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![]() Six of Cups
External Forces ![]() XXI. The World
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The Recent Past![]() III. The Empress |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() VII. The Chariot |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

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 Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Seven of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A cunning thief is shown stealing five of seven swords, his movements calculated and deliberate. He takes only what he can carry, leaving just enough behind to avoid detection. This image portrays strategy, cleverness, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the complexity of navigating difficult situations.
Meaning:
The Seven of Swords represents strategy, cunning, and the courage to take calculated risks. It suggests that bold action may be necessary to achieve your goals, even if it challenges conventional ethics. The card also highlights the importance of discretion and planning in overcoming obstacles.
Reversed, the Seven of Swords warns of dangerous plans that may fail or expose you to harm. It can indicate quarrels, deceit, or gossip that undermines trust. This card urges caution and vigilance in the face of potential betrayal or missteps.
Keywords:
Reversed: Failure, exposure, betrayal, quarrels, gossip, danger.

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Three of Cups
Symbolism:
Two overturned cups are washed clean, and a third toppled cup spills its all-seeing contents. The imagery suggests the end of a cycle, with emotions spilling over, marking a time for reflection, conclusion, and understanding.
Meaning:
The Three of Cups signifies celebration, community, and emotional fulfillment. It represents joyous reunions, friendship, and collective happiness. This card often points to success in group efforts or the enjoyment of time spent with loved ones, signaling an end to struggles and a period of peace.
Keywords:
Upright: Celebration, happiness, community, friendships, unity, emotional fulfillment.

Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Ace of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A hand emerges from the clouds, gripping a freshly used sword. The sword gleams with power, representing intellectual triumph and clarity that has recently been achieved. The imagery suggests that a great mental breakthrough has just occurred or is about to.
Meaning:
The Ace of Swords represents new ideas, clarity, and breakthroughs. It symbolizes the power of the mind, sharp thinking, and intellectual triumph. It is a card of victory through the use of force or the triumph of reason and logic. It suggests clear communication, decision-making, and the overcoming of challenges.
Reversed, the Ace of Swords signifies confusion, indecision, or an inability to see the truth. It may also represent false starts, miscommunication, or mental blocks.
Keywords:
Reversed: Confusion, falsehood, mental block, indecision.

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
III. The Empress
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Empress sits upon her throne, her presence commanding yet nurturing. She holds the Hand of Glory, a macabre artifact symbolizing her power to claim whatever she desires. Her surroundings are lush and fertile, with dark roses blooming amidst the decay—symbols of beauty and abundance arising from even the grimmest conditions. Her expression is one of calm authority, radiating life-giving energy.
Meaning:
The Empress represents creation, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of life. She signifies abundance and the ability to bring ideas, projects, or relationships to fruition. This card invites you to connect with your creative or maternal instincts and embrace the cycles of growth and renewal. It may also point to emotional or physical abundance and a celebration of life's pleasures.
Reversed, the Empress warns of stagnation, overbearing tendencies, or emotional imbalance. It may point to neglect, smothering, or difficulties in manifesting creativity.
Keywords:
Reversed: Stagnation, neglect, overbearing, creative block, emotional imbalance.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Seven of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A cunning thief is shown stealing five of seven swords, his movements calculated and deliberate. He takes only what he can carry, leaving just enough behind to avoid detection. This image portrays strategy, cleverness, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the complexity of navigating difficult situations.
Meaning:
The Seven of Swords represents strategy, cunning, and the courage to take calculated risks. It suggests that bold action may be necessary to achieve your goals, even if it challenges conventional ethics. The card also highlights the importance of discretion and planning in overcoming obstacles.
Reversed, the Seven of Swords warns of dangerous plans that may fail or expose you to harm. It can indicate quarrels, deceit, or gossip that undermines trust. This card urges caution and vigilance in the face of potential betrayal or missteps.
Keywords:
Reversed: Failure, exposure, betrayal, quarrels, gossip, danger.

The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Knight of Cups
Symbolism:
A white Knight rides a nightmare, holding a full cup and a full stomach. The imagery suggests a journey, perhaps one of passion or emotion, undertaken with both purpose and indulgence.
Meaning:
The Knight of Cups represents emotional pursuit, charm, and idealism. This card signifies someone who is romantic, passionate, and driven by emotions and desires. It often indicates an invitation, proposal, or movement towards a goal based on emotional fulfillment. The Knight is a messenger, bringing forth opportunities for love, creativity, or spiritual connection.
Keywords:
Upright: Romance, passion, idealism, emotional pursuit, invitations, messages, charm.

External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
XXI. The World
Reversed
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.
Reversed, the World suggests delays, unfinished business, or feelings of incompleteness. It may indicate the need to tie up loose ends before moving forward.
Keywords:
Reversed: Delays, lack of closure, incompletion, stagnation, unfinished business, imbalance.

Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Page of Pentagrams
Reversed
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.
Reversed, it suggests that you are squandering opportunities or mismanaging your resources. It may point to a lack of direction or focus, causing you to miss out on important chances.
Keywords:
Reversed: Missed opportunities, lack of direction, squandering resources.

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.
Six of Cups
Reversed
Symbolism:
Female vampires continue their revelry, fed by the life-giving substance that fuels their endless celebration. The reference to past times emphasizes nostalgia and the lingering effects of past experiences.
Meaning:
The Six of Cups is a card of nostalgia, happiness, and reminiscing. It indicates a return to simpler times, a reflection on happy memories, and the pleasure derived from the past. This card may also represent childhood or a situation that feels familiar, offering comfort and joy from what has already occurred.
Reversed, it signifies an overattachment to the past, hindering personal growth. It warns of clinging to old patterns or relationships that no longer serve you.
Keywords:
Reversed: Overattachment to the past, stagnation, clinging to old relationships.