Celtic Cross Spread

Celtic Cross

 

 

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

XVII – The Star

  The Outcome

XIX – The Sun


Hopes and Fears

XV – The Devil


External Forces

I – The Magician


The Querent

II – The Priestess

The Recent Past

0 – The Fool

The Crossing Card

VIII – Strength


The Significator

X – The Wheel of Fortune

The Future

VII – The Chariot


Foundation card

III – The Empress

 

 

 

The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

 

 

X – The Wheel of Fortune

The beginning of a new cycle or a new chapter in life. The end of a difficult situation. Opportunities from unexpected sources. Rapid and/or important changes are coming. Good fortune and luck. Having equanimity saves you from all the drama going on around you.

 

 

 

 

 

The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.

 

VIII – Strength

An unjust decision, perhaps based on bias, bigotry, or deceit. Delays in the delivery of a decision. Irresponsibility. An inability to make a decision. Being treated unfairly or with prejudice.

 

 

 

 

 

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.

 

XVII – The Star

Pessimism. Taking a 'glass is half empty' approach instead of viewing it as half full. Not being able to recognise the value of a situation or opportunity. Holding on to desperate or unrealistic hopes. Having your head in the clouds when you need to keep your feet on the ground instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.

 

III – The Empress

A project is having problems coming to fruition. Obstacles to creativity, such as writer's block. Sterility or loss. Someone is being unproductive. Having issues with your mother. Being smothered by someone. Chaos. Stagnation.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

0 – The Fool

Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

VIII – Strength

An unjust decision, perhaps based on bias, bigotry, or deceit. Delays in the delivery of a decision. Irresponsibility. An inability to make a decision. Being treated unfairly or with prejudice.

 

 

 

 

 

The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.

 

II – The Priestess

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

 

 

 

 

 

External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.

 

I – The Magician

Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.

 

XV – The Devil

Materialism or superficiality. Negative thinking. A dysfunctional relationship. Being self-destructive or caught in a bad situation of your own making through vices such as greed, addictions, or hubris. Giving in to temptation. Feeling like you're going through Hell. Egotistical power struggles. Dealing with someone you think is evil, although s/he may be merely exhibiting shortcomings that you have but don't want to face in yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome of your question. Interpret this card in the context of the entire reading and as an indicator of the path you are currently on, but not necessarily bound to.

 

XIX – The Sun

Enjoying or celebrating success. Having energy and vitality, being optimistic and active. Triumph over obstacles. Recognition for work done. Trusting others and experiencing a sense of unity. Coming out of a dark period. Critical reasoning leads to clarity and understanding.

 

 

 

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