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

XVI – The Tower

  The Outcome

Nine of Coins


Hopes and Fears

Queen of Wands


External Forces

XVII – The Star


The Querent

Two of Coins

The Recent Past

XV – The Devil

The Crossing Card

Nine of Swords


The Significator

Ace of Wands

The Future

XX – Judgement


Foundation card

Knight of Swords

 

 

 

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

 

 

Ace of Wands

A flash of inspiration; a spark of excitement. The excitement of a new interest, venture or enterprise. Someone with the energy to start a new project. Being creative with how you handle things. A revived passion or enthusiasm.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Nine of Swords

Realisation that fears were blown out of proportion. Things are turning out to be not as bad as expected. Regaining hope or peace of mind. Finding or having someone to comfort you or to help you through difficult times.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVI – The Tower

The end or resolution of a crisis. A time to pick up the pieces and move forward. Alternately, an inability to move forward because you feel confined by powers beyond your control. The discovery that a crisis that you hated was actually 'a cosmic kick in the pants' which has liberated you from a bad situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Knight of Swords

Being clever and persuasive. Being idealistic or on a quest of some sort. Someone rushes to someone else's defence during a difficult time. Being a hero to someone else. The need to follow your head and not your heart.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

XV – The Devil

'Facing your demons'. Overcoming an addiction. Pushing past obsessions and working to limit the number of toxic situations and friendships in your life. Getting help for your problems with addictions, anger management issues, etc. Resisting temptation. 'Better the devil you know than the devil you don't'.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

Nine of Swords

Realisation that fears were blown out of proportion. Things are turning out to be not as bad as expected. Regaining hope or peace of mind. Finding or having someone to comfort you or to help you through difficult times.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVII – The Star

Pessimism. Taking a 'glass is half empty' approach instead of viewing it as half full. Not being able to recognise the value of a situation or opportunity. Holding on to desperate or unrealistic hopes. Having your head in the clouds when you need to keep your feet on the ground instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Queen of Wands

Fortitude and resolve. Having a positive approach, a sunny disposition, and good humour. A good natured or independent person who has their life in order. Meeting your responsibilities (at work, school, family, etc).

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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'.

 

 

 

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