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 VIII – Strength		The Outcome XIX – The Sun Hopes and Fears II – The Priestess External Forces XVI – The Tower The Querent IV – The Emperor
The Recent Past X – The Wheel of Fortune	The Crossing Card XVIII – The Moon The Significator V – The Hierophant	The Future VI – The Lovers
	Foundation card 0 – The Fool

Conformity; sticking with conventional wisdom. A traditional rite, ritual, or ceremony. Religious teachings or education in general. Peer pressure. Listening to your conscience. Being devout; having faith in something.

A time of deception, hidden agendas or unseen perils. There is some scheming going on behind the scenes. Suffering misunderstandings or confusion. Something eerie or haunting is going on. Hidden fears are coming to the surface. Feeling alone and abandoned, or that you have lost your way in life. Depression or nightmares.

Karma. Taking responsibility for your actions. A fair outcome, a decision in your favour. Fighting for a just cause. A balanced approach, impartiality. You need to weigh the pros and cons of a situation in order to make a sensible decision and take appropriate action.

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

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.

A time of deception, hidden agendas or unseen perils. There is some scheming going on behind the scenes. Suffering misunderstandings or confusion. Something eerie or haunting is going on. Hidden fears are coming to the surface. Feeling alone and abandoned, or that you have lost your way in life. Depression or nightmares.

The Father archetype, which implies things like strictness, providing for others, and having respect and recognition from others. The ability to rationally resolve issues and problems. Having structure, stability, and order in your life. An authority figure, a person who is in a position of power.

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.

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

Partial success or success after some delays. 'Hiding your light under a bushel'. A missed opportunity. A need for a more energetic approach. Someone who is arrogant, egocentric, or self-absorbed.