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![]() Seven of Pentagrams
External Forces ![]() Two of Swords
|
||
The Recent Past![]() Two of Pentagrams |
The Crossing Card
|
The Future![]() Ten of Pentagrams |
|
|
|||
The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Knight of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
A knight bearing a pentagram signals the arrival of important news, symbolizing responsibility, discipline, and service. His steady demeanor suggests that success is achieved through diligent work and careful planning.
Meaning:
The Knight of Pentagrams represents service, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. It suggests that you are in a position to fulfill your obligations and take care of important matters. This card encourages patience and diligence in your endeavors.
Reversed, it points to laziness, stagnation, or a lack of progress. It may indicate that you are avoiding responsibilities or failing to take action in a timely manner.
Keywords:
Reversed: Laziness, stagnation, procrastination, neglect of duty.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Page of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A young Page stands vigilant, holding his sword balanced with its tip pointed earthward. His posture conveys readiness, alertness, and a cautious approach to potential threats. Though at rest, his eyes scan the horizon, reflecting curiosity and a hunger for knowledge.
Meaning:
The Page of Swords represents curiosity, observation, and a keen intellect. It suggests a time for learning, exploration, or gathering information before acting. This card often represents someone who is eager to uncover truths or defend their beliefs with determination.
Reversed, the Page of Swords warns of unforeseen challenges or a lack of preparedness. It may indicate misinformation, impulsiveness, or difficulties stemming from inadequate planning or premature action.
Keywords:
Reversed: Misinformation, impulsiveness, confusion, unpreparedness, difficulty.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Three of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
Three upright coffins sit in a dungeon, each holding a sleeping vampire. This scene symbolizes craftsmanship, mastery, and recognition. The coffins represent the culmination of skilled labor, each one a testament to work well done and renown earned.
Meaning:
The Three of Pentagrams speaks to skill, artistry, and the recognition of one's talents. It suggests that your hard work is being acknowledged, and you are on the path to success through dedication and mastery. This card can point to collaboration and the value of teamwork in achieving greater things.
Reversed, it may indicate a lack of recognition, mediocrity, or a situation where your talents are not being fully utilized. It warns against falling into complacency or settling for less than your true potential.
Keywords:
Reversed: Mediocrity, underachievement, lack of recognition, missed opportunities.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Queen of Swords
Symbolism:
The Queen of Swords stands tall, her gaze unwavering as she flaunts herself with calculated poise. Her demeanor combines sorrow and sharpness, reflecting wisdom earned through hardship. A single sword rests in her hand, pointed skyward, symbolizing clarity, truth, and intellect. The surrounding environment is barren yet serene, highlighting her emotional resilience and detachment.
Meaning:
The Queen of Swords represents intellect, independence, and clear judgment. She is a figure of sharp wit and decisive action, unafraid to make difficult choices. This card often symbolizes someone who has weathered emotional storms and now relies on logic and fairness to navigate life. It calls for honesty, objectivity, and discernment in your decisions.
Keywords:
Upright: Independence, intellect, clear judgment, fairness, decisiveness, honesty.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Two of Pentagrams
Symbolism:
A young female vampire holds two pentagrams in her hands while seated in her dungeon. She appears to be balancing both objects, a representation of adaptability and change. The setting suggests a careful juggling of duties, with an eye on the future and a mind on the present.
Meaning:
The Two of Pentagrams is a card of adaptability, change, and managing multiple responsibilities. It suggests that you may be juggling different aspects of your life—finances, work, relationships—and must find balance to avoid becoming overwhelmed. It invites flexibility and encourages you to embrace change rather than resist it.
Keywords:
Upright: Balance, adaptability, change, flexibility, resourcefulness.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Page of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A young Page stands vigilant, holding his sword balanced with its tip pointed earthward. His posture conveys readiness, alertness, and a cautious approach to potential threats. Though at rest, his eyes scan the horizon, reflecting curiosity and a hunger for knowledge.
Meaning:
The Page of Swords represents curiosity, observation, and a keen intellect. It suggests a time for learning, exploration, or gathering information before acting. This card often represents someone who is eager to uncover truths or defend their beliefs with determination.
Reversed, the Page of Swords warns of unforeseen challenges or a lack of preparedness. It may indicate misinformation, impulsiveness, or difficulties stemming from inadequate planning or premature action.
Keywords:
Reversed: Misinformation, impulsiveness, confusion, unpreparedness, difficulty.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Page of Pentagrams
Symbolism:
A young man clasps a pentagram, recognizing that he holds the power to shape his own destiny. This card represents potential and the beginning of a journey towards material or intellectual success.
Meaning:
The Page of Pentagrams signifies learning, new beginnings, and opportunities to grow. It points to a time when you are focused on laying the groundwork for future success. This card encourages you to be practical and take small, deliberate steps toward your goals.
Keywords:
Upright: Learning, potential, opportunities, practicality, new beginnings.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Two of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A sword protrudes from the mouth of a female, symbolizing a smooth talker or someone who has the ability to communicate forcefully.
Meaning:
The Two of Swords represents difficult decisions, indecision, and mental conflict. It suggests being at a crossroads, where a choice must be made, but there is uncertainty or unwillingness to make it. This card symbolizes balance and the need to weigh options carefully.
When reversed, it indicates dishonesty, manipulation, or a refusal to face the truth. It can also suggest that the choice has been made, but with negative consequences such as betrayal or deception.
Keywords:
Reversed: Betrayal, deceit, falsehood, avoidance.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
II. The Priestess
Reversed
Symbolism:
The High Priestess holds a luminous sphere of power close to her womb, symbolizing the nurturing of secrets and inner knowledge. She is cloaked in flowing robes of dark and silvery hues, blending shadow and light to represent duality and balance. Behind her, the faint outline of a moonlit landscape hints at the cycles of nature and the mysteries of the subconscious. Her gaze is serene yet penetrating, as though she sees through to the core of truth.
Meaning:
The High Priestess signifies intuition, hidden wisdom, and the power of stillness. She encourages introspection and the pursuit of knowledge that lies beneath the surface. This card often appears when it is time to listen to your inner voice and trust the subtle cues of your environment. It may suggest secrets yet to be revealed or a need to delve deeper into your own emotions and spirituality.
Reversed, the High Priestess warns of superficiality, a lack of depth, or ignoring your intuition. It may indicate ego-driven decisions or the danger of being swayed by appearances without seeking the truth.
Keywords:
Reversed: Superficiality, ego, neglecting intuition, confusion, conceit.
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.
Seven of Pentagrams
Symbolism:
A gravedigger stands proudly, posing for a photograph while covering his tracks. This card speaks to the satisfaction derived from one's labor, but also hints at the pride that can arise from success.
Meaning:
The Seven of Pentagrams represents work well done, success in business, and careful management of resources. It highlights the importance of planning, trade, and the use of one's skills in order to reap the benefits of hard work. It invites a reflection on the value of patience and long-term effort.
Keywords:
Upright: Business, success, trade, patience, resourcefulness.

