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

XIV – Temperance

  The Outcome

Queen of Wands


Hopes and Fears

Seven of Swords


External Forces

Four of Coins


The Querent

King of Swords

The Recent Past

Two of Cups

The Crossing Card

Knight of Wands


The Significator

XX – Judgement

The Future

Six of Swords


Foundation card

Six of Wands

 

 

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Knight of Wands

Being rash, unpredictable, undependable, impatient, pushy, or headstrong. Not looking where you are going. Being a 'loose cannon'. Jumping the gun creates problems. Over committing yourself. A need to let things unfold naturally.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Six of Wands

Success is not immediately forthcoming. Not receiving the recognition you deserve, or not getting the support you need. Victory leads to pride.

 

 

 

 

 

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

 

Knight of Wands

Being rash, unpredictable, undependable, impatient, pushy, or headstrong. Not looking where you are going. Being a 'loose cannon'. Jumping the gun creates problems. Over committing yourself. A need to let things unfold naturally.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

King of Swords

Having your mind made up and being closed to new ideas. Guarding your secrets or not sharing your knowledge. Intrusive meddling. Unfair decisions or bad advice. Following the letter of the law may allow you to ignore unfairness and cruelty in yourself and others. Having or exercising 'book learning' but not common sense.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Four of Coins

A financial situation that has a stable foundation. You will receive the financial rewards you expect. Don't worry; you have all that you need. A warning to hold on tight to what you have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Seven of Swords

Trickery or dishonesty; clandestine behaviour. Involvement in underhanded or illegal acts. A risky undertaking. Cunning actions, especially when used to 'level the playing field'. 'Thinking outside of the box'. Working 'smarter, not harder'.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Queen of Wands

An interfering, domineering, or overpowering person who insists on getting their own way. Using deceit or betrayal to thwart someone they think is in their way. The imposition of your own values on others. Haughtiness and pride. The 'other woman' in an affair.

 

 

 

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