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

Youth of Swords

  The Outcome

Queen of Wands


Hopes and Fears

Six of Cups


External Forces

Knight of Swords


The Querent

Nine of Wands

The Recent Past

I – The Magician

The Crossing Card

Youth of Coins


The Significator

Five of Wands

The Future

Queen of Cups


Foundation card

XVIII – The Moon

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

Youth of Coins

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 Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.

 

Youth of Swords

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVIII – The Moon

Finding out what is really going on. Something that was unclear or ambiguous is now understood. Uncovering or revealing deceit, dishonesty, and self-deception. Experiencing romance. Looking into the mysteries of life. Letting your imagination run free, which may lead you to new insights and discoveries. Finding hidden messages or meaning in your dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

I – The Magician

You need more knowledge, experience or skills in order to succeed. Someone is being a trickster or huckster – sly, cunning or sneaky.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

Youth of Coins

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Knight of Swords

Being clever and persuasive. Being idealistic or on a quest of some sort. Someone rushes to someone else's defence during a difficult time. Being a hero to someone else. The need to follow your head and not your heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Six of Cups

An innocent enjoyment of life and its simple pleasures. Making a peace offering to restore domestic harmony. A reunion with old friends; finding a childhood friend. A need to revisit or resolve some aspect of the past. Coming to terms with old memories or forgiving past transgressions.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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).

 

 

 

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