THE TAROT STUDIES GLOSSARY · A–Z
The Letter X
Very few established Tarot terms begin with X. This focused page covers the Roman numeral X, an X-shaped spread structure, and xylography in the history of card printing.
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X (Roman Numeral)
The Roman numeral for ten. Tarot decks commonly use Roman numerals on the Major Arcana, so X identifies the tenth numbered trump—The Wheel of Fortune in Rider-Waite-Smith and many related systems. Numbering and card order can vary in some traditions.
Subject: Card Structure
Related terms: Roman numerals, Major Arcana, Wheel of Fortune
X-Shaped Spread
A Tarot layout arranged along two crossing diagonal lines. The crossing point usually represents the central issue, while the arms may explore opposing forces, choices, influences, or movement toward and away from the center. Position meanings depend on the spread’s design.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: Cross-Spread Reading, central card, layout
Xylography
Printing from carved wooden blocks. Woodblock techniques were used in the production of early European playing cards and card imagery, making xylography relevant to the material history that preceded and accompanied printed Tarot decks.
Subject: History and Systems
Related terms: woodblock printing, playing cards, print history