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![]() XVIII – The Moon
External Forces ![]() Four of Cups
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The Recent Past![]() Queen of Swords |
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 Coins
A pretentious person who undermines the success of others. Fiscal irresponsibility may be causing difficulty. Depending on others to solve your problems rather than using your own resources. A 'gold digger'. Indulgence in sensual pleasures is putting your financial security at risk.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
I – The Magician
Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Four of Swords
Taking a vacation or some needed 'downtime'. Rest and recuperation. A reminder to take care of yourself. Finding peace or a break from the stress of life. Escaping the 'rat race'. Introspection.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Youth of Coins
Good news related to finances and material goods. A new opportunity to make money, or a fresh new approach to business. Starting at the ground floor and working your way up. Meeting someone who is able to provide material benefits.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Queen of Swords
Having a keen understanding of other people. Wisdom based on past hardship and sorrow. Being brutally honest is what's called for now. Independence and self-reliance are more important than emotional ties. Not a great time for romance.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
I – The Magician
Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Eight of Swords
Gaining a healthy perspective of your problems. Ability to move forward after conquering self-imposed limitations. Not letting other people impose limitations or restrictions on you. Breaking through obstacles.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Four of Cups
Inability to recognise the good in a relationship or a situation. Feeling depressed, bored, or apathetic about something. Experiencing melancholy. Trying to escape problems through empty pleasures. Being jaded. The novelty of a new situation has worn off and it now seems mundane and boring.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
King of Cups
A situation that requires compassion, mercy, or empathy. Someone who lends a sympathetic ear. Being persuasive, diplomatic and tactful. Being guided by morality, integrity, and ethics. Being able to rise above the emotional turmoil around you. Someone close to you needs your compassion and 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.
XVIII – The Moon
A time of deception, hidden agendas or unseen perils. There is some scheming going on behind the scenes. Suffering misunderstandings or confusion. Something eerie or haunting is going on. Hidden fears are coming to the surface. Feeling alone and abandoned, or that you have lost your way in life. Depression or nightmares.

