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 Judgement (Le Jugement)		The Outcome Ace of Cups Hopes and Fears King of Cups External Forces The Fool (Le Mat) The Querent King of Swords
The Recent Past Five of Coins	The Crossing Card Ten of Batons The Significator Six of Coins	The Future Three of Swords
	Foundation card Ten of Cups

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:
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:
An angel blows a trumpet as figures rise from coffins below, symbolising resurrection and awakening. The praying hands of the figures reflect surrender and acceptance. The bright light of the angel signifies divine calling and revelation, while the mountains in the background represent challenges overcome.

Meaning:
Judgement represents awakening, self-assessment, and rebirth. It signals a time to evaluate your past and make amends, preparing for a new chapter. This card often appears when you are called to align with your higher purpose and embrace transformation.

In relationships, it suggests healing, forgiveness, or a new beginning. Spiritually, it encourages connection with your true calling.

Keywords:
Awakening, transformation, rebirth, judgement, self-assessment, forgiveness, redemption, clarity, divine calling, renewal.

Symbolism:
Ten cups create a vibrant, overflowing arrangement, often adorned with lush flowers or intricate patterns, radiating harmony and joy. The image conveys the pinnacle of emotional achievement, lasting happiness, and the fulfilment of familial or communal bonds.

Meaning:
The Ten of Cups represents ultimate emotional fulfilment, family harmony, and a deep sense of belonging. It is the pinnacle of emotional achievement, signifying lasting happiness, unconditional love, and shared joy.

In relationships, it reflects a profound and harmonious bond. Spiritually, it represents alignment with universal love and the interconnectedness of all things.

Keywords:
Happiness, fulfilment, harmony, family, love, community, connection, gratitude, abundance, shared joy, emotional success.

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:
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:
The Roy of Swords sits on a grand throne, gripping a sword with authority, surrounded by minimal decoration to emphasise his focus and intellect. This card represents mastery of logic, clear judgment, and leadership in matters requiring mental precision and fairness.

Meaning:
The King of Swords represents authority, logic, and ethical leadership. He advises using intellect and fairness to make decisions. This card encourages seeking truth and upholding moral integrity.

In relationships, it suggests rational communication and mutual respect. Spiritually, it represents mastery of the mind and the power of clear thought.

Keywords:
Authority, logic, truth, judgment, fairness, intellect, leadership, integrity, clarity, rationality.

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:
The Roy of Cups is seated on a throne, holding a cup with a calm and composed demeanour, surrounded by subtle water motifs that evoke emotional balance. This card represents emotional leadership, wisdom, and the ability to guide others with kindness and understanding.

Meaning:
The King of Cups signifies emotional balance, maturity, and leadership. He represents someone who leads with compassion, wisdom, and understanding, maintaining calm even in turbulent times. This card encourages you to take control of your emotions and use them to guide yourself and others.

In relationships, it reflects a stable and loving partner or dynamic. Spiritually, it emphasises the harmony between intellect and emotions.

Keywords:
Emotional balance, leadership, wisdom, compassion, stability, maturity, understanding, guidance, calm, harmony.

Symbolism:
A single, ornate cup stands at the centre, often crowned with a flowing fountain or delicate embellishments, symbolising abundance and divine inspiration. The card radiates themes of emotional renewal, spiritual connection, and the beginning of fulfilling relationships.

Meaning:
The Ace of Cups represents emotional abundance, new beginnings in relationships, and the outpouring of love and compassion. It signals the birth of deep emotional connections, healing, and a time to open your heart to joy and creativity. This card encourages you to embrace vulnerability and allow emotions to flow freely.

In relationships, it signifies profound intimacy and love. Spiritually, it symbolises divine inspiration and the awakening of the soul to universal love.

Keywords:
Love, new beginnings, emotional abundance, compassion, intimacy, healing, joy, vulnerability, creativity, spiritual awakening.