Celtic Cross Spread

Difficulty: Average
This is probably the most well-known tarot spread. A good, basic spread for beginners to practise with, the Celtic Cross is useful for questions of all types. In this spread, it can be helpful to notice the relationships between the pairings of cards #5 & #9, #1 & #2, #3 & #4, and #6 & #10.
- The significator epitomizes what the reading deals with, the initial situation.
- An added impulse that compounds the significator, which may be either complimentary or contradictory.
- This is what is consciously known (thoughts).
- Unconscious driving forces that may not be known fully (emotions).
- The immediate past regarding the current situation.
- The first future card indicates the immediate future.
- This card represents the reader and their attitude towards cards #1 and #2.
- The external influences, the places and people which influence the topic.
- This tarot card suggests expectations; what is secretly hoped for or feared.
- The second future card reveals the long-term outcome.
Your Celtic Cross Reading
The Crown |
The Outcome![]() 10 of Cups – Satiety
External Forces ![]() The Star
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The Recent Past![]() 3 of Wands – Virtue |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Prince of Cups |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
8 of Swords – Interference
Jupiter in Gemini
Two swords of one kind have gone on a power trip over six swords of different kinds. They have interfered with the natural chaos in establishing order.
Meaning:
Waste of energy in attention to details at the expense of the big picture. Restriction. Bad news, sickness, crisis, censure, distress, hardship, misfortune.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
The Fool
Air
The Fool represents a childlike attitude and awareness, his eyes now open to a new world. A limited awareness at this point in the journey makes for awe and adventure. Beginner's luck. An umbrella shelters his awareness.
Meaning:
Impulsive child-like behaviour.
Ill-dignified: folly, extravagance, frenzy, delirium, intoxication.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
7 of Disks – Failure
Saturn in Taurus
Seven seals linked by the rainbow bridge descend enlightenment to the bull. Ignorant and arrogant, he blocks his own path. The darkness of his own delusions repels his gift from above, scattering the light.
Meaning:
Sloth, abandoned labour, hopes deceived, promises unfulfilled, disappointment. Great effort producing little gain.
When well-dignified: charity work for no profit, growth after delay.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
6 of Swords – Science
Mercury in Aquarius
Six swords in the form of a hexagram converge in the centre of the rose cross. There is wisdom in the symbolism of this card, a multifaceted intellect that goes straight to the heart.
Meaning:
A goal realised.
When ill-dignified: selfishness, conceit, intellectual pride.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
3 of Wands – Virtue
Sun in Aries
This card represents the pioneer motivated by the spirit of goodwill. You do what is right in your eyes. There is also a tendency toward egotism in this card.
Meaning:
Realisation of hope. Noble cause. Pride and arrogance.
When ill-dignified: conceit.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
The Fool
Air
The Fool represents a childlike attitude and awareness, his eyes now open to a new world. A limited awareness at this point in the journey makes for awe and adventure. Beginner's luck. An umbrella shelters his awareness.
Meaning:
Impulsive child-like behaviour.
Ill-dignified: folly, extravagance, frenzy, delirium, intoxication.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
4 of Disks – Power
Sun in Capricorn
The disks have become square. At this phase revolution of the disks is undesirable. The fortress shows law and order. Earthly power and authority have been established.
Meaning:
Earthly power, dominion, law and order, material success, skill in confrontation. Also, fortress, shelter, defence, home.
When ill-dignified: Prejudice, envy, suspicion.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
The Star
Aquarius
Everyone is a Star. This card suggests using your talents.
Meaning:
Clear vision, spiritual insight, hope, charity.
When ill-dignified: error in judgement, disillusion, delusions, lack of understanding.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
The Lovers
Gemini
Lovers are eternally bound in Soul. A nude family holding hands in the form of a lemniscate represents natural purity.
Meaning:
Attraction, childishness, openness to inspiration, love, beauty.
When ill-dignified: shallow, superficial union. Instability, insecurity, indecision.
The Outcome of your question. Interpret this card in the context of the entire reading and as an indicator of the path you are currently on, but not necessarily bound to.
10 of Cups – Satiety
Mars in Pisces
The nine lower cups are filled with the shining light of Kether from above, just as in the blueprint contained within the Ace all along. Overwhelming emotions here risk crossing the boundaries of sanity.
Meaning:
Pleasure fulfilled yet incomplete.
When ill-dignified: waste, stagnation, debauchery.

