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![]() Two of Coins
External Forces ![]() Ten of Cups
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The Recent Past![]() Five of Wands |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Eight of Wands |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Queen of Wands
Fortitude and resolve. Having a positive approach, a sunny disposition, and good humour. A good natured or independent person who has their life in order. Meeting your responsibilities (at work, school, family, etc).
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
King of Wands
Someone with a sense of entitlement. Being arrogant, insufferable, or oppressive to others. Megalomania and a desire for power at any price. A charismatic leader who is dictatorial or is acting out of his own self-interest. Someone in authority who takes an unyielding position. Your creativity is being squashed by others.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
XI – Justice
Having Inner strength. Resolving problems with patience, composure, compassion or understanding. An ability to control your baser instincts. Facing trials and hardships with courage. Finding a peaceful resolution to an angry or violent situation. Seeing the best in others.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Ace of Cups
An opportunity exists for a new relationship – anything from friendship to lover to new family member. A time to heal a relationship, to renew a commitment to others, or to reconnect with someone from your past. Advice to trust your feelings and follow your heart. Emotions are at the core of the situation.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Five of Wands
Finding a way to make a chaotic situation be productive instead. Rising above the chaos and turmoil around you. 'You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs'. Complications or problems in your life can be overcome with some effort. The end of struggles. You are being held back by your conflicted feelings about something.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
King of Wands
Someone with a sense of entitlement. Being arrogant, insufferable, or oppressive to others. Megalomania and a desire for power at any price. A charismatic leader who is dictatorial or is acting out of his own self-interest. Someone in authority who takes an unyielding position. Your creativity is being squashed by others.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Three of Wands
Foresight, long-range planning, and patience will help ensure success. The first steps of an enterprise are completed, and everything looks good. Opportunity for travel or for the shipment of goods. Someone who has an air of easy confidence.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Ten of Cups
A good situation is disrupted. The end of a good time in life. Family problems or disruptions in your home life. Having an overly idealistic view of what a relationship should be like. Happiness that proves to be as fleeting as a rainbow. An unhappy childhood or a dysfunctional family life.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
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.
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.
Two of Coins
An inability to balance or juggle all of your obligations and commitments. Someone has bitten off more than they can chew and are feeling overwhelmed. Mishandling of finances. 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul'.

