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![]() Seven of Swords
External Forces ![]() XII – The Hanged Man
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The Recent Past![]() Youth of Wands |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() XVIII – The Moon |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
XV – The Devil
Materialism or superficiality. Negative thinking. A dysfunctional relationship. Being self-destructive or caught in a bad situation of your own making through vices such as greed, addictions, or hubris. Giving in to temptation. Feeling like you're going through Hell. Egotistical power struggles. Dealing with someone you think is evil, although s/he may be merely exhibiting shortcomings that you have but don't want to face in yourself.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Ten of Coins
A good time to go into business for yourself or to take your career to the next level. Good dealings with big businesses or institutions. Wealthy people are involved. An inheritance. Trying to see beyond material things.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
II – The Priestess
Intuitively understanding underlying factors or unconscious motivations. Follow the guidance of your dreams. Meditation and contemplation is important now. Inner peace and tranquillity. Spirituality.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Knight of Coins
A new source of income doesn't come through. Struggling to make ends meet. 'All work and no play;' a 'stick in the mud'. Being possessive with your things or defensive about your work. Losing interest in your work.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Youth of Wands
A proverbial 'wild child' – someone who is unruly and unmanageable, perhaps even savage. Someone who was abused as a child. Immature social skills. Bad or upsetting news. The possible violation of a confidence.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Ten of Coins
A good time to go into business for yourself or to take your career to the next level. Good dealings with big businesses or institutions. Wealthy people are involved. An inheritance. Trying to see beyond material things.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Three of Wands
An enterprise that looked promising fails to deliver. Short-sightedness, unrealistic plans, or overconfidence cause problems for a new venture. The road ahead seems filled with roadblocks. A need to expand your horizons. Getting bogged down in details and losing the 'big picture'.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
XII – The Hanged Man
Patience. Humility. Making a small sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. Seeking redemption. Entering a 12-step program. 'Letting go and letting God'. A unique perspective on a situation. Putting a project on hold in order to properly evaluate the situation.
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.
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'.

