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

King of Swords

  The Outcome

VIII – Strength


Hopes and Fears

Three of Cups


External Forces

Queen of Swords


The Querent

Knight of Wands

The Recent Past

III – The Empress

The Crossing Card

Knight of Coins


The Significator

Seven of Swords

The Future

Youth of Cups


Foundation card

XXI – The World

 

 

 

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

 

 

Seven of Swords

Taking or reclaiming what is yours. The return of something lost or stolen. Seeing through dishonesty. A confession or act of contrition. Getting caught red-handed. Experiencing karmic payback.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Knight of Coins

A new source of income doesn't come through. Struggling to make ends meet. 'All work and no play;' a 'stick in the mud'. Being possessive with your things or defensive about your work. Losing interest in your work.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

King of Swords

Good advice or a fair decision. Tough-minded common sense. Being able to make fair and impartial decisions. Your knowledge, intelligence, and expertise are respected. A trusted advisor or expert. 'Knowledge is Power'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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 Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

III – The Empress

The Mother archetype, which implies mothering qualities such as nurturing, compassion, devotion, creativity, and fertility. An endeavour is coming to fruition. Love and sexuality. Hard work that pays off.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

Knight of Coins

A new source of income doesn't come through. Struggling to make ends meet. 'All work and no play;' a 'stick in the mud'. Being possessive with your things or defensive about your work. Losing interest in your work.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Knight of Wands

Being rash, unpredictable, undependable, impatient, pushy, or headstrong. Not looking where you are going. Being a 'loose cannon'. Jumping the gun creates problems. Over committing yourself. A need to let things unfold naturally.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Queen of Swords

Having a keen understanding of other people. Wisdom based on past hardship and sorrow. Being brutally honest is what's called for now. Independence and self-reliance are more important than emotional ties. Not a great time for romance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Three of Cups

Be careful of overindulgence; too much of a good thing can cause problems. The cancelation of a celebration or party. Hanging with a bad crowd. Betrayal of friends. 'Misery loves company'.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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