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![]() Ace of Coins
External Forces ![]() Five of Swords
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The Recent Past![]() Four of Coins |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Four of Swords |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
King of Coins
Hospitality and charity. Exhibiting extravagant generosity. Good business or financial advice. Success in business ventures or projects. A philanthropist or benefactor. A 'sugar daddy'.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
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 Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
II – The Priestess
Intuitively understanding underlying factors or unconscious motivations. Follow the guidance of your dreams. Meditation and contemplation is important now. Inner peace and tranquillity. Spirituality.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
XVI – The Tower
The end or resolution of a crisis. A time to pick up the pieces and move forward. Alternately, an inability to move forward because you feel confined by powers beyond your control. The discovery that a crisis that you hated was actually 'a cosmic kick in the pants' which has liberated you from a bad situation.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Four of Coins
A financial situation that has a stable foundation. You will receive the financial rewards you expect. Don't worry; you have all that you need. A warning to hold on tight to what you have.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
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 Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
XVIII – The Moon
A time of deception, hidden agendas or unseen perils. There is some scheming going on behind the scenes. Suffering misunderstandings or confusion. Something eerie or haunting is going on. Hidden fears are coming to the surface. Feeling alone and abandoned, or that you have lost your way in life. Depression or nightmares.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
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.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Ten of Cups
Relaxation and contentment after struggles or hard work. Feeling at peace with others and with the world. An idyllic time. A good time for love, relationships, and spiritual growth. Gathering of loved ones in celebration. Affection, well-being and contentment.
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.
Ace of Coins
Opportunity is knocking. This is a good time to start a new business venture or to create a firm financial foundation for yourself. A new project is likely to be profitable. Someone is bringing important financial news. 'Sowing your wild oats'.

