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 I – The Magician		The Outcome XX – Judgement Hopes and Fears II – The Priestess External Forces XV – The Devil The Querent XVI – The Tower
The Recent Past VI – The Lovers	The Crossing Card V – The Hierophant The Significator XIV – Temperance	The Future VII – The Chariot
	Foundation card XXI – The World

Inflexibility causes problems in resolving issues. An inability to be open to others' viewpoints or to find a middle ground or compromise in a troublesome situation. Taking extreme measures when a more balance approach is required. Adhering to either extreme of abstinence or self-indulgence.

Taking a non-conformist or unconventional approach. Blindly following someone else's advice. Being closed-minded. Someone who is obsessive compulsive or does doing everything by the book. Being sacrilegious or irreligious.

You need more knowledge, experience or skills in order to succeed. Someone is being a trickster or huckster – sly, cunning or sneaky.

A satisfying completion, the fulfilment of your desires, attaining a goal, achieving deserved recognition. You have learned much from the hard work put into reaching your goal. Being ready to wrap things up. Overcoming limitations, such as poverty, a handicap, etc. Feeling your connection to another person or group of people.

A relationship ending or turning sour (it may or may not be romantic). 'Star-crossed lovers;' an ill-fated relationship. The inability to make a choice for any number of reasons – fearing to commit to a decision, being indecisive, or having inner conflict. Choosing the 'low road' in life.

Taking a non-conformist or unconventional approach. Blindly following someone else's advice. Being closed-minded. Someone who is obsessive compulsive or does doing everything by the book. Being sacrilegious or irreligious.

The end or resolution of a crisis. A time to pick up the pieces and move forward. Alternately, an inability to move forward because you feel confined by powers beyond your control. The discovery that a crisis that you hated was actually 'a cosmic kick in the pants' which has liberated you from a bad situation.

'Facing your demons'. Overcoming an addiction. Pushing past obsessions and working to limit the number of toxic situations and friendships in your life. Getting help for your problems with addictions, anger management issues, etc. Resisting temptation. 'Better the devil you know than the devil you don't'.

Intuitively understanding underlying factors or unconscious motivations. Follow the guidance of your dreams. Meditation and contemplation is important now. Inner peace and tranquillity. Spirituality.

Renewal, regeneration, and (metaphorical) rebirth. Hearing a calling; experiencing an epiphany. Exhibiting good judgment. Thinking 'outside the box'. Forgiving someone who has wronged you. Opening a new chapter in life or passing a significant milestone.