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 Seven of Batons		The Outcome Deuce of Cups Hopes and Fears The Moon (La Lune) External Forces Valet of Swords The Querent Five of Coins
The Recent Past The Fool (Le Mat)	The Crossing Card Six of Coins The Significator The Hierophant (Le Pape)	The Future Nine of Swords
	Foundation card The Chariot (Le Chariot)

Symbolism:
The Hierophant sits between two pillars, with his hand raised in blessing and two followers kneeling before him. He holds a triple cross sceptre, symbolising his spiritual authority. The keys at his feet represent access to higher wisdom and the mysteries of life. His robe and crown emphasise tradition and institutional power.

Meaning:
The Hierophant symbolises tradition, guidance, and spiritual learning. He represents the wisdom passed down through teachings, rituals, and institutions. This card may indicate seeking guidance from a mentor, joining a community, or adhering to established norms. It also encourages you to examine your beliefs and values to ensure they align with your inner truth.

In relationships, the Hierophant suggests shared values and a strong moral foundation. Spiritually, he urges you to connect with divine teachings and the collective wisdom of humanity.

Keywords:
Tradition, guidance, spiritual learning, mentorship, wisdom, community, rituals, institutions, moral alignment, shared values.

Symbolism:
Six coins are symmetrically arranged, often accompanied by flourishing floral motifs, suggesting harmony and generosity. The design reflects themes of giving and receiving, balance in material matters, and acts of kindness.

Meaning:
The Six of Coins represents generosity, charity, and the balance of give and take. It speaks to the distribution of wealth, whether material or spiritual, and suggests that sharing one's resources can bring rewards. This card also highlights the importance of fairness and balance, indicating that help will be returned when it is needed.

In relationships, it emphasises mutual support, equity, and the importance of both giving and receiving. Spiritually, it encourages a generous heart and the understanding that true wealth comes from shared abundance.

Keywords:
Generosity, charity, balance, fairness, reciprocity, wealth, giving, receiving, support, compassion.

Symbolism:
Seven batons intersect in a slightly irregular pattern, with fresh leaves sprouting at their joints, suggesting perseverance amidst challenges. The imagery conveys determination, resilience, and the courage to stand one's ground.

Meaning:
The Seven of Batons represents defending your position, standing firm against opposition, and asserting yourself amidst challenges. It emphasises courage and persistence in maintaining your beliefs or goals, even when faced with adversity. This card highlights the importance of self-confidence and holding your ground.

In relationships, it can indicate overcoming external pressures or standing together in unity. Spiritually, it reflects the need to remain steadfast on your path despite doubts or criticism.

Keywords:
Defiance, resilience, courage, perseverance, self-defence, opposition, determination, conviction, assertiveness, strength.

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:
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:
Six coins are symmetrically arranged, often accompanied by flourishing floral motifs, suggesting harmony and generosity. The design reflects themes of giving and receiving, balance in material matters, and acts of kindness.

Meaning:
The Six of Coins represents generosity, charity, and the balance of give and take. It speaks to the distribution of wealth, whether material or spiritual, and suggests that sharing one's resources can bring rewards. This card also highlights the importance of fairness and balance, indicating that help will be returned when it is needed.

In relationships, it emphasises mutual support, equity, and the importance of both giving and receiving. Spiritually, it encourages a generous heart and the understanding that true wealth comes from shared abundance.

Keywords:
Generosity, charity, balance, fairness, reciprocity, wealth, giving, receiving, support, compassion.

Symbolism:
Five coins create an irregular arrangement, with sparse decoration reflecting struggle or imbalance. This card symbolises financial hardship, instability, and the opportunity to find support during challenging times.

Meaning:
The Five of Coins represents financial loss, scarcity, or hardship. It reflects feelings of isolation or being "shut out" from security or comfort. However, this card also offers the reminder that help is often available if one is willing to seek it, whether in the form of external support or a change in mindset.

In relationships, it indicates feelings of neglect or abandonment. Spiritually, it encourages reaching out for support and reframing one's perspective on hardship to find hope in the darkest times.

Keywords:
Loss, scarcity, hardship, abandonment, isolation, financial struggle, poverty, lack, seeking help, resilience.

Symbolism:
The Valet of Swords is shown standing confidently, holding a sword upright or at an angle, symbolising readiness and curiosity. The figure's alert posture reflects themes of observation, intellect, and the early stages of mastering mental or communicative skills.

Meaning:
The Valet of Swords symbolises intellectual curiosity, observation, and new ideas. It encourages exploring knowledge and being open to learning. However, it also warns of hasty communication or judgment.

In relationships, it suggests a need for honest dialogue or the exploration of new dynamics. Spiritually, it represents the first steps toward understanding profound truths.

Keywords:
Curiosity, observation, new ideas, communication, learning, honesty, vigilance, intellect, youthful energy, exploration.

Symbolism:
The Moon hangs high in the sky, casting a dim, mysterious light over a landscape. A dog and a wolf howl at the moon, representing instincts and the untamed subconscious. A pool sits between two towers, suggesting the unknown. A crayfish crawls out of it, symbolising hidden emotions emerging.

Meaning:
The Moon represents intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. It suggests a time of uncertainty where not everything is as it seems. This card invites you to trust your instincts and explore hidden depths. It also warns against illusion or confusion, urging clarity.

In relationships, it can indicate emotional complexity or hidden dynamics. Spiritually, it calls for embracing intuition and the mysteries of the psyche.

Keywords:
Intuition, mystery, subconscious, illusion, uncertainty, emotions, dreams, instincts, exploration, hidden truths.

Symbolism:
Two elegant cups face one another, often connected by floral motifs or a shared ornament, symbolising harmony and partnership. The balanced arrangement reflects unity, mutual understanding, and the joy of connection.

Meaning:
The Two of Cups symbolises partnerships, unity, and mutual respect. It highlights emotional and spiritual connections, often in the form of love, friendship, or collaboration. This card suggests balance and equality, emphasising the importance of giving and receiving in harmony.

In relationships, it signifies a deep bond, often romantic but not exclusively. Spiritually, it reflects the balance between inner and outer worlds or the union of opposing forces.

Keywords:
Union, partnership, love, harmony, balance, connection, mutual respect, cooperation, intimacy, equality.