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 Eight of Coins		The Outcome Ten of Coins Hopes and Fears Five of Swords External Forces The Magician (Le Bateleur) The Querent Five of Batons
The Recent Past Knight of Coins	The Crossing Card Seven of Coins The Significator Valet of Swords	The Future Death (La Mort)
	Foundation card Queen of Cups

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:
Seven coins are arranged in a slightly uneven yet intentional pattern, adorned with budding leaves, symbolising patience and growth. This card represents long-term investment, reflection on progress, and the anticipation of rewards.

Meaning:
The Seven of Coins represents patience and evaluation of progress. It suggests taking a step back to assess whether one's efforts have been fruitful. There may be a sense of waiting or uncertainty about the outcomes of hard work, but this card encourages perseverance and trusting in the process. It also warns against impatience or becoming too disillusioned with the slow pace of progress.

In relationships, it can signify reassessing the dynamics and questioning whether efforts are being reciprocated. Spiritually, it represents patience and the wisdom of understanding that results take time to manifest.

Keywords:
Patience, evaluation, progress, effort, assessment, perseverance, growth, waiting, dissatisfaction, long-term rewards.

Symbolism:
Eight coins form a structured, methodical arrangement, often decorated with symmetrical flourishes, symbolising diligence and skill. The imagery suggests focused effort, mastery, and dedication to refining one's craft.

Meaning:
The Eight of Coins represents hard work, diligence, and skill development. It reflects a period of focused effort where progress is made through consistent attention to detail. This card encourages honing one's craft, perfecting skills, and continuing to learn and grow, even if the rewards seem distant.

In relationships, it may indicate the need to put in the effort to build a lasting connection. Spiritually, it speaks to dedication and continuous improvement, emphasising that mastery is achieved through commitment and practice.

Keywords:
Hard work, skill, dedication, mastery, craft, focus, attention to detail, improvement, practice, perseverance.

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:
The Cavalier of Coins is a steadfast figure on a sturdy horse, holding a coin firmly in hand, symbolising dedication and determination. The imagery conveys patience, responsibility, and a methodical approach to achieving goals.

Meaning:
The Knight of Coins represents reliability, diligence, and steady progress. He embodies the energy of persistence, ensuring that all tasks are completed with care and attention to detail. This card speaks to the need for patience and hard work in achieving long-term goals and financial stability.

In relationships, it suggests a reliable partner or a steady, consistent approach to commitment. Spiritually, it reflects the importance of persistence in achieving one's goals, whether material or otherwise.

Keywords:
Reliability, diligence, patience, responsibility, steady progress, methodical, persistence, commitment, work ethic, grounded.

Symbolism:
Seven coins are arranged in a slightly uneven yet intentional pattern, adorned with budding leaves, symbolising patience and growth. This card represents long-term investment, reflection on progress, and the anticipation of rewards.

Meaning:
The Seven of Coins represents patience and evaluation of progress. It suggests taking a step back to assess whether one's efforts have been fruitful. There may be a sense of waiting or uncertainty about the outcomes of hard work, but this card encourages perseverance and trusting in the process. It also warns against impatience or becoming too disillusioned with the slow pace of progress.

In relationships, it can signify reassessing the dynamics and questioning whether efforts are being reciprocated. Spiritually, it represents patience and the wisdom of understanding that results take time to manifest.

Keywords:
Patience, evaluation, progress, effort, assessment, perseverance, growth, waiting, dissatisfaction, long-term rewards.

Symbolism:
Five batons cross in a dynamic pattern, with leaves sprouting at their junctions, reflecting energy and complexity. The card hints at challenges, competition, or creative conflict that can lead to growth.

Meaning:
The Five of Batons represents conflict, competition, or the struggle for dominance. It may signify challenges, but also the opportunity for growth through constructive tension. This card encourages collaboration and finding productive ways to resolve disputes.

In relationships, it can point to disagreements or the need for compromise. Spiritually, it reflects inner conflict or the process of refining your will.

Keywords:
Conflict, competition, struggle, tension, challenge, collaboration, rivalry, resolution, growth, perseverance.

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.

Symbolism:
Five swords create a more irregular arrangement, their sharp points emphasising conflict or struggle. The design reflects themes of tension, competition, and the potential for discord or loss.

Meaning:
The Five of Swords represents conflict, betrayal, or hollow victories. It suggests a situation where winning comes at the expense of others or personal values. This card warns against manipulation or dishonourable actions and invites reflection on ethical choices.

In relationships, it may indicate arguments or feelings of alienation. Spiritually, it highlights the importance of integrity in the face of challenges.

Keywords:
Conflict, betrayal, hollow victory, loss, manipulation, moral ambiguity, dishonour, reflection, ethical choices, tension.

Symbolism:
Ten coins form a complex and interconnected pattern, adorned with rich, intricate designs that symbolise legacy and wealth. The imagery reflects lasting success, generational stability, and the fulfilment of long-term goals.

Meaning:
The Ten of Coins represents wealth, legacy, and long-term security. It signifies the culmination of efforts to build a stable, prosperous life for oneself and future generations. This card speaks to the material rewards that come from planning and sustained effort over time, especially in the realms of family, heritage, and financial stability.

In relationships, it highlights the importance of family, tradition, and long-term commitments. Spiritually, it represents the fulfilment of material goals and the creation of a lasting legacy.

Keywords:
Legacy, wealth, family, security, prosperity, tradition, stability, inheritance, culmination, long-term success.