The cross is one of the most simple, yet powerful symbols there is in this world. Symbolized as just a plus sign, sideways x, or high letter T, it’s a geometrical figure consisting of two intersecting lines or bars, that are perpendicular to each other. The cross is most often representative of Christianity. Jesus Christ carried the cross, suffered on the cross, and died on the cross, and for many the symbol of the cross is often related to that story. The cross can symbolize religion in general, it can symbolize a difficult time, like what Jesus had to go through in the story. It can symbolize making a terrible or hard decision, a sacrifice for others. It can simply symbolize suffering, sadness, pain, despair, regret, guilt. It can symbolize pain. Have you ever heard of the phrase “cross to bear?” A cross can symbolize a great burden, and something you do not want to deal with— but something that has been forced upon you.
As a reading, that’s exactly what the cross card indicates— not necessarily that you will go through a death by execution but that you will face a sudden and heavy burden that is something you have to go through in this lifetime. As it relates to health, the cross can be symbolic of the lower back or any of the parts of you that might hurt if you were carrying a literal burden or heavy cross to bear. A cross may also be indicative that something is going to happen regarding a volunteer, chaplain, paramedic, doctor, priest, or clergyman.
The number 36 is the square of 6, and a triangular number, making it a square triangular number. It’s the only number other than 1 who’s square root is also a triangular number. This is interesting because there are 36 Lenormand cards, and they start with #1 and end with #36, so it’s fitting that 36 is the cross, and 1 and 36 therefore become the alpha and the omega. 36 is a mathematical and statistical powerhouse number and is used in a lot of puzzles and quizzes. The roulette wheel for example, has between 37 and 38 numbers, depending on whether you use the American or the European version, but because of the zeros, the black and red numbers range from 1 to 36. The 36 officers problem is a well known mathematical puzzle. There are 36 domino tilings on a checkerboard. 36 is also the number of total inches in a yard. When it comes to religion, it gets even stranger because we’ve already stated that 36 is the number associated with the cross, and the cross is the symbol associated with Christianity, but 36 is often the number associated with the beast. The interior angles of a pentagram are 36 degrees and also if you add up the sum of integers of 1 to 36, you come up with 666, or the number of the beast. 36 is a number of good versus bad, evil fighting destiny, and again, the alpha and the omega.
The tree is also one of the most powerful symbols in our everyday lives. We see trees everywhere. It’s a yoga pose, a symbol of life, we even chart our families with trees and their branches. Trees represent earth’s circle of life. Without the soil and water from our Earth, they would surely die. Without them, animals and beings wouldn’t have air to breathe. The tree is one of the most important life giving plants in almost every culture. A tree is strong, grows tall, and is rooted into the ground. Trees are also symbolic of ritual, forest, spells, and different types of magic or magick. A card with an image of a tree indicates that you are beginning to spread your branches. It may symbolize a baby that is about to come and that your family is beginning to grow. It may even symbolize multiple babies, children, or twins. A tree may also indicate that you will begin to branch out in your career and in the professional sense. You may be about to step out of your comfort zone and begin accepting new challenges. Additionally, a tree could mean that you need to take a look at the life you’ve built and make sure the roots are sturdy. Do you have a water source that is not the clearest? Have you been true to your faith and yourself? Is your root system strong? Do you have a friend that is untrue?
Five is the number of days in a standard work week. It’s the number of fingers on hands and feet. Without even one toe, we have trouble walking. Without even one finger, we have trouble using our hands. Our roots are important and our feet are the foundation upon which our body stands and grows tall. Protect them. Five may indicate 5:00, the month of May, Friday, or the letter E. In Chinese culture, the number 5 represents the elements: water, fire, metal, earth, and wood. What a perfect number to correlate with the tree, which makes fire, drinks water, is as strong as metal, and is literally wood that comes from the earth.
Because the Cross card can refer to a hard decision or burden, and the Tree card can refer to growth in your life, these two cards together indicate that you are struggling with moving on from something in your life. You may be having trouble moving on from a break up or deciding on moving your family to a new city for a new job.
The Cross is represented by the number 36, and the Tree is represented by the number 5. When we combine them we get the number 41. Since 41 isn’t a single digit number, we add the 4 + 1 to get the number 5.
As mentioned previously, five is the standard number of days in a work week, the number of fingers we have on each hand, and a very basic and elemental number.
This time is elemental and vital to your success. This is the week to step back from the intense work you’ve been doing, check in on the homefront, and establish social connections. Have a little bit of fun, but make sure your roots are squarely planted and that your relationships are where they need to be.
Meditation is the best medicine for clearing your thoughts. Think about the things that are keeping you from happiness or from moving in a forward motion. Clear your mind of distraction and make a plan to push through the hard decisions in order to get yourself to a more positive place and state of being. Once you learn that it is ok to let go of the past, you will free yourself up for new, greener pastures.
“I will clear my mind of any negative thoughts that have been holding me back. I know that positive growth is in my near future and I will set my sights in an upward direction. I am not afraid to leave the past in the past. Great things are coming to me and I am ready to move forward.” say this 2 or 3 times daily
