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![]() XIX. The Sun
External Forces ![]() Seven of Cups
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The Recent Past![]() Knight of Stakes |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() XVIII. The Moon |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Four of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
A beautiful female vampire sits calmly, working her magic during the witching hour. She holds a pentagram close to her chest, representing control and possession over her material world. Her aura suggests a deep connection to both wealth and personal power.
Meaning:
The Four of Pentagrams signifies possessiveness, control, and the need to protect what has been earned. It speaks to holding onto resources, whether material or emotional, and the desire for stability and security. While this card suggests financial or emotional strength, it may also point to an unhealthy attachment to these possessions.
Reversed, it highlights the dangers of obsession, hoarding, and the fear of losing what you have. It warns against stubbornness, emotional repression, and excessive materialism.
Keywords:
Reversed: Obsession, hoarding, fear, repression, wastefulness.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Seven of Pentagrams
Reversed
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.
Reversed, it warns against bad deals, financial anxiety, or arguments over resources. It may suggest a failed business venture or dishonesty in financial exchanges.
Keywords:
Reversed: Bad deals, financial strain, dishonesty, anxiety.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
XVII. The Star
Symbolism:
The Star depicts a luminous vampire bathing in a moonlit pool, her pale skin shimmering with starlight. She pours blood from a goblet into the water, symbolizing renewal and the cycle of life. Above her, a constellation forms the shape of a chalice, representing hope and inspiration. The night sky is clear, and the surrounding landscape, though desolate, begins to show signs of new growth.
Meaning:
The Star embodies hope, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. It encourages you to trust in the universe and your own inner light, even during challenging times. This card often appears after a period of struggle, signaling healing, clarity, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
Keywords:
Upright: Hope, inspiration, renewal, clarity, healing, optimism, spirituality, guidance.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Ten of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A male figure lies lifeless, his body pierced by ten swords. The brutality of the scene mirrors the infamous murder of the Black Dahlia, evoking themes of ultimate betrayal and victimization. Blood pools beneath him, symbolizing the depth of his suffering and the irreversible nature of the event.
Meaning:
The Ten of Swords represents total defeat, betrayal, and hopelessness. It signifies the end of a cycle or the culmination of pain, where there is no further descent. Despite its grim nature, the card also holds the promise of new beginnings, as the worst has already passed.
Reversed, this card suggests recovery, triumph over adversity, or the ability to rise again after hitting rock bottom. It reflects newfound strength and the potential for victory through resilience and sheer determination.
Keywords:
Reversed: Recovery, resilience, triumph, power, victory after struggle.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Knight of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
A pale knight rides a black horse, embodying contrast and duality. His determined expression and swift movement suggest ambition and change, while the dark tones hint at the risks associated with bold actions.
Meaning:
The Knight of Stakes represents action, change, and determination. It signifies movement, whether physical or metaphorical, and encourages you to embrace transformation with courage. This card often appears when major changes or decisions are on the horizon.
Reversed, it warns of discord, hasty decisions, or separation. It may also suggest being overly impulsive or struggling to adapt to change.
Keywords:
Reversed: Discord, haste, separation, impulsiveness, resistance to change.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Seven of Pentagrams
Reversed
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.
Reversed, it warns against bad deals, financial anxiety, or arguments over resources. It may suggest a failed business venture or dishonesty in financial exchanges.
Keywords:
Reversed: Bad deals, financial strain, dishonesty, anxiety.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Two of Pentagrams
Reversed
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.
Reversed, it warns against overcommitment or being too rigid in your approach. It may indicate that you're struggling to adapt to new circumstances or that you're experiencing instability in some area of your life.
Keywords:
Reversed: Instability, overcommitment, resistance to change, imbalance.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
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.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Nine of Pentagrams
Reversed
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.
Reversed, it warns against vanity, insecurity, or unfulfilled projects. It may indicate that your success is threatened by your own egotism or a lack of confidence in your abilities.
Keywords:
Reversed: Vanity, insecurity, missed opportunities, egotism.
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.
XIX. The Sun
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Sun features a radiant figure standing atop a stone altar, their outstretched arms ablaze with golden light. Behind them, a massive blood-red sun dominates the sky, casting warm, revitalizing rays over a once-shadowed landscape. Sunflowers bloom vibrantly in the foreground, representing vitality and joy. A golden wolf stands beside the figure, symbolizing loyalty and enlightenment.
Meaning:
The Sun represents joy, success, and clarity. It heralds a period of positivity, growth, and accomplishment, reminding you to embrace life with enthusiasm and gratitude. This card suggests that challenges are behind you, and a brighter path lies ahead.
Reversed, the Sun may indicate temporary setbacks, self-doubt, or overconfidence. It suggests the need to find balance and reconnect with your inner light.
Keywords:
Reversed: Setbacks, doubt, overconfidence, lack of clarity, diminished enthusiasm.

