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 Strength (La Force)		The Outcome The Tower (La Maison Dieu) Hopes and Fears The Fool (Le Mat) External Forces The Lovers (L'Amoureux) The Querent The Sun (Le Soleil)
The Recent Past The Chariot (Le Chariot)	The Crossing Card Justice (La Justice) The Significator The Star (L'Étoile)	The Future The Magician (Le Bateleur)
	Foundation card The Hermit (L'Hermite)

Symbolism:
A nude female kneels by a stream, pouring water onto the earth and back into the water, symbolising renewal and flow. Above her, stars shine brightly, representing hope and divine guidance. A bird perched in a tree or nearby adds an air of peace and harmony. The scene exudes serenity and openness.

Meaning:
The Star symbolises hope, inspiration, and renewal. It reminds you to trust in the universe and your own potential. This card often appears after a challenging period, offering reassurance and a sense of peace. It encourages vulnerability and faith in the future.

In relationships, it signifies harmony and healing. Spiritually, the Star points to alignment with your higher purpose and divine inspiration.

Keywords:
Hope, inspiration, renewal, peace, faith, healing, guidance, openness, vulnerability, harmony.

Symbolism:
Justice sits on a throne, holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The sword represents truth and decisiveness, while the scales signify balance and fairness. Her gaze is direct, indicating clarity and impartiality. The symmetrical composition of the card underscores equilibrium and order.

Meaning:
Justice represents truth, fairness, and the consequences of one's actions. It urges you to act with integrity and to weigh all factors before making decisions. This card often appears when a decision needs to be made or when karma is at play, reminding you that actions have lasting repercussions.

In relationships, Justice emphasises honesty and mutual respect. Spiritually, it calls for alignment between your actions and higher principles.

Keywords:
Truth, fairness, balance, integrity, accountability, karma, decisions, clarity, consequences, order.

Symbolism:
A serene figure, often a woman, gently tames a lion by holding its jaws open. Her calm demeanour contrasts with the lion's ferocity, symbolising mastery of inner strength. Above her head, the infinity symbol signifies limitless power and spiritual resilience. The image evokes vitality and harmony with nature.

Meaning:
Strength represents courage, compassion, and the balance between force and gentleness. This card embodies inner fortitude, suggesting that true power comes from patience, understanding, and self-discipline rather than brute force. It often appears in situations requiring emotional resilience or the taming of one's impulses.

In relationships, it signifies the power of kindness and understanding. Spiritually, Strength encourages connecting with your inner courage and finding peace amidst challenges.

Keywords:
Inner strength, courage, patience, compassion, resilience, self-discipline, confidence, harmony, emotional balance, fortitude.

Symbolism:
The Hermit is an elderly figure carrying a lantern and a staff. The lantern symbolises inner wisdom and guidance, while the staff represents support and stability. His cloak signifies introspection, reflecting the solitude of his journey.

Meaning:
The Hermit represents introspection, wisdom, and solitude. He invites you to step back from external distractions and seek answers within. This card often appears during periods of self-discovery, encouraging you to listen to your inner voice.

In relationships, the Hermit may indicate a need for personal space or reflection. Spiritually, it highlights the quest for enlightenment and the value of solitary contemplation.

Keywords:
Wisdom, introspection, solitude, guidance, reflection, self-discovery, enlightenment, patience, inner truth, retreat.

Symbolism:
The Chariot shows a warrior standing in a chariot pulled by two horses of contrasting colors, symbolising opposing forces. The warrior wears a crown and holds a wand or reins, signifying control and determination. The canopy above him suggests moving forward from a place of stability into the unknown.

Meaning:
The Chariot signifies triumph through determination, discipline, and focus. It speaks to mastering conflicting forces and steering your life toward success. This card often appears when you are on the brink of achieving a goal, but it reminds you that persistence and self-control are essential.

In relationships, the Chariot suggests navigating challenges together. Spiritually, it emphasises aligning your willpower with your higher purpose.

Keywords:
Triumph, determination, focus, control, discipline, victory, mastery, momentum, perseverance, alignment.

Symbolism:
Justice sits on a throne, holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The sword represents truth and decisiveness, while the scales signify balance and fairness. Her gaze is direct, indicating clarity and impartiality. The symmetrical composition of the card underscores equilibrium and order.

Meaning:
Justice represents truth, fairness, and the consequences of one's actions. It urges you to act with integrity and to weigh all factors before making decisions. This card often appears when a decision needs to be made or when karma is at play, reminding you that actions have lasting repercussions.

In relationships, Justice emphasises honesty and mutual respect. Spiritually, it calls for alignment between your actions and higher principles.

Keywords:
Truth, fairness, balance, integrity, accountability, karma, decisions, clarity, consequences, order.

Symbolism:
The Sun shines brightly over two joyful children, symbolising innocence and vitality. A wall represents protection and growth. The radiant light of the sun signifies clarity, success, and the life force itself.

Meaning:
The Sun represents joy, success, and illumination. It heralds a period of clarity, achievement, and fulfilment. This card encourages positivity, optimism, and self-expression, reminding you to celebrate life's blessings.

In relationships, the Sun signifies warmth, harmony, and mutual happiness. Spiritually, it points to enlightenment and connection with divine light.

Keywords:
Joy, success, clarity, vitality, positivity, enlightenment, achievement, growth, warmth, celebration.

Symbolism:
The Lovers card depicts a man standing between two women, with Cupid above aiming an arrow. The scene suggests a choice or a union, with the women often representing opposing influences. In some interpretations, the figures are Adam and Eve, symbolising the duality of earthly and spiritual love.

Meaning:
The Lovers represent connection, harmony, and the power of choice. This card speaks to deep relationships, whether romantic or platonic, and the alignment of values and goals. However, it also highlights the necessity of making meaningful decisions, often at a crossroads where the heart and mind must collaborate.

In relationships, the Lovers symbolise love, commitment, and mutual respect. Spiritually, they encourage balancing the dualities within yourself and finding unity in diversity.

Keywords:
Love, harmony, connection, choice, duality, relationships, unity, attraction, alignment, crossroads.

Symbolism:
A carefree figure, often carrying a small bag or bundle, walks toward the unknown with a dog nipping at their heels, symbolising the risks of new beginnings. Their gaze is upward, indicating innocence and trust, while their attire features bright, mismatched colours, emphasising their unconventional nature.

Meaning:
The Fool represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and the embrace of life's uncertainties. This card encourages stepping into the unknown with optimism and trust, even if the path ahead seems uncertain or risky. It speaks to freedom, potential, and the ability to approach life with a beginner's mind.

In relationships, the Fool may suggest a fresh start or a need for openness and vulnerability. Spiritually, it represents a journey of self-discovery and the willingness to trust the universe.

Keywords:
New beginnings, spontaneity, innocence, freedom, potential, adventure, risk, trust, exploration, unconventionality.

Symbolism:
A tall tower struck by lightning collapses as figures fall from its heights, symbolising sudden upheaval. Balls and debris erupt from the structure, representing destruction and chaos. However, the lightning bolt signifies divine intervention, clearing away illusions and false foundations to reveal the truth.

Meaning:
The Tower represents sudden change, upheaval, and the collapse of false structures. While the experience may be shocking or painful, it paves the way for transformation and rebuilding. This card calls for resilience and the ability to embrace new beginnings born from chaos.

In relationships, it may signal a dramatic shift or revelation. Spiritually, it urges you to let go of false beliefs and align with authenticity.

Keywords:
Upheaval, change, chaos, destruction, revelation, transformation, truth, divine intervention, awakening, rebuilding.