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

Two of Cups

  The Outcome

Ten of Cups


Hopes and Fears

Youth of Swords


External Forces

Knight of Cups


The Querent

IV – The Emperor

The Recent Past

I – The Magician

The Crossing Card

Six of Swords


The Significator

Ace of Wands

The Future

King of Coins


Foundation card

XIX – The Sun

 

 

 

The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

 

 

Ace of Wands

A new venture, enterprise, or project that was anticipated doesn't come through. The failure of a project that was begun without the proper energy and support. Someone who is hyperactive or who has megalomania. A need for more creativity in order to succeed.

 

 

 

 

 

The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.

 

Six of Swords

Escaping stress and conflict. Seeking peace after a conflict. Cutting your losses and moving on. Stepping back or moving away from a difficult situation to gain a valuable perspective of it. A trip to or a visitor from a faraway place. Trying to overcome a bad habit or self-destructive mindset, perhaps with the help of a support group.

 

 

 

 

 

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.

 

Two of Cups

Romantic notions are blinding you to the reality of the hard work required for a successful relationship. Reluctance or resistance to enter a relationship. An air of mistrust or tension between two people. The ending of a love affair, friendship, or partnership. A disagreeable end of a conflict.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

XIX – The Sun

Partial success or success after some delays. 'Hiding your light under a bushel'. A missed opportunity. A need for a more energetic approach. Someone who is arrogant, egocentric, or self-absorbed.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

I – The Magician

You need more knowledge, experience or skills in order to succeed. Someone is being a trickster or huckster – sly, cunning or sneaky.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

Six of Swords

Escaping stress and conflict. Seeking peace after a conflict. Cutting your losses and moving on. Stepping back or moving away from a difficult situation to gain a valuable perspective of it. A trip to or a visitor from a faraway place. Trying to overcome a bad habit or self-destructive mindset, perhaps with the help of a support group.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

IV – The Emperor

Seeing everything as being black and white or 'set in stone'. An abuse of power and authority. Challenging authority through insubordination. Being burdened with too much responsibility. A failure to act rationally. A coward, tyrant, or bully. Having issues with your father.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Youth of Swords

Lying or spying. Spinning information, spreading rumours or misinformation. Naiveté, gullibility. A simplistic or simple-minded approach. Overlooking the obvious.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Ten of Cups

A good situation is disrupted. The end of a good time in life. Family problems or disruptions in your home life. Having an overly idealistic view of what a relationship should be like. Happiness that proves to be as fleeting as a rainbow. An unhappy childhood or a dysfunctional family life.

 

 

 

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