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 Ten of Batons		The Outcome The Magician (Le Bateleur) Hopes and Fears The Empress (L'Impératri External Forces Deuce of Coins The Querent Queen of Cups
The Recent Past The Sun (Le Soleil)	The Crossing Card Ace of Batons The Significator The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fo	The Future King of Swords
	Foundation card Ten of Swords

Symbolism:
The Wheel of Fortune depicts a large wheel with figures ascending and descending its sides. It symbolises fate, luck, and the cycles of life. The turning motion suggests impermanence and change.

Meaning:
The Wheel of Fortune represents the ever-turning cycles of life, where fortune can rise or fall unexpectedly. This card signals change, opportunity, and the need to adapt. It reminds you to embrace the flow of events and trust in the greater pattern.

In relationships, it can indicate changes or new phases. Spiritually, it highlights the interconnectedness of life and the importance of surrendering to destiny's rhythms while remaining attuned to opportunities that arise.

Keywords:
Change, cycles, destiny, luck, opportunity, karma, adaptability, transition, impermanence, evolution.

Symbolism:
A single upright baton surrounded by leaves emerges from a hand reaching through a portal, symbolising potential and growth. The floating leaves emphasise vitality and new beginnings, while the portal hints at divine inspiration.

Meaning:
The Ace of Batons heralds the spark of inspiration and the potential for creative or personal growth. It represents an opportunity to take bold action, start new projects, or pursue passions. This card encourages embracing fresh ideas and allowing enthusiasm to guide you.

In relationships, it can signify passion or the beginning of an exciting chapter. Spiritually, it represents awakening and alignment with your creative force.

Keywords:
Inspiration, potential, creativity, passion, action, growth, opportunity, vitality, enthusiasm, new beginnings.

Symbolism:
Ten batons create a complex, interwoven pattern, with leaves pushing through to signify growth under pressure. The imagery conveys burdens, responsibilities, and the weight of achievement, balanced by the promise of fulfilment.

Meaning:
The Ten of Batons represents burdens, responsibility, and the weight of obligations. It signifies a period of hard work or feeling overburdened by tasks and commitments. While this card warns against burnout, it also reminds you that the effort is leading toward a goal or resolution.

In relationships, it reflects shared responsibilities or the strain of unbalanced dynamics. Spiritually, it suggests the need to let go of unnecessary baggage to continue forward.

Keywords:
Burden, responsibility, obligation, hard work, completion, exhaustion, effort, duty, strain, perseverance.

Symbolism:
Ten swords create a dramatic and heavy configuration, with sharp points emphasising finality and closure. The card represents the end of a difficult cycle, ultimate surrender, and the potential for new beginnings after hardship.

Meaning:
The Ten of Swords represents endings, betrayal, or collapse. It signifies the conclusion of a painful chapter and the opportunity for a new beginning. This card, while harsh, reminds you that the worst is behind you, and recovery is possible.

In relationships, it can indicate betrayal or the end of a partnership. Spiritually, it symbolises surrender and transformation through acceptance of life's cycles.

Keywords:
Endings, betrayal, collapse, release, transformation, surrender, painful closure, renewal, recovery, acceptance.

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:
A single upright baton surrounded by leaves emerges from a hand reaching through a portal, symbolising potential and growth. The floating leaves emphasise vitality and new beginnings, while the portal hints at divine inspiration.

Meaning:
The Ace of Batons heralds the spark of inspiration and the potential for creative or personal growth. It represents an opportunity to take bold action, start new projects, or pursue passions. This card encourages embracing fresh ideas and allowing enthusiasm to guide you.

In relationships, it can signify passion or the beginning of an exciting chapter. Spiritually, it represents awakening and alignment with your creative force.

Keywords:
Inspiration, potential, creativity, passion, action, growth, opportunity, vitality, enthusiasm, new beginnings.

Symbolism:
The Rayne of Cups sits serenely on her throne, holding a cup adorned with intricate designs, symbolising emotional depth and nurturing energy. Surrounded by calm and beauty, she embodies intuition, compassion, and mastery of the inner emotional world.

Meaning:
The Queen of Cups embodies emotional depth, compassion, and intuition. She represents a nurturing figure who offers support and guidance through understanding and care. This card encourages you to trust your intuition and connect with your emotions.

In relationships, it signifies empathy, love, and nurturing bonds. Spiritually, it reflects the mastery of inner wisdom and the ability to heal through emotional insight.

Keywords:
Compassion, intuition, nurturing, emotional depth, empathy, understanding, support, love, wisdom, care, healing.

Symbolism:
Two coins are positioned symmetrically, often linked by a ribbon or floral decoration, suggesting balance and flow. The design reflects themes of adaptability, resource management, and the harmonious juggling of priorities.

Meaning:
The Two of Coins symbolises balance and adaptability. It speaks to juggling multiple priorities or resources, and the ability to maintain equilibrium in a time of change. This card encourages flexibility in managing material or financial matters, as well as maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

In relationships, it may indicate the need for balance between personal and professional responsibilities. Spiritually, it represents the flow of energy and learning how to maintain harmony amid life's challenges.

Keywords:
Balance, adaptability, flexibility, duality, priorities, change, harmony, juggling, management, resourcefulness.

Symbolism:
The Empress sits on her throne, holding a scepter that signifies authority. A shield bearing the symbol of Venus is nearby, emphasising love, fertility, and creation. She is adorned in flowing robes, indicating abundance.

Meaning:
The Empress is the archetype of creation and abundance, representing fertility, nurturing, and growth in all aspects of life. She is a motherly figure who provides support and encouragement, guiding you to cultivate your ideas or relationships into something beautiful. Her presence suggests a time of prosperity and fulfilment.

In relationships, she signifies a loving, nurturing connection. Spiritually, she urges you to embrace the rhythms of nature and the divine feminine within you, celebrating life's creative energy.

Keywords:
Creation, abundance, fertility, nurturing, growth, love, prosperity, nature, creativity, fulfilment.

Symbolism:
The Magician is a youthful figure standing behind a table, holding a wand aloft while other tools lie before him—often a coin, a cup, and a sword. These tools represent mastery over the elements and the power to manifest intentions. His hat, shaped like a lemniscate, symbolises infinite potential, and his posture suggests readiness and action. The vibrant colours of his attire evoke creativity, energy, and a zest for life.

Meaning:
The Magician represents the power of initiative, skill, and resourcefulness. He embodies the ability to turn ideas into reality, combining intellect, action, and willpower. The card often signals the beginning of a new venture or opportunity, where focus and confidence are key. However, it also serves as a warning to avoid manipulation or overconfidence.

The Magician invites you to be aware of your tools and talents, urging you to act with intention. It also reminds you that success depends on your ability to harmonise thought and action.

Keywords:
Initiative, manifestation, skill, potential, confidence, willpower, beginnings, resourcefulness, action, focus.