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![]() X – The Wheel of Fortune
External Forces ![]() I – The Magician
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The Recent Past![]() XI – Justice |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() 0 – The Fool |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Eight of Coins
Willingly doing the work required for success, everything down to the lasts detail. Dedication to your job. 'Practice makes perfect'. Success comes one step at a time. A need to pay close attention to details. Working at home or for yourself. Industriousness.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Five of Wands
Feeling beaten down by petty bickering or office politics. Being in a 'no holds barred' situation – 'every man for himself'. Competition is getting ugly. You may be getting swallowed up in contentious rivalry. Your energy is too scattered and unfocused.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Four of Swords
Being stuck in a holding pattern. Laziness. Avoiding a conflict rather than resolving it. A vacation or an expected respite from struggles and conflicts does not come or is cut short. Not getting the rest you need. Having problems sleeping.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Five of Cups
The end of a painful time is drawing near. Seeing the glass as half full instead of as half empty. Getting over grief and sorrow. Seeing a loss as the beginning of a new stage in life. Consoling someone who has experienced a loss.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
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.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Five of Wands
Feeling beaten down by petty bickering or office politics. Being in a 'no holds barred' situation – 'every man for himself'. Competition is getting ugly. You may be getting swallowed up in contentious rivalry. Your energy is too scattered and unfocused.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
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.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
I – The Magician
Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Seven of Cups
The lifting of a fog, the ability to make a clear, well thought out decision. An end to wishful thinking. A time to use your imagination, to follow your dreams, or to listen to a message from the spirit world. The happy realisation that you have many options. Seeing through someone else's deceptions.
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.
X – The Wheel of Fortune
Delay in new beginnings or missing out on new opportunities. Having resistance to change. Unexpected problems and obstacles. Fate is not smiling at you right now. 'Shit happens' but 'this too shall pass'. Getting caught up in the dramas of life.

