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

IV – The Emperor

  The Outcome

Seven of Cups


Hopes and Fears

King of Swords


External Forces

King of Wands


The Querent

X – The Wheel of Fortune

The Recent Past

XVI – The Tower

The Crossing Card

XVII – The Star


The Significator

Knight of Coins

The Future

Knight of Cups


Foundation card

Nine of Wands

 

 

 

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

 

 

Knight of Coins

Beginning to see tangible results. Achieving material prosperity. A possible new source of income; working a second job. Diligence, prudence, and hard work. Working hard to prove yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVII – The Star

Finding, regaining, or holding on to hope. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The calm after the storm. Meditation. Seeking inner tranquillity or a spiritual awakening. A time to develop a special talent or ability.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

IV – The Emperor

Seeing everything as being black and white or 'set in stone'. An abuse of power and authority. Challenging authority through insubordination. Being burdened with too much responsibility. A failure to act rationally. A coward, tyrant, or bully. Having issues with your father.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Nine of Wands

Overcoming obstacles. Persistence despite setbacks. Gaining strength and fortitude as the result of hardships and difficulties – 'That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. Being prepared to fight if you have to, but not anxious for conflict. Choose your battles carefully. Setting firm boundaries in a relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

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 Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

XVII – The Star

Finding, regaining, or holding on to hope. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The calm after the storm. Meditation. Seeking inner tranquillity or a spiritual awakening. A time to develop a special talent or ability.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

King of Wands

Leadership and the abilities associated with it – charisma, a sense of purpose, a desire to make a difference, a willingness to assume power, a sense of destiny, dedication to a cause, and self-confidence. Someone who is passionate and inspiring to others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

King of Swords

Good advice or a fair decision. Tough-minded common sense. Being able to make fair and impartial decisions. Your knowledge, intelligence, and expertise are respected. A trusted advisor or expert. 'Knowledge is Power'.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

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