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![]() Ten of Cups
External Forces ![]() Knight of Coins
|
||
The Recent Past![]() Ten of Wands |
The Crossing Card
|
The Future![]() XIV – Temperance |
|
|
|||
The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Youth of Coins
Good news related to finances and material goods. A new opportunity to make money, or a fresh new approach to business. Starting at the ground floor and working your way up. Meeting someone who is able to provide material benefits.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Five of Coins
Experiencing financial strain or hardship. The need to get rid of unnecessary expenses and financial obligations. The need to ask for help. Not making the most of your resources or natural abilities. Feelings of abandonment. Being shunned or ostracised.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
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.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Ten of Swords
Desperate actions in desperate times. A mess that no one wants to take responsibility for. Hitting rock bottom. Plans fall apart. Continuing to obsess about a situation even though it is finished already. Overkill. Feeling like you've been stabbed in the back. 'He who lives by the sword dies by the sword'.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Ten of Wands
Commitments are lightening up; a sense of weariness is lifting. Getting your priorities straight. Finally getting everything done despite all the problems and setbacks. Relief from stress and pressures. Receiving unexpected help. Quitting a bad job.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Five of Coins
Experiencing financial strain or hardship. The need to get rid of unnecessary expenses and financial obligations. The need to ask for help. Not making the most of your resources or natural abilities. Feelings of abandonment. Being shunned or ostracised.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Eight of Coins
Unwillingness to devote the time and effort required to succeed. Distractions or problems at work. Cutting corners or skipping steps. Feeling dissatisfied or impatient with your work. Boring or unfulfilling work.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
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.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
XIII – Death
Experiencing a dramatic or significant change in your life. A realisation that there is no turning back; a bell can't be un-rung. A time to discard whatever is not adding to your life. When one door closes, another will open. Taking 'down time' that is necessary for renewal, new growth, and transformation. Dealing with issues regarding death and dying.
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.
Ten of Cups
A good situation is disrupted. The end of a good time in life. Family problems or disruptions in your home life. Having an overly idealistic view of what a relationship should be like. Happiness that proves to be as fleeting as a rainbow. An unhappy childhood or a dysfunctional family life.

