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 Four of Wands		The Outcome Ten of Wands Hopes and Fears VI – The Lovers External Forces V – The Hierophant The Querent Three of Swords
The Recent Past II – The Priestess	The Crossing Card I – The Magician The Significator VII – The Chariot	The Future XIV – Temperance
	Foundation card Knight of Swords

Taking control of conflicting forces within a project. Moving forward despite these conflicting forces. Using strength of will to get things done. Taking personal responsibility for something. A positive outcome is suggested.

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

Taking time to enjoy the rewards of your efforts. Celebrating a rite of passage, such as a christening, graduation, wedding, or homecoming. Generally, any party or celebration. A shared sense of unity and harmony in your community.

Being headstrong, argumentative, opinionated, sarcastic or cruel. Having a hero complex. 'Shoot first and ask questions later'. Wanting to win at any cost. Avoiding confrontation. Ill-conceived plans are falling apart.

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

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

Avoiding painful truths. Unscrupulous actions. Having no regrets for your actions. Moving on and leaving the past behind you. Struggling to recover from psychological wounds.

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 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.

Being overburdened, overcommitted, or overwhelmed. Feeling swamped with work. Getting burned out. Working in bad conditions for low pay. A need to delegate responsibilities to others or to set priorities. The 'last straw'. Doubting that things will ever come to a successful completion.