The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Eight of Cups (Indolence): Discontinuance of effort. Disappointment. Abandonment of previous plans. Shyness. Modesty. Abandoned success.
The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Queen of Swords: Quick-witted. Intensely perceptive. A subtle person. Possibly, a widow or a woman of sadness. Mourning. Privation. Absence. Loneliness. Separation. One who has savored great happiness but who presently knows the anxiety of misfortune and reversal.
The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Five of Cups (Disappointment): Partial loss. Regret. Friendship without real meaning. Marriage without real love. Inheritance. Incomplete union or partnership.
The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. King of Cups: Responsibility and creativity. Learned person. Professional. Businessman. Lawyer. Religious person. Scientist. A considerate person, kind and reliable. Liberal manner. Artist. Interest in the arts and sciences. Generosity.
The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Strength. Courage. Conviction. Energy. Defiance. Action. Confidence. Zeal. Matter over mind or mind over matter.
At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed.
The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. King of Swords: An active and determined person. Experienced. Authoritative. Controlled. Commanding. A professional man. Highly analytical person. Justness. Force. Superiority. A person having many ideas, thoughts and designs.
The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one’s own inner archetypes in conflict. Six of Clubs (Victory): Conquest. Triumph. Good news. Advancement. Expectation. Desires realized as a result of efforts.
The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. Six of Coins (Success): Generosity. Philanthropy. Charity. Kindness. Gratification. Gifts. Material gain.
The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. The Falling Tower: Complete and sudden change. Breakdown of old beliefs. Abandonment of past relationships. Severing of a friendship. Changing one’s opinion. Unexpected events. Bankruptcy. Downfall. Loss of stability. Loss of security.