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![]() XX – Judgement
External Forces ![]() IX – The Hermit
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The Recent Past![]() Four of Coins |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Queen of Swords |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
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 Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Ten of Swords
Desperate actions in desperate times. A mess that no one wants to take responsibility for. Hitting rock bottom. Plans fall apart. Continuing to obsess about a situation even though it is finished already. Overkill. Feeling like you've been stabbed in the back. 'He who lives by the sword dies by the sword'.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Five of Coins
Improvement in health, finances, or business. Help is on the way. Hardship and strife are finally easing up. Using your resources more effectively. Being welcome back into the fold. Moving away from materialism and toward a more spiritual life.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Six of Cups
An innocent enjoyment of life and its simple pleasures. Making a peace offering to restore domestic harmony. A reunion with old friends; finding a childhood friend. A need to revisit or resolve some aspect of the past. Coming to terms with old memories or forgiving past transgressions.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
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.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Ten of Swords
Desperate actions in desperate times. A mess that no one wants to take responsibility for. Hitting rock bottom. Plans fall apart. Continuing to obsess about a situation even though it is finished already. Overkill. Feeling like you've been stabbed in the back. 'He who lives by the sword dies by the sword'.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
XVIII – The Moon
Finding out what is really going on. Something that was unclear or ambiguous is now understood. Uncovering or revealing deceit, dishonesty, and self-deception. Experiencing romance. Looking into the mysteries of life. Letting your imagination run free, which may lead you to new insights and discoveries. Finding hidden messages or meaning in your dreams.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
IX – The Hermit
Someone has been too withdrawn, antisocial, or introverted and would benefit from the company of others. Loneliness or aloofness. Isolation from people who might provide help or useful guidance. Feeling ostracised, left out.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
VII – The Chariot
Feeling pulled in several directions at once. Feeling a loss of control in your life. An inability to properly master outside influences. Charging ahead rashly. Running roughshod over other people. Losing yourself in the role you have to play in order to succeed. Failure or a very costly victory.
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.
XX – Judgement
Renewal, regeneration, and (metaphorical) rebirth. Hearing a calling; experiencing an epiphany. Exhibiting good judgment. Thinking 'outside the box'. Forgiving someone who has wronged you. Opening a new chapter in life or passing a significant milestone.

