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![]() III – The Empress
External Forces ![]() Nine of Wands
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The Recent Past![]() Ace of Coins |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Five of Wands |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
XVI – The Tower
The collapse of a project or situation, especially when it forces you to revaluate your core values. Someone who challenges your beliefs or forces you to revaluate your life. Being forced out of your comfort zone. Losing your temper, i.e., blowing your top.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Youth of Swords
Lying or spying. Spinning information, spreading rumours or misinformation. Naiveté, gullibility. A simplistic or simple-minded approach. Overlooking the obvious.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Seven of Cups
The lifting of a fog, the ability to make a clear, well thought out decision. An end to wishful thinking. A time to use your imagination, to follow your dreams, or to listen to a message from the spirit world. The happy realisation that you have many options. Seeing through someone else's deceptions.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
II – The Priestess
Intuitively understanding underlying factors or unconscious motivations. Follow the guidance of your dreams. Meditation and contemplation is important now. Inner peace and tranquillity. Spirituality.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Ace of Coins
Opportunity is knocking. This is a good time to start a new business venture or to create a firm financial foundation for yourself. A new project is likely to be profitable. Someone is bringing important financial news. 'Sowing your wild oats'.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Youth of Swords
Lying or spying. Spinning information, spreading rumours or misinformation. Naiveté, gullibility. A simplistic or simple-minded approach. Overlooking the obvious.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Four of Coins
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.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
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.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
King of Cups
A situation that requires compassion, mercy, or empathy. Someone who lends a sympathetic ear. Being persuasive, diplomatic and tactful. Being guided by morality, integrity, and ethics. Being able to rise above the emotional turmoil around you. Someone close to you needs your compassion and understanding.
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.
III – The Empress
A project is having problems coming to fruition. Obstacles to creativity, such as writer's block. Sterility or loss. Someone is being unproductive. Having issues with your mother. Being smothered by someone. Chaos. Stagnation.

