The Ten-Card Spread

I came across the Ten-Card Spread in the guide book for The Raven’s Prophecy Tarot by Maggie Stiefvater. She writes that, “This spread was taught to me by a friend after she heard I was struggling with one of the most popular spreads, the Celtic Cross.” Along side my General Spread, The Celtic Cross is one of my go to spreads. Now I have added this one to that list.

The layout of the Ten-Card Spread just clicked with me. I found it pretty straight forward and easy to learn which is always a plus. The intention of each position is clear which makes it easily applicable to most questions. It addresses your actions and your way of thinking about the situation, before making suggestions for what will help and what will hinder your progress as well as offering an idea for how to move forward.

If you’re feeling stuck this is a great spread to help get you moving again whether that be mentally and/or physically.

The Ten-card Spread Layout

The Positions

1. Self – This refers to your current situation which could be either internal or external.
2. Crossed by – The general understanding for this position is that is is something that is challenging or complicating the situation but in this spread I also consider it as something that is contributing to the situation if that feels more applicable.
   • Put simply I interpret it as, the card in position 1 is happening because of the card in position 2.
3. Unconscious – Maggie Stiefvater refers to this as the “factor dominating your unconscious” which I translate as what is driving the question that you may be unaware of
4. Conscious – the factor that is dominating your conscious thoughts
5. What you think will help the situation – you could be right but you could also be wrong
6. What you think will hinder the situation – the same applies for this position. There is no guarantee you are right
7. What will actually help – a path you should consider
8. What will actually hinder – this suggests what you should avoid
9. The path – the next step on your path. In other words, a suggestion for what you should do now.
10. The outcome – Where your current path is heading you. As with all outcome positions this is not fixed. Changing your path will change your outcome.

I hope you find the Ten-card spread as great to work with as I do. If you have any questions or if you would like help unpacking any of the cards that came out for you, just send me an email. I’m happy to help where I can.