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 Diamonds |
The Outcome Six of Hearts
External Forces  Six of Diamonds
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The Recent Past Ace of Clubs |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future Nine of Diamonds |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Jack of Clubs
Leo: A vibrant young figure bursting with the fire of youth and noble intent, he embodies a courageous spirit and a generous heart. His impulsive nature and quick humour mask a deep inner strength and creative passion. He invites you to seize the moment and trust that your innate vitality can spark new beginnings.
A young man, just, noble, generous, impulsive, humorous, strong.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Two of Spades
Peace (Moon in Libra): In the delicate balance of the Two of Spades, contradictory qualities converge to form a fragile equilibrium. Influenced by the reflective Moon in Libra, this card speaks of reconciliation and the emergence of calm after strife. It suggests that true peace can arise from the integration of opposing forces—an eventual harmony where past conflicts settle into a state of bittersweet resolution and renewed understanding.
Pleasure after pain. Quarrel resolved.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Seven of Diamonds
Failure (Saturn in Taurus): Saturn in Taurus casts a sobering light on the Seven of Diamonds, which speaks to the perils of wasted effort and unfulfilled promises. This card reflects moments when hard work yields little gain, or when hopes are dashed by unforeseen obstacles. It urges you to reassess your strategies, learn from setbacks, and recognise that even failure carries the seeds of wisdom—encouraging you to recalibrate your approach for more fruitful outcomes.
Sloth, abandoned labour, hopes deceived, promises unfulfilled, disappointment.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Two of Hearts
Love (Venus in Cancer): Embodying the tender union of opposites, the Two of Hearts radiates a harmonious blend of passion and nurturing care. It signifies a balanced partnership where intuitive understanding and mutual warmth create a sanctuary of love and comfort. This card speaks to the deep connection between souls—a call to honour intimacy, trust, and the transformative power of emotional unity.
Love, union, friendship, warmth, comfort, passion, affinity, intercourse.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Ace of Clubs
The Root of Fire: This card bursts forth as the primal spark of creation, embodying raw, unbridled energy and the promise of new beginnings. It signals the moment when inspiration ignites—an invitation to harness your inner fire and pioneer fresh ventures. The Ace of Clubs encourages you to tap into that potent creative force and step into uncharted territory, trusting that the energy you release now will forge the path to future success.
Energy, natural force, strength, creation, invention, pioneer spirit, enterprise, source, beginning, birth.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Two of Spades
Peace (Moon in Libra): In the delicate balance of the Two of Spades, contradictory qualities converge to form a fragile equilibrium. Influenced by the reflective Moon in Libra, this card speaks of reconciliation and the emergence of calm after strife. It suggests that true peace can arise from the integration of opposing forces—an eventual harmony where past conflicts settle into a state of bittersweet resolution and renewed understanding.
Pleasure after pain. Quarrel resolved.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Jack of Hearts
Scorpio: Moving gracefully in the shadows, this enigmatic figure is driven by a fierce, insatiable ambition for hidden wisdom and power. His calm exterior belies an ocean of turbulent passion. His presence urges you to delve into the depths of your own emotions, confronting buried truths and harnessing transformative intensity, even when it challenges the status quo.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Six of Diamonds
Success (Moon in Taurus): Under the nurturing glow of the Moon in Taurus, the Six of Diamonds is a celebration of material achievement and generous influence. This card reflects not only financial gain but also the nobility that comes from sharing success with others—be it through philanthropy, leadership, or personal integrity. It invites you to recognise and build upon your accomplishments, transforming tangible rewards into legacies of prosperity and goodwill.
Material success and gain. Influence, philanthropy, nobility.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Queen of Hearts
Cancer: A luminous, poetic soul, she exudes a dreamy and tranquil sensitivity that enchants all who come near. Deeply receptive, her nurturing nature is both a wellspring of inspiration and, at times, dependent on the energies surrounding her. She invites you to explore your inner landscape with creativity and compassion while maintaining the strength to stand on your own.
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.
Six of Hearts
Pleasure (Sun in Scorpio): Radiating the warmth of the Sun filtered through the intense lens of Scorpio, the Six of Hearts signals a period of emotional contentment and the gentle emergence of satisfaction. It suggests that harmony is returning after a period of strife, paving the way for steady emotional growth. This card invites you to relish the simple joys of life and trust that glee awaits as you continue to nurture your inner world.
Natural harmony, satisfaction, beginnings of steady increase
