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.
- The significator epitomizes what the reading deals with, the initial situation.
- An added impulse that compounds the significator, which may be either complimentary or contradictory.
- This is what is consciously known (thoughts).
- Unconscious driving forces that may not be known fully (emotions).
- The immediate past regarding the current situation.
- The first future card indicates the immediate future.
- This card represents the reader and their attitude towards cards #1 and #2.
- The external influences, the places and people which influence the topic.
- This tarot card suggests expectations; what is secretly hoped for or feared.
- The second future card reveals the long-term outcome.
Your Celtic Cross Reading
The Crown |
The Outcome![]() VIII – Strength
External Forces ![]() XII – The Hanged Man
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The Recent Past![]() XXI – The World |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() VI – The Lovers |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
XVI – The Tower
The collapse of a project or situation, especially when it forces you to revaluate your core values. Someone who challenges your beliefs or forces you to revaluate your life. Being forced out of your comfort zone. Losing your temper, i.e., blowing your top.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
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.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
XI – Justice
Lack of self-discipline is creating problems. Being a bully or feeling bullied by others. Being overbearing or bossy. Lacking integrity and moral fortitude. Yielding to base instincts such as greed and jealousy. Seeing the worst in others.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
VII – The Chariot
Feeling pulled in several directions at once. Feeling a loss of control in your life. An inability to properly master outside influences. Charging ahead rashly. Running roughshod over other people. Losing yourself in the role you have to play in order to succeed. Failure or a very costly victory.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
XXI – The World
An unwillingness or inability to finish a job. Unfinished business in your life needs to be attended to. A need to tie up loose ends and finally put something to rest. Feelings of boredom or powerlessness. Bridling at constraints that have been imposed on you. 'Living in your own little world'.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
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.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
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.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
XII – The Hanged Man
Involuntary sacrifice. Martyrdom or playing the role of a victim. Experiencing reversals or setbacks. Unwillingness to make a sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. A need to step back and get a fresh perspective.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
XIII – Death
Clinging to old ideas, beliefs, situations, or relationships that no longer serve a purpose. Fear of change, or a refusal to change, which may hinder growth or make an inevitable change more painful when it eventually does happen. Being in denial about a significant loss.
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.
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.

