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![]() XXI. The World
External Forces ![]() Eight of Pentagrams
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The Recent Past![]() Eight of Swords |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Queen of Cups |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

Three of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
Three swords pierce a heart, and darkness looms in the background, indicating sorrow, emotional pain, and heartbreak.
Meaning:
The Three of Swords signifies emotional pain, heartbreak, and mental suffering. It points to grief, loss, and the pain of separation. It suggests that painful truths are being faced or that an emotional wound is still raw. It is a card of sorrow, regret, and mental anguish.
Reversed, it signals recovery from emotional turmoil or a lesser degree of pain. Alternatively, it may represent denial or avoidance of the emotional truth, preventing full healing.
Keywords:
Reversed: Recovery, emotional release, confusion, disorder.

The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Ace of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
A pentagram rests as an orb upon a sceptre, impaling a female vampire in the heart. This act is not one of violence, but of love—symbolizing a powerful force that connects creation and destruction. The pentagram, a symbol of power and balance, represents material beginnings, prosperity, and the strength that lies within one's creative or financial pursuits.
Meaning:
The Ace of Pentagrams signifies new beginnings in material or financial matters. It heralds prosperity, intelligent planning, and the initiation of creative projects. It may point to the birth of an idea that will grow into something tangible and successful. This card invites you to tap into your skills and resources to manifest your desires.
Reversed, it suggests the misuse of wealth or power, greed, or a potential downfall due to misplaced priorities. It may also indicate the beginning of something with promise, but fraught with challenges if handled improperly.
Keywords:
Reversed: Greed, misuse of power, unfulfilled potential, loss.

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Page of Stakes
Symbolism:
A zombified female vampire emerges from her slumber, her gaze hungry and purposeful. She represents curiosity, the thirst for knowledge, and the energy of youthful ambition. The dark tones hint at naivety and the dangers of unbridled enthusiasm.
Meaning:
The Page of Stakes embodies curiosity, enthusiasm, and the beginning of new ventures. This card encourages you to embrace your creativity and explore opportunities with an open mind. It may also signify a message or news that sparks inspiration.
Keywords:
Upright: Curiosity, ambition, inspiration, creativity, news, exploration.

Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Seven of Cups
Reversed
Symbolism:
An unfortunate vampire has run out of the “good stuff” and must now rely on less desirable means. The card hints at illusions and unattainable desires, emphasizing the fantasy of having everything.
Meaning:
The Seven of Cups is a card of illusions, choices, and confusion. It represents the overwhelming number of options or fantasies that may lead to unrealistic expectations. This card calls for discernment and clarity, urging you to focus on what truly matters rather than being distracted by distractions or fleeting desires.
Reversed, it signals a clearing of confusion, making important decisions, and taking practical steps toward goals. It can also represent clarity after a period of uncertainty.
Keywords:
Reversed: Clarity, decision-making, focus, discernment, realistic goals.

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Eight of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A young woman lies motionless, stabbed from both the front and the back by swords. Unlike a self-inflicted fate, the wounds reveal a betrayal or attack from all sides, symbolizing entrapment and the powerlessness that stems from external forces.
Meaning:
The Eight of Swords signifies mental entrapment, limitation, and the feeling of being cornered. It highlights the power of negative thoughts or external pressures that leave you paralyzed. However, the card reminds you that escape is often possible if you change your mindset or perspective.
Reversed, the Eight of Swords reflects the breaking of these mental or emotional chains. It suggests newfound freedom, clarity, or the chance to overcome previously overwhelming challenges. However, it may also point to unexpected disasters or lingering traps yet to be avoided.
Keywords:
Reversed: Release, freedom, clarity, resolution, unforeseen disaster.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Ace of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
A pentagram rests as an orb upon a sceptre, impaling a female vampire in the heart. This act is not one of violence, but of love—symbolizing a powerful force that connects creation and destruction. The pentagram, a symbol of power and balance, represents material beginnings, prosperity, and the strength that lies within one's creative or financial pursuits.
Meaning:
The Ace of Pentagrams signifies new beginnings in material or financial matters. It heralds prosperity, intelligent planning, and the initiation of creative projects. It may point to the birth of an idea that will grow into something tangible and successful. This card invites you to tap into your skills and resources to manifest your desires.
Reversed, it suggests the misuse of wealth or power, greed, or a potential downfall due to misplaced priorities. It may also indicate the beginning of something with promise, but fraught with challenges if handled improperly.
Keywords:
Reversed: Greed, misuse of power, unfulfilled potential, loss.

The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Nine of Pentagrams
Symbolism:
A voluptuous woman with her familiar in hand prepares for astral travel, representing accomplishment and the ability to reach higher realms. She symbolizes wisdom and the ability to manifest one's desires through focused intent.
Meaning:
The Nine of Pentagrams represents success, accomplishment, and the manifestation of your goals. It signifies that you have worked hard to achieve security and comfort and that your efforts are beginning to bear fruit. This card encourages confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Keywords:
Upright: Accomplishment, success, security, confidence, manifestation.

External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Eight of Pentagrams
Symbolism:
An exotic dancer adorned in pentagrams performs, her act representing craftsmanship and skill. She embodies the dedication to her craft, with a focus on discipline and mastery.
Meaning:
The Eight of Pentagrams speaks to hard work, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. It suggests a time of preparation and dedication to one's skills. Whether in a professional or personal capacity, this card encourages you to continue honing your abilities and remain committed to your goals.
Keywords:
Upright: Craftsmanship, dedication, skill, preparation, hard work.

Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Nine of Swords
Symbolism:
Nine swords hang ominously on the wall, their sharp edges glinting faintly in the dim light. Below, a female vampire clutches her chest, overwhelmed by anxiety. Her surroundings are fortified excessively, reflecting her insecurities and fears of vulnerability. The scene captures a suffocating sense of dread and the heavy toll of mental anguish.
Meaning:
The Nine of Swords represents anxiety, fear, and despair. It signifies sleepless nights, obsessive thoughts, and the burden of worries that may or may not be grounded in reality. This card calls attention to the self-inflicted nature of some fears, urging reflection and perspective.
Keywords:
Upright: Anxiety, fear, despair, worry, nightmares, obsession, mental overload.

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.
XXI. The World
Symbolism:
The World depicts a powerful figure standing within a glowing circle of blood-red roses, symbolizing completion and unity. The four corners of the card feature elemental creatures: a bat, a wolf, a raven, and a serpent, representing balance and harmony among all forces. A starry night sky stretches infinitely behind the figure, while they hold a silver orb and a golden key, symbolizing mastery and fulfillment.
Meaning:
The World represents completion, fulfillment, and the achievement of long-term goals. It signifies harmony, wholeness, and the realization of your place in the greater tapestry of existence. This card often marks the end of a significant journey, celebrating your success and inviting you to share your gifts with others.
Keywords:
Upright: Completion, fulfillment, harmony, success, unity, wholeness, achievement.