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 Wands

  The Outcome

XIX – The Sun


Hopes and Fears

Four of Swords


External Forces

Queen of Wands


The Querent

Youth of Swords

The Recent Past

Six of Cups

The Crossing Card

Six of Swords


The Significator

Queen of Swords

The Future

III – The Empress


Foundation card

Eight of Cups

 

 

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Six of Swords

An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Eight of Cups

The inability to recognise how unhealthy the current situation is or an unwillingness to leave it. Sensing that something is missing in your life, but not knowing what. Experiencing regrets about making a change in your life. Settling for the status quo. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

Six of Cups

Being overly sentimental. Someone is smothering a relationship by being overly protective. Inability to move beyond painful events from the past. Unwillingness to cut the apron strings from prior support systems. Someone is living in the past, which is blocking success in the present and future. Current problems are rooted in childhood traumas.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

Six of Swords

An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Youth of Swords

Lying or spying. Spinning information, spreading rumours or misinformation. Naiveté, gullibility. A simplistic or simple-minded approach. Overlooking the obvious.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Four of Swords

Taking a vacation or some needed 'downtime'. Rest and recuperation. A reminder to take care of yourself. Finding peace or a break from the stress of life. Escaping the 'rat race'. Introspection.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

XIX – The Sun

Partial success or success after some delays. 'Hiding your light under a bushel'. A missed opportunity. A need for a more energetic approach. Someone who is arrogant, egocentric, or self-absorbed.

 

 

 

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