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 Youth of Swords		The Outcome Queen of Swords Hopes and Fears VII – The Chariot External Forces Eight of Cups The Querent Five of Cups
The Recent Past Nine of Coins	The Crossing Card Ace of Cups The Significator XVII – The Star	The Future IX – The Hermit
	Foundation card Four of Cups

Pessimism. Taking a 'glass is half empty' approach instead of viewing it as half full. Not being able to recognise the value of a situation or opportunity. Holding on to desperate or unrealistic hopes. Having your head in the clouds when you need to keep your feet on the ground instead.

A tentative or fragile relationship requires better care. A relationship is not proceeding as hoped, such as a love that is unrequited or a friendship that turns out to be superficial. A need for more love and compassion. Feelings of loneliness. The need to set emotional boundaries with a friend, colleague, or lover.

An open minded approach. Someone who speaks plainly and with simple honesty; innocent sincerity wins the day. Simple answers are sometimes the best. Learning from your mistakes. A need to just tell it like it is.

Inability to recognise the good in a relationship or a situation. Feeling depressed, bored, or apathetic about something. Experiencing melancholy. Trying to escape problems through empty pleasures. Being jaded. The novelty of a new situation has worn off and it now seems mundane and boring.

Things may not be as secure as they seem. Building success on shaky ground. Material success that is fragile or fleeting. Imprudent spending that undermines your security. Feeling unfulfilled by what you have. Feeling driven to 'keep up with the Joneses'.

A tentative or fragile relationship requires better care. A relationship is not proceeding as hoped, such as a love that is unrequited or a friendship that turns out to be superficial. A need for more love and compassion. Feelings of loneliness. The need to set emotional boundaries with a friend, colleague, or lover.

Feelings of loss or abandonment by a loved one. Feeling betrayed by someone you loved or trusted. A relationship has turned ugly and unpleasant, or a painful ending is coming. Seeing the glass as half empty instead of as half full. 'Crying over spilt milk'.

The inability to recognise how unhealthy the current situation is or an unwillingness to leave it. Sensing that something is missing in your life, but not knowing what. Experiencing regrets about making a change in your life. Settling for the status quo. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

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.

Having a keen understanding of other people. Wisdom based on past hardship and sorrow. Being brutally honest is what's called for now. Independence and self-reliance are more important than emotional ties. Not a great time for romance.