separate from the more in-depth Astrology Wheel layout.

The Occult Cross As a Mini-Reading:

The Occult Cross mini-reading provides a short, concise, detailed reading that works perfectly for psychic fairs or house parties. When the Occult Cross is used alone, the querent shuffles the full deck while focusing on a question, concern, or wish. The cards can then be cut into three piles, re stacked, and the top six cards dealt out to form the Occult Cross. Alternately, the deck can be spread face down on the table, and the querent can choose six cards at random keeping them face-down in the order chosen. Then the Occult Cross is laid out in order beginning with the first card drawn by the querent. I've tried both methods, and both work equally well.

This spread works equally well with playing cards, Tarot, or any oracle deck.

Laying Down the Cards:

• Card 1 is placed face down on the table in the vertical position.
  
  
• Card 2 is placed on top of the first card horizontally, so that it crosses Card 1.
  
  
• Card 3 is placed horizontally above the first two cards.
  
  
• Card 4 is placed horizontally below the first two cards.
  
  
• Card 5 is placed on the left in the normal vertical position.
  
  
• Card 6 is placed to the right in the normal vertical position.

Layout Diagram:



Forming the Occult Cross:


Once the 6 cards are in position, they are woven together into a unit to form the Occult Cross.

• The top card is slid under the top edge of Card 1.
  
  
• The bottom card is slid under the bottom edge of Card 1.
  
  
• The card on the left is slipped over the edge of Card 2 & under the left corners of the top and bottom cards.
  
  
• The card on the right is slipped over the edge Cards 2 & under the corners of the top and bottom cards on the right.
  
  
• Once the cards are interlocked, they can then be flipped over as a unit from left to right, in the same way that you would turn the page of a book.

Diagram of the Occult Cross Weave:



The procedure for interweaving and flipping the cards is not nearly as complicated as it appears in writing. With a little practice you'll be surprised by how deftly you'll handle the job. Of course, interlocking the cards is not really required. Each card can be flipped over individually and placed in its correct position, but I find that most querents enjoy the added touch of showmanship.

Interpretations of the Occult Cross Positions:

The cards of the Occult Cross should be read in the following order (based on the card positions after the cross has been flipped):

• The Card That Crosses represents the main problem or concern the individual will face during the period covered by the reading.
  
  
• The Center Card reveals the best way to deal with the problem or concern.
  
  
• The Card on the Left denotes the past energies and influences that created, or led to, the current situation.
  
  
• The Card Above represents outside energies and influences that must be dealt with regarding the issue at hand.
  
  
• The Card Below reveals the energies and influences the individual has control over, and the strengths that can be brought to bear on the problem.
  
  
• The Card on the Right denotes the final outcome, or how the problem is handled and resolved.

Image of the Occult Cross: