When a simple answer is not enough and you want to analyze a situation deeply, the runic cross β a five-rune spread β comes to the rescue. It shows not only the outcome but also the forces that influence it. You can try it right now: the runic cross online is free and needs no registration.
The structure of the spread
Five runes are laid out in a cross and occupy five positions. The center is the core of the question, the main theme. The left rune is obstacles and what hinders. The right is help, resources and allies. The top is the best possible outcome. The bottom is the foundation, the root of the situation, its hidden cause. Together they give a rich picture, like a photo of the situation from different angles.
How to read the positions
Start with the center: it sets the tone for the whole spread. Then look at what hinders (left) and what helps (right) β this is the balance of forces. The top rune suggests what to strive for, and the bottom explains why the situation arose at all. Sometimes it is the bottom foundation rune that reveals the true cause you did not suspect.
Reversed runes in the cross
The reversed position is especially important in the βobstaclesβ and βfoundationβ positions: it points to inner blocks, fears or past mistakes. In the βhelpβ position a reversed rune hints that support exists but must be used correctly. Do not fear βheavyβ runes like Hagalaz or Nauthiz β they speak of lessons and change, not a verdict.
When to use the cross
The runic cross is great for important decisions, tangled situations and βwhy is this happening and what to doβ questions. For quick answers the rune of the day or three runes are better.
Open the runic cross and lay out five runes.
