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 XVII – The Star		The Outcome V – The Hierophant Hopes and Fears III – The Empress External Forces II – The Priestess The Querent XX – Judgement
The Recent Past XIX – The Sun	The Crossing Card VI – The Lovers The Significator VIII – Strength	The Future X – The Wheel of Fortune
	Foundation card IV – The Emperor

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.

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.

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.

Seeing everything as being black and white or 'set in stone'. An abuse of power and authority. Challenging authority through insubordination. Being burdened with too much responsibility. A failure to act rationally. A coward, tyrant, or bully. Having issues with your father.

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.

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.

A lack of common sense. A hasty or ill-considered decision that brings an unwelcome change to your life. Clinging to the confines of conventional thinking. A reluctance to move forward with your life. Holding on to a grudge.

Try to listen more to the voice inside your heart. Not being able to express insights to others; your advice will be ignored or misunderstood. Beware of allowing your emotions to influence your decisions or actions. Someone is being secretive. Coldness, Detachment.

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.

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.