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.

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 Eight of Cups		The Outcome Seven of Swords Hopes and Fears IV – The Emperor External Forces Youth of Coins The Querent XIX – The Sun
The Recent Past Seven of Coins	The Crossing Card Ten of Swords The Significator Knight of Coins	The Future XX – Judgement
	Foundation card King of Cups

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.

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'.

Realising that your present circumstances are not acceptable. Leaving an unsatisfying or unfulfilling situation for something new. A desire for change. Following the advice of your heart. The possibility of a more fulfilling situation. A bittersweet ending to a relationship.

Someone who seems caring and sympathetic, but who is manipulating the situation for their own benefit. Someone is acting in a manner that is unethical or morally ambiguous. Being secretive and brooding. The need to be more diplomatic or tactful.

Drudgery. Working for 'peanuts'. Doubting long-term benefits of current efforts. Demoralisation, giving up. Feeling oppressed by your work. Wasted effort or a waste of time.

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'.

Enjoying or celebrating success. Having energy and vitality, being optimistic and active. Triumph over obstacles. Recognition for work done. Trusting others and experiencing a sense of unity. Coming out of a dark period. Critical reasoning leads to clarity and understanding.

Good news related to finances and material goods. A new opportunity to make money, or a fresh new approach to business. Starting at the ground floor and working your way up. Meeting someone who is able to provide material benefits.

The Father archetype, which implies things like strictness, providing for others, and having respect and recognition from others. The ability to rationally resolve issues and problems. Having structure, stability, and order in your life. An authority figure, a person who is in a position of power.

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.