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![]() V – The Hierophant
External Forces ![]() Youth of Swords
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The Recent Past![]() Knight of Cups |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() King of Swords |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Queen of Coins
Being nurturing, a caregiver. A willingness to make sacrifices for others. Sharing your success with people you love. A practical and resourceful approach toward steady progress instead of taking risks in search of quick fixes or a fast buck. A time to work hard toward your goals; there are no easy solutions.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Ace of Cups
An opportunity exists for a new relationship – anything from friendship to lover to new family member. A time to heal a relationship, to renew a commitment to others, or to reconnect with someone from your past. Advice to trust your feelings and follow your heart. Emotions are at the core of the situation.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
VIII – Strength
An unjust decision, perhaps based on bias, bigotry, or deceit. Delays in the delivery of a decision. Irresponsibility. An inability to make a decision. Being treated unfairly or with prejudice.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
XXI – The World
A satisfying completion, the fulfilment of your desires, attaining a goal, achieving deserved recognition. You have learned much from the hard work put into reaching your goal. Being ready to wrap things up. Overcoming limitations, such as poverty, a handicap, etc. Feeling your connection to another person or group of people.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Knight of Cups
A chance to meet new people. The start of a new relationship (romantic or otherwise). The desire to reach out to someone else. Someone who is a hopeless romantic, 'a lover, not a fighter'. Acting upon your emotions, intuition, or gut feeling.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Ace of Cups
An opportunity exists for a new relationship – anything from friendship to lover to new family member. A time to heal a relationship, to renew a commitment to others, or to reconnect with someone from your past. Advice to trust your feelings and follow your heart. Emotions are at the core of the situation.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
I – The Magician
You need more knowledge, experience or skills in order to succeed. Someone is being a trickster or huckster – sly, cunning or sneaky.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Youth of Swords
Lying or spying. Spinning information, spreading rumours or misinformation. Naiveté, gullibility. A simplistic or simple-minded approach. Overlooking the obvious.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Three of Swords
Facing a harsh reality. The pursuit of truth, no matter how painful it may be. A need to work through a pain experience or memory. Learning a hard lesson. Doing what you have to in order to survive. Making a necessary sacrifice. A period of loneliness.
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.
V – The Hierophant
Conformity; sticking with conventional wisdom. A traditional rite, ritual, or ceremony. Religious teachings or education in general. Peer pressure. Listening to your conscience. Being devout; having faith in something.

