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![]() Five of Wands
External Forces ![]() Youth of Coins
|
||
The Recent Past![]() King of Cups |
The Crossing Card
|
The Future![]() Three of Wands |
|
|
|||
The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Ace of Swords
The discovery of a new insight. Beginning to 'Know Thyself'. A learning experience. Being open to new ideas or points of view. Justice, fairness, and honour. Success after a struggle. The mental clarity to overcome conflicts.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Nine of Wands
Feeling ambushed or caught off-guard. Underestimating the opposition. Obstacles and difficulties have made someone bitter and defensive. The inability to let anyone into your life. The need to properly define your space in a relationship or a lack of respect for someone else's space.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Youth of Swords
Lying or spying. Spinning information, spreading rumours or misinformation. Naiveté, gullibility. A simplistic or simple-minded approach. Overlooking the obvious.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
XIV – Temperance
Inflexibility causes problems in resolving issues. An inability to be open to others' viewpoints or to find a middle ground or compromise in a troublesome situation. Taking extreme measures when a more balance approach is required. Adhering to either extreme of abstinence or self-indulgence.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
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 Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Nine of Wands
Feeling ambushed or caught off-guard. Underestimating the opposition. Obstacles and difficulties have made someone bitter and defensive. The inability to let anyone into your life. The need to properly define your space in a relationship or a lack of respect for someone else's space.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Five of Cups
The end of a painful time is drawing near. Seeing the glass as half full instead of as half empty. Getting over grief and sorrow. Seeing a loss as the beginning of a new stage in life. Consoling someone who has experienced a loss.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Youth of Coins
The need to learn useful skills or to learn more about a financial or material matter. Inexperienced or inept financial dealings. Losing the initiative on a business deal. Vain hopes for a quick reward. Naïve business dealings; falling for a scam.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Ten of Cups
Relaxation and contentment after struggles or hard work. Feeling at peace with others and with the world. An idyllic time. A good time for love, relationships, and spiritual growth. Gathering of loved ones in celebration. Affection, well-being and contentment.
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.
Five of Wands
Feeling beaten down by petty bickering or office politics. Being in a 'no holds barred' situation – 'every man for himself'. Competition is getting ugly. You may be getting swallowed up in contentious rivalry. Your energy is too scattered and unfocused.

