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.

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 Ten of Cups		The Outcome Queen of Swords Hopes and Fears IV – The Emperor External Forces XII – The Hanged Man The Querent Four of Coins
The Recent Past King of Wands	The Crossing Card XXI – The World The Significator Five of Wands	The Future VI – The Lovers
	Foundation card Two 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.

A satisfying completion, the fulfilment of your desires, attaining a goal, achieving deserved recognition. You have learned much from the hard work put into reaching your goal. Being ready to wrap things up. Overcoming limitations, such as poverty, a handicap, etc. Feeling your connection to another person or group of people.

A good situation is disrupted. The end of a good time in life. Family problems or disruptions in your home life. Having an overly idealistic view of what a relationship should be like. Happiness that proves to be as fleeting as a rainbow. An unhappy childhood or a dysfunctional family life.

A struggle between two people (or groups of people) that is fair and neither party has a clear advantage. No one is completely to blame – 'It takes two to tangle'. Arriving at a reasonable resolution to a conflict. It's time to 'put the pedal to the metal' in order to succeed.

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.

A satisfying completion, the fulfilment of your desires, attaining a goal, achieving deserved recognition. You have learned much from the hard work put into reaching your goal. Being ready to wrap things up. Overcoming limitations, such as poverty, a handicap, etc. Feeling your connection to another person or group of people.

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.

Involuntary sacrifice. Martyrdom or playing the role of a victim. Experiencing reversals or setbacks. Unwillingness to make a sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. A need to step back and get a fresh perspective.

The Father archetype, which implies things like strictness, providing for others, and having respect and recognition from others. The ability to rationally resolve issues and problems. Having structure, stability, and order in your life. An authority figure, a person who is in a position of power.

Being moralistic, self-righteous, sanctimonious, prudish, or emotionally barren. Someone behind the scenes is pulling the strings. Someone is not what she seems. She may be wearing a mask, or she may be using guile and cunning to manipulate someone to do something for her or to do things her way.