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

IX – The Hermit

  The Outcome

0 – The Fool


Hopes and Fears

Three of Coins


External Forces

Ten of Swords


The Querent

IV – The Emperor

The Recent Past

King of Wands

The Crossing Card

VII – The Chariot


The Significator

XX – Judgement

The Future

Youth of Swords


Foundation card

Ten of Cups

 

 

 

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

 

 

XX – Judgement

Renewal, regeneration, and (metaphorical) rebirth. Hearing a calling; experiencing an epiphany. Exhibiting good judgment. Thinking 'outside the box'. Forgiving someone who has wronged you. Opening a new chapter in life or passing a significant milestone.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

VII – The Chariot

Taking control of conflicting forces within a project. Moving forward despite these conflicting forces. Using strength of will to get things done. Taking personal responsibility for something. A positive outcome is suggested.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

IX – The Hermit

Someone has been too withdrawn, antisocial, or introverted and would benefit from the company of others. Loneliness or aloofness. Isolation from people who might provide help or useful guidance. Feeling ostracised, left out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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 Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

VII – The Chariot

Taking control of conflicting forces within a project. Moving forward despite these conflicting forces. Using strength of will to get things done. Taking personal responsibility for something. A positive outcome is suggested.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

IV – The Emperor

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ten of Swords

Desperate actions in desperate times. A mess that no one wants to take responsibility for. Hitting rock bottom. Plans fall apart. Continuing to obsess about a situation even though it is finished already. Overkill. Feeling like you've been stabbed in the back. 'He who lives by the sword dies by the sword'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Three of Coins

Cooperation, especially in a work environment. Working well with others on a project too large for one person. Working on a creative venture. A good start of an enterprise, which promises eventual rewards. A talented and competent person or group of people.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

0 – The Fool

Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.

 

 

 

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