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

XX – Judgement

  The Outcome

Four of Cups


Hopes and Fears

Knight of Swords


External Forces

Youth of Cups


The Querent

Three of Coins

The Recent Past

IV – The Emperor

The Crossing Card

Six of Swords


The Significator

Five of Wands

The Future

Five of Coins


Foundation card

Nine of Swords

 

 

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Six of Swords

An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Nine of Swords

Feelings of anxiety, dread, and hopelessness over a problem which will likely not be as bad as it initially seems. Obsessing over the worst case scenario. Problems sleeping due to stress. Being plagued with nightmares. Unfounded feelings of shame and guilt. Feeling suicidal or like you're losing your mind.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

Six of Swords

An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Three of Coins

Cooperation, especially in a work environment. Working well with others on a project too large for one person. Working on a creative venture. A good start of an enterprise, which promises eventual rewards. A talented and competent person or group of people.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Youth of Cups

The possibility or beginning of a romance. Making a new or renewed commitment to another person. Discovering new feelings about a situation or person. Opening your heart to someone; the need to be more open-hearted about a situation. Using your imagination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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 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.

 

Four of Cups

Awakening from a period of boredom or apathy. Finding motivation. Recognition that you need to find meaning in your life. Increased social engagements and interactions. Being open to new opportunities.

 

 

 

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