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 Cups
External Forces ![]() Page of Cups
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The Recent Past![]() Queen of Cups |
The Crossing Card
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The Future![]() Four of Pentacles |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Three of Wands
The Three of Wands card indicates your new world is in place, and success is implied. As enthusiastically as you made this place for yourself, look to your planning to drive success. Now is a grand time for partnerships in work or career. Travel may be indicated or communications with distant places as you have a good perspective from the new place you've created.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords indicates shrewdness, holding back opinion until saying exactly what feels to be said. This demeanour of constitution makes opinions distinctly clear. Intelligence. Professionalism. You can see right through any lies that are presented to you at this time. Further, the ability to incorporate the truth of the situation clearly and directly in context in the moment is indicated.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
XVII – The Star
The Star indicates continually finding your cosmic groove and going for it! Eternal hope in the diamond-like seat of your mind-body-beautiful is indicated to be sparkling brightly! The Star card indicates the immutable and vibrant presence of your memories, your hope, and your knowledge.
The Star encourages you to shift your focus and re-direct your scale without moving the gaze upon your focus. Even the smallest star provides a glimmer of hope.
This is a bright time for feeling your possibilities expanding!
* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
XIX – The Sun
The Sun indicates who you really are but forgot when you entered life. Smiling, you reconcile opposites. You have your own inner light serving to illuminate the way on your path. This will always come and go like the Sun. Remember, though, even when it is gone, it is soon to return. . . .like the sun!
Visualise dawn and dusk. Note the marked difference between them, the powerful changes present between night and day, between day and night.
Here it is indicated that you meet your inner light in a way that moves you to shine more brightly with the truth of the purpose you feel. Shining brightly, feeling who you are, be refreshed both inside and out! The Sun card indicates that you will experience your own glory and respect what you have to offer. Honour and utilise your own gains, feel your pleasures, experience your triumphs. With your refreshed brightness enthusiastically reap your success!
This is a time where you are more visible, and your way feels bright.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Queen of Cups
The Queen of Cups indicates harmony with your emotional and intuitive realm. Relying on inner guidance, one's perspective is well-suited to respond to external influences from a flowing inner perspective that is thick and rich. Take charge in matters regarding your inner life. Your emotions draw upon the wisdom of the ages. Imagination. Creative. Loving. Supportive.
Odds are you are very impressionable at this time. In the positive this indicates a strong feeling-sense, and ability to be sensitively and effectively responsive. As still waters run deep, there are hidden depths not readily apparent.
The Queen of Cups indicates naturally charismatic leadership, an ability to express your emotions confidently at this time.
* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords indicates shrewdness, holding back opinion until saying exactly what feels to be said. This demeanour of constitution makes opinions distinctly clear. Intelligence. Professionalism. You can see right through any lies that are presented to you at this time. Further, the ability to incorporate the truth of the situation clearly and directly in context in the moment is indicated.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Six of Cups
The 6 of Cups indicates adjustments in thoughts, attitudes, conditions, and the ability to transcend difficulties. Equilibrium. Balance. Sentimental values. A connection or reconnection to something in your past – either meeting an old acquaintance, pleasant memories of the past, perhaps even a message from someone you had lost contact with. New surroundings, new opportunities. Familiar surroundings viewed differently also bring new opportunities. Inheritances come in many forms on a daily basis.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Page of Cups
The Page of Cups indicates caring for someone, playful and fun thoughts of loved ones. Musical or artistic talent are indicated, playing with your cup. Being loved and feeling that you are being loved even if you are on your own. There is strength of character present with the Page of Cups to skilfully and playfully follow your dreams.
* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Page of Swords
The Page of Swords indicates a developing of understanding. Curiosity. Analysis. Thorough creativity in your vision. Now is the time you can penetrate through to the truth or essence of a thing or situation, or thoughtfully will it to reify. Mental facility and skill, an ability to communicate ideas, and receiving news are also indicated.
* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.
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 Cups
The 7 of Cups indicates having your head in the clouds. Your dreams are flourishing, but encroaching on you at the expense of your actions. Dreams are wonderful, but not so much when by contrast their inspiration is lessened causing disconnect in actions.
Also indicated is to watch that you don't get caught up in your dream world at the expense of reality. Balance and centre and you will be clear.
As with gardening, it is not recommended to cut things back too hard. In fact, do not cut them at all. Increase your actions. Start with a big breath. All dreams and no action may be pie in the sky, and as well may be more markedly that you are in a new place. Do not be afraid to act. Simply renew and think of a great wind. The smoke and chaff will begin to clear as the wheat of your dreams nourishes your newfound zeal.
* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

