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![]() King of Coins
External Forces ![]() Four of Coins
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The Recent Past![]() 0 – The Fool |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Eight of Wands |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Queen of Cups
Thinking you're in love with someone, but actually you're just 'in love with love'. A need to create more peace and harmony in your relationships. Having an overly emotional response. Being emotionally needy. Emotions are clouding your judgment.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
V – The Hierophant
Taking a non-conformist or unconventional approach. Blindly following someone else's advice. Being closed-minded. Someone who is obsessive compulsive or does doing everything by the book. Being sacrilegious or irreligious.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
XI – Justice
Lack of self-discipline is creating problems. Being a bully or feeling bullied by others. Being overbearing or bossy. Lacking integrity and moral fortitude. Yielding to base instincts such as greed and jealousy. Seeing the worst in others.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Knight of Cups
A chance to meet new people. The start of a new relationship (romantic or otherwise). The desire to reach out to someone else. Someone who is a hopeless romantic, 'a lover, not a fighter'. Acting upon your emotions, intuition, or gut feeling.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
0 – The Fool
Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
V – The Hierophant
Taking a non-conformist or unconventional approach. Blindly following someone else's advice. Being closed-minded. Someone who is obsessive compulsive or does doing everything by the book. Being sacrilegious or irreligious.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
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.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Four of Coins
Someone who is miserly, possessive, or overly cautious with his / her resources – a 'Scrooge'. Spending money unwisely or having problems saving money. Financial and material concerns are important at this time.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Three of Wands
An enterprise that looked promising fails to deliver. Short-sightedness, unrealistic plans, or overconfidence cause problems for a new venture. The road ahead seems filled with roadblocks. A need to expand your horizons. Getting bogged down in details and losing the 'big picture'.
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.
King of Coins
Hospitality and charity. Exhibiting extravagant generosity. Good business or financial advice. Success in business ventures or projects. A philanthropist or benefactor. A 'sugar daddy'.

