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![]() XIV – Temperance
External Forces ![]() Youth of Wands
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The Recent Past![]() VII – The Chariot |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Ace of Swords |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Seven of Coins
Reaping what you have sown. Rewards have not yet arrived, but your continued hard work will bring favourable results down the line. Reassessing your goals or the strategy for achieving your goals.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
IX – The Hermit
Someone has been too withdrawn, antisocial, or introverted and would benefit from the company of others. Loneliness or aloofness. Isolation from people who might provide help or useful guidance. Feeling ostracised, left out.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Six of Swords
Escaping stress and conflict. Seeking peace after a conflict. Cutting your losses and moving on. Stepping back or moving away from a difficult situation to gain a valuable perspective of it. A trip to or a visitor from a faraway place. Trying to overcome a bad habit or self-destructive mindset, perhaps with the help of a support group.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Eight of Wands
Watch out – things are moving too quickly or spinning out of control. Spending too much energy on the wrong problem. Spinning your wheels. Making decisions too hastily. Moving forward with reckless abandon. Feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of events.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
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 Future depicts that which lies ahead.
IX – The Hermit
Someone has been too withdrawn, antisocial, or introverted and would benefit from the company of others. Loneliness or aloofness. Isolation from people who might provide help or useful guidance. Feeling ostracised, left out.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Seven of Cups
The lifting of a fog, the ability to make a clear, well thought out decision. An end to wishful thinking. A time to use your imagination, to follow your dreams, or to listen to a message from the spirit world. The happy realisation that you have many options. Seeing through someone else's deceptions.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Youth of Wands
A proverbial 'wild child' – someone who is unruly and unmanageable, perhaps even savage. Someone who was abused as a child. Immature social skills. Bad or upsetting news. The possible violation of a confidence.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
King of Swords
Having your mind made up and being closed to new ideas. Guarding your secrets or not sharing your knowledge. Intrusive meddling. Unfair decisions or bad advice. Following the letter of the law may allow you to ignore unfairness and cruelty in yourself and others. Having or exercising 'book learning' but not common sense.
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.
XIV – Temperance
Inflexibility causes problems in resolving issues. An inability to be open to others' viewpoints or to find a middle ground or compromise in a troublesome situation. Taking extreme measures when a more balance approach is required. Adhering to either extreme of abstinence or self-indulgence.

