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

XV – The Devil

  The Outcome

XI – Justice


Hopes and Fears

Ace of Swords


External Forces

Ace of Coins


The Querent

Three of Swords

The Recent Past

Knight of Cups

The Crossing Card

Three of Coins


The Significator

XVI – The Tower

The Future

XVII – The Star


Foundation card

Five of Cups

 

 

 

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.

 

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 Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.

 

XV – The Devil

Materialism or superficiality. Negative thinking. A dysfunctional relationship. Being self-destructive or caught in a bad situation of your own making through vices such as greed, addictions, or hubris. Giving in to temptation. Feeling like you're going through Hell. Egotistical power struggles. Dealing with someone you think is evil, although s/he may be merely exhibiting shortcomings that you have but don't want to face in yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Five of Cups

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 Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

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 Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

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

 

Three of Swords

Avoiding painful truths. Unscrupulous actions. Having no regrets for your actions. Moving on and leaving the past behind you. Struggling to recover from psychological wounds.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ace of Coins

A new venture is faltering. Desired results are not delivered or will be delayed. Someone is late in providing payment, or payment is not complete. The inability to meet financial obligations. Someone who was 'born with a silver spoon in his mouth'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ace of Swords

Discovering a painful truth. Someone is trying to deceive you or misinform you. Cruel or unfair intentions. Undeserved criticism. Close-mindedness. Advice to be less aggressive and more 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.

 

XI – Justice

Having Inner strength. Resolving problems with patience, composure, compassion or understanding. An ability to control your baser instincts. Facing trials and hardships with courage. Finding a peaceful resolution to an angry or violent situation. Seeing the best in others.

 

 

 

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