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
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The Crown ![]() Seven of Clubs |
The Outcome ![]() Four of Spades
External Forces ![]() King of Spades
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The Recent Past ![]() Jack of Diamonds |
The Crossing Card
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The Future ![]() Three of Hearts |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

Queen of Spades
Libra
A confident, gracious, just, perceptive, graceful, elegant woman.

The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Eight of Clubs
'Swiftness'
Mercury in SagittariusAction, explosive energy, electricity, fast communication, gain of rapid speed, light, quickness.

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Seven of Clubs
'Valour'
Mars in LeoStruggles, obstacles, difficulties met with courage. Small victories.

Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Ace of Spades
The Root of Air
Invoked force, conquest, strength through tribulation.

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Jack of Diamonds
Taurus
A young man with skill in practical matters, reliable, and perhaps dull. He resents spiritual types, being beyond his scope.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Eight of Clubs
'Swiftness'
Mercury in SagittariusAction, explosive energy, electricity, fast communication, gain of rapid speed, light, quickness.

The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Seven of Spades
'Futility'
Moon in AquariusFighting a hopeless battle in vain, with no prospect of victory. Partial success by stalling through lack of energy when victory is achieved.

External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
King of Spades
Gemini
An active, skilful, witty, clever, fierce man.

Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Six of Clubs
'Victory'
Jupiter in LeoTriumph after strife. Success and gain, good news, expectations fulfilled.

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.
Four of Spades
'Truce'
Jupiter in LibraRecovery from a period of trouble. An oasis. Authority in the realm of intellect. Establishment of dogma.