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.
- The significator epitomizes what the reading deals with, the initial situation.
- An added impulse that compounds the significator, which may be either complimentary or contradictory.
- This is what is consciously known (thoughts).
- Unconscious driving forces that may not be known fully (emotions).
- The immediate past regarding the current situation.
- The first future card indicates the immediate future.
- This card represents the reader and their attitude towards cards #1 and #2.
- The external influences, the places and people which influence the topic.
- This tarot card suggests expectations; what is secretly hoped for or feared.
- The second future card reveals the long-term outcome.
Your Celtic Cross Reading
The Crown |
The Outcome![]() Eight of Swords
External Forces ![]() Ace of Wands
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The Recent Past![]() Four of Wands |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() VIII – Strength |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Seven of Coins
Drudgery. Working for 'peanuts'. Doubting long-term benefits of current efforts. Demoralisation, giving up. Feeling oppressed by your work. Wasted effort or a waste of time.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Two of Coins
Making choices or decisions that will ease stress and tension in life. Several tasks require your attention, so maintain your balance and prioritise your efforts carefully. Being flexible and keeping things in perspective. Having fun at your work. Grace, style, and skill make things look easy.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Knight of Wands
Being rash, unpredictable, undependable, impatient, pushy, or headstrong. Not looking where you are going. Being a 'loose cannon'. Jumping the gun creates problems. Over committing yourself. A need to let things unfold naturally.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Six of Wands
Success is not immediately forthcoming. Not receiving the recognition you deserve, or not getting the support you need. Victory leads to pride.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Four of Wands
Obstacles are blocking a rite of passage (such as a christening, graduation, wedding, or homecoming). You need to put more effort into creating a solid foundation for the future success of something. Someone is being a 'party pooper' or a 'wet blanket'.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Two of Coins
Making choices or decisions that will ease stress and tension in life. Several tasks require your attention, so maintain your balance and prioritise your efforts carefully. Being flexible and keeping things in perspective. Having fun at your work. Grace, style, and skill make things look easy.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Three of Wands
Foresight, long-range planning, and patience will help ensure success. The first steps of an enterprise are completed, and everything looks good. Opportunity for travel or for the shipment of goods. Someone who has an air of easy confidence.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Ace of Wands
A new venture, enterprise, or project that was anticipated doesn't come through. The failure of a project that was begun without the proper energy and support. Someone who is hyperactive or who has megalomania. A need for more creativity in order to succeed.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
0 – The Fool
Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.
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.
Eight of Swords
Gaining a healthy perspective of your problems. Ability to move forward after conquering self-imposed limitations. Not letting other people impose limitations or restrictions on you. Breaking through obstacles.

