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![]() XII – The Hanged Man
External Forces ![]() Seven of Coins
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The Recent Past![]() Queen 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.
Queen of Wands
An interfering, domineering, or overpowering person who insists on getting their own way. Using deceit or betrayal to thwart someone they think is in their way. The imposition of your own values on others. Haughtiness and pride. The 'other woman' in an affair.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
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.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
VI – The Lovers
An important decision needs to be made. Facing an ethical dilemma. Confronting difficult choices. Choosing a better path in life; taking the 'high road'. Choosing love in your life. A good relationship with another person (which may or may not be romantic).
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Nine of Coins
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'.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Queen of Coins
Being nurturing, a caregiver. A willingness to make sacrifices for others. Sharing your success with people you love. A practical and resourceful approach toward steady progress instead of taking risks in search of quick fixes or a fast buck. A time to work hard toward your goals; there are no easy solutions.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
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.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Knight of Coins
Beginning to see tangible results. Achieving material prosperity. A possible new source of income; working a second job. Diligence, prudence, and hard work. Working hard to prove yourself.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
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.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
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.
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.
XII – The Hanged Man
Involuntary sacrifice. Martyrdom or playing the role of a victim. Experiencing reversals or setbacks. Unwillingness to make a sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. A need to step back and get a fresh perspective.

