Celtic Cross Spread

Celtic Cross

 

 

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

Queen of Coins

  The Outcome

Nine of Wands


Hopes and Fears

XX – Judgement


External Forces

Ace of Coins


The Querent

Three of Swords

The Recent Past

Queen of Wands

The Crossing Card

Six of Wands


The Significator

Six of Swords

The Future

VII – The Chariot


Foundation card

Nine of Swords

 

 

 

The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

 

 

Six of Swords

An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.

 

 

 

 

 

The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.

 

Six of Wands

Success is not immediately forthcoming. Not receiving the recognition you deserve, or not getting the support you need. Victory leads to pride.

 

 

 

 

 

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.

 

Queen of Coins

Being nurturing, a caregiver. A willingness to make sacrifices for others. Sharing your success with people you love. A practical and resourceful approach toward steady progress instead of taking risks in search of quick fixes or a fast buck. A time to work hard toward your goals; there are no easy solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.

 

Nine of Swords

Feelings of anxiety, dread, and hopelessness over a problem which will likely not be as bad as it initially seems. Obsessing over the worst case scenario. Problems sleeping due to stress. Being plagued with nightmares. Unfounded feelings of shame and guilt. Feeling suicidal or like you're losing your mind.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

Queen of Wands

An interfering, domineering, or overpowering person who insists on getting their own way. Using deceit or betrayal to thwart someone they think is in their way. The imposition of your own values on others. Haughtiness and pride. The 'other woman' in an affair.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

Six of Wands

Success is not immediately forthcoming. Not receiving the recognition you deserve, or not getting the support you need. Victory leads to pride.

 

 

 

 

 

The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.

 

Three of Swords

Facing a harsh reality. The pursuit of truth, no matter how painful it may be. A need to work through a pain experience or memory. Learning a hard lesson. Doing what you have to in order to survive. Making a necessary sacrifice. A period of loneliness.

 

 

 

 

 

External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.

 

Ace of Coins

A new venture is faltering. Desired results are not delivered or will be delayed. Someone is late in providing payment, or payment is not complete. The inability to meet financial obligations. Someone who was 'born with a silver spoon in his mouth'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.

 

XX – Judgement

Renewal, regeneration, and (metaphorical) rebirth. Hearing a calling; experiencing an epiphany. Exhibiting good judgment. Thinking 'outside the box'. Forgiving someone who has wronged you. Opening a new chapter in life or passing a significant milestone.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Nine of Wands

Feeling ambushed or caught off-guard. Underestimating the opposition. Obstacles and difficulties have made someone bitter and defensive. The inability to let anyone into your life. The need to properly define your space in a relationship or a lack of respect for someone else's space.

 

 

 

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