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.

1. The significator epitomizes what the reading deals with, the initial situation.
2. An added impulse that compounds the significator, which may be either complimentary or contradictory.
3. This is what is consciously known (thoughts).
4. Unconscious driving forces that may not be known fully (emotions).
5. The immediate past regarding the current situation.
6. The first future card indicates the immediate future.
7. This card represents the reader and their attitude towards cards #1 and #2.
8. The external influences, the places and people which influence the topic.
9. This tarot card suggests expectations; what is secretly hoped for or feared.
10. The second future card reveals the long-term outcome.

Your Celtic Cross Reading

	The Crown Six of Pentagrams		The Outcome Four of Stakes Hopes and Fears Knight of Pentagrams External Forces XIV. Temperance The Querent Three of Pentagrams
The Recent Past XV. The Devil	The Crossing Card XI. Justice The Significator X. The Wheel of Fortune	The Future Ten of Stakes
	Foundation card XIII. Death

Symbolism:
The Wheel of Fortune appears as a rotating wheel carved from black obsidian, inscribed with arcane runes glowing faintly in red and gold. Around the wheel, shadowy figures—some triumphant, others despairing—are caught in its orbit, symbolizing the cyclical nature of fate. At its center, a single, unblinking eye peers outward, embodying the watchful presence of destiny and the unpredictable forces that govern life.

Meaning:
The Wheel of Fortune represents cycles, change, and the influence of fate. It reminds you that life is constantly shifting between highs and lows, and adaptability is key to navigating these changes. When this card appears, it often signals a turning point, a shift in fortune, or the hand of destiny at work. It encourages you to seize opportunities while being mindful of the bigger picture.

Keywords:
Upright: Change, destiny, cycles, luck, turning point, opportunities, adaptability.

Symbolism:
Justice is depicted as a pale, vampiric figure holding a pair of scales in one hand and a blood-stained sword in the other. One side of the scale holds a black feather, while the other holds a human heart, symbolizing the balance between moral accountability and emotional truth. Her blindfold is sheer, hinting at impartiality tempered with insight. Behind her, a blood-red curtain reveals fragmented mirrors reflecting distorted truths.

Meaning:
Justice embodies fairness, truth, and accountability. She calls for honesty and objectivity in your actions and decisions, ensuring that you consider all perspectives before rendering judgment. This card often signals the need to weigh your choices carefully and to take responsibility for the consequences of past actions.

Keywords:
Upright: Fairness, truth, accountability, integrity, balance, objectivity, karma.

Symbolism:
Two men beg a seductive vampire, one drained, the other eager for his turn. This scene represents generosity, power dynamics, and the exchange of resources—both material and emotional.

Meaning:
The Six of Pentagrams signifies giving and receiving, with a focus on generosity and balance in exchanges. It may indicate a time when you are helping others or receiving aid, and it highlights the importance of fairness and reciprocity. It suggests prosperity through kindness, vigilance, and prudence.

Keywords:
Upright: Generosity, aid, balance, prosperity, reciprocity.

Reversed
Symbolism:
Death is depicted as a cloaked, skeletal figure riding a dark horse with glowing red eyes. In one hand, it wields a scythe, its blade glinting in the moonlight, while the other hand scatters withered petals onto the barren ground. The landscape around them is bleak, with twisted trees and ruins, but in the distance, the faint glow of dawn promises renewal. At the figure's feet, flowers begin to bloom amid the decay.

Meaning:
Death symbolizes transformation, endings, and the promise of new beginnings. It encourages you to release what no longer serves you, making way for growth and renewal. This card often marks a significant transition or the closure of a chapter in life, reminding you that every ending carries the seed of a new beginning.

Reversed, Death warns of resistance to change, fear of endings, or stagnation. It may suggest clinging to the past or delaying the inevitable.

Keywords:
Reversed: Resistance, fear of change, stagnation, clinging to the past, avoidance, inertia.

Symbolism:
The Devil is portrayed as a towering, horned figure shrouded in shadow, with glowing crimson eyes and skeletal bat wings. Chains dangle from its outstretched hands, tethered to two figures who appear entranced rather than distressed, symbolizing voluntary bondage. A fiery pit burns at its feet, while the moon above is obscured by dark clouds, representing ignorance and illusion. Behind the Devil, a cracked mirror reflects hidden desires and fears.

Meaning:
The Devil signifies temptation, materialism, and self-imposed limitations. It highlights the darker aspects of human nature, such as obsession, addiction, or unhealthy attachments. This card often serves as a wake-up call to recognize and confront these influences, reclaiming your power and freedom.

Keywords:
Upright: Temptation, bondage, addiction, materialism, obsession, illusion, control.

Symbolism:
Justice is depicted as a pale, vampiric figure holding a pair of scales in one hand and a blood-stained sword in the other. One side of the scale holds a black feather, while the other holds a human heart, symbolizing the balance between moral accountability and emotional truth. Her blindfold is sheer, hinting at impartiality tempered with insight. Behind her, a blood-red curtain reveals fragmented mirrors reflecting distorted truths.

Meaning:
Justice embodies fairness, truth, and accountability. She calls for honesty and objectivity in your actions and decisions, ensuring that you consider all perspectives before rendering judgment. This card often signals the need to weigh your choices carefully and to take responsibility for the consequences of past actions.

Keywords:
Upright: Fairness, truth, accountability, integrity, balance, objectivity, karma.

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.

Keywords:
Upright: Mastery, skill, recognition, teamwork, craftsmanship, accomplishment.

Reversed
Symbolism:
Temperance is represented by a vampiric figure gracefully pouring a stream of crimson liquid from one chalice into another, symbolizing balance and harmony. She stands with one foot in a dark pool and the other on solid ground, representing the interplay between emotion and reason. Her wings are half-feathered, half-batlike, indicating the union of opposing forces. The background shifts between twilight and dawn, underscoring equilibrium.

Meaning:
Temperance embodies balance, moderation, and the harmonious blending of opposites. It encourages patience and the careful integration of different aspects of your life. This card often suggests the need for self-restraint, collaboration, or finding common ground in a situation.

Reversed, Temperance warns of excess, discord, or impatience. It may indicate a lack of balance or difficulty reconciling conflicting priorities or emotions.

Keywords:
Reversed: Excess, imbalance, discord, impatience, extremes, lack of focus.

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.

Reversed
Symbolism:
A nude figure hangs suspended mid-air by four bloody stakes. This haunting tableau evokes themes of rest, stability, and a grim sense of harmony. The stakes form a secure structure, suggesting that even amidst horror, there can be moments of peace and reprieve.

Meaning:
The Four of Stakes symbolizes a haven or moment of stability amidst chaos. It represents harmony, home, and the celebration of achieved milestones. This card is a reminder to cherish moments of peace and recognize the beauty in completion. It signifies prosperity and contentment within your personal or professional life.

Reversed, the card takes on a lighter tone, suggesting ongoing prosperity, embellishment, or safety in unconventional ways.

Keywords:
Reversed: Prosperity, unconventional success, safety, security.