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![]() Eight of Wands
External Forces ![]() Nine of Swords
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The Recent Past![]() Ace of Swords |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Ten of Coins |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Knight of Cups
A chance to meet new people. The start of a new relationship (romantic or otherwise). The desire to reach out to someone else. Someone who is a hopeless romantic, 'a lover, not a fighter'. Acting upon your emotions, intuition, or gut feeling.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
X – The Wheel of Fortune
The beginning of a new cycle or a new chapter in life. The end of a difficult situation. Opportunities from unexpected sources. Rapid and/or important changes are coming. Good fortune and luck. Having equanimity saves you from all the drama going on around you.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Eight of Swords
Gaining a healthy perspective of your problems. Ability to move forward after conquering self-imposed limitations. Not letting other people impose limitations or restrictions on you. Breaking through obstacles.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Youth of Coins
The need to learn useful skills or to learn more about a financial or material matter. Inexperienced or inept financial dealings. Losing the initiative on a business deal. Vain hopes for a quick reward. Naïve business dealings; falling for a scam.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Ace of Swords
Discovering a painful truth. Someone is trying to deceive you or misinform you. Cruel or unfair intentions. Undeserved criticism. Close-mindedness. Advice to be less aggressive and more understanding.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
X – The Wheel of Fortune
The beginning of a new cycle or a new chapter in life. The end of a difficult situation. Opportunities from unexpected sources. Rapid and/or important changes are coming. Good fortune and luck. Having equanimity saves you from all the drama going on around you.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Five of Swords
Malicious, dishonest, inconsiderate, or destructive behaviour. A devious plot. Bad sportsmanship. Doing something you know you shouldn't do. A no-win situation. Attempting to win at any cost. Seeking revenge (vs. justice). Petty politics. Gossip and slander.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Nine of Swords
Realisation that fears were blown out of proportion. Things are turning out to be not as bad as expected. Regaining hope or peace of mind. Finding or having someone to comfort you or to help you through difficult times.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Ten of Swords
Desperate actions in desperate times. A mess that no one wants to take responsibility for. Hitting rock bottom. Plans fall apart. Continuing to obsess about a situation even though it is finished already. Overkill. Feeling like you've been stabbed in the back. 'He who lives by the sword dies by the sword'.
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.
Eight of Wands
Go for it! Clear skies and smooth sailing ahead. Rapidly moving toward the achievement of your goals. Good news is coming. Renewed vigour and energy for an endeavour. Spontaneity. Embarking on an exciting journey. Operating out of a sense of urgency.

