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 Swords
External Forces ![]() Ace of Wands
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The Recent Past![]() VI – The Lovers |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Youth of Wands |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
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 Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
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.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Five of Cups
Feelings of loss or abandonment by a loved one. Feeling betrayed by someone you loved or trusted. A relationship has turned ugly and unpleasant, or a painful ending is coming. Seeing the glass as half empty instead of as half full. 'Crying over spilt milk'.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Knight of Cups
Someone who is moody, brooding, overly sensitive, or temperamental. A need to build new relationships. Being too easily swayed by your emotions. A dreamer who is unrealistic. Making mistakes due to being out of touch with your emotions or feelings.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
VI – The Lovers
A relationship ending or turning sour (it may or may not be romantic). 'Star-crossed lovers;' an ill-fated relationship. The inability to make a choice for any number of reasons – fearing to commit to a decision, being indecisive, or having inner conflict. Choosing the 'low road' in life.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
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.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Knight of Swords
Being headstrong, argumentative, opinionated, sarcastic or cruel. Having a hero complex. 'Shoot first and ask questions later'. Wanting to win at any cost. Avoiding confrontation. Ill-conceived plans are falling apart.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Ace of Wands
A new venture, enterprise, or project that was anticipated doesn't come through. The failure of a project that was begun without the proper energy and support. Someone who is hyperactive or who has megalomania. A need for more creativity in order to succeed.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
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 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 Swords
Petty acts and treacherous deeds are revealed. An end to gossip or slander. Being vindicated or absolved of guilt. A sense of remorse or guilt for bad behaviour. Forgiving or just turning a blind eye to a nasty situation.

