Celtic Cross Spread

Celtic Cross

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 Death		The Outcome The Lovers Hopes and Fears The Devil External Forces The Wheel of Fortune The Querent The Emperor
The Recent Past The Star	This Crosses the Significator The Hierophant The Significator The Universe	The Future The Sun
	The Foundation The Black Hole

The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

The Universe

Earth

The spider in the man's head is a reference to Leary's octave rhythms. The spider and web indicate man's nature to perceive and even weave his own reality. The web also indicates being trapped in our own perception of reality. It may also hint at the nature of the interaction between this and other universes.

Meaning:
The realisation of the whole matter. The essence of the query itself. Synthesis. Crystallisation. Could represent something extremely important.
When ill-dignified: A cruel world.

This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.

The Hierophant

Taurus

The Hierophant holds the keys to the otherworld. He is the embodiment of spiritual authority and wisdom, the knower of the spiritual universe. The swastika inside the star of David represents spiritual understanding of various perspectives being used to unlock the seven seals.

Meaning:
Divine wisdom, inspiration, organisation, teaching, gaining knowledge from superiors, tradition, patience. Sometimes occult force voluntarily invoked. Respected elder, mercy, alliance, marriage.

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.

Death

Scorpio

A skull and crossbones present obvious symbolism here. Something coming to an end, a necessary transition into the next stage.

Meaning:
Transformation, change, transitional period leading to a new way. Loss of the status quo.

The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.

The Black Hole

Saturn

As the counterpart of the Tower, this card represents the journey to the centre of the Universe, the quest for the Devil's Hole. The Black Hole is the portal to the other side. A place beyond the Universe, but also a critical component of the Universe, it is the hub of the wheel and the eye of the storm. It is total darkness. Non-existence. The unknown. This is the gateway to another dimension.

Meaning:
?

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

The Star

Aquarius

Everyone is a Star. This card suggests using your talents.

Meaning:
Clear vision, spiritual insight, hope, charity.
When ill-dignified: error in judgement, disillusion, delusions, lack of understanding.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

The Hierophant

The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.

The Emperor

Aries

The king of the world represents power, authority, and male vitality. The ruler sitting on his throne bears the male symbols of earthly authority. The lamb at his feet represents not only the sheepishness of his servants, but the self-sacrifice required of a great leader.

Meaning:
Ambition, conquest, originality, leadership, stability, realisation, power, fortitude, powerful man, authority, conviction.
Ill-dignified: bad temper, counterproductive pride, rashness, even megalomania.

External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.

The Wheel of Fortune

Jupiter

Who knows what the Wheel of Providence has in store for you? Deep down inside, you do.

Meaning:
Providence, fate, karma. A change in fortune, generally a good change.

Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.

The Devil

Capricorn

The Devil is your opposite, <%custom1%>, your Anima or Animus, your Demonic Self. (s)He is your dark side and your inner child. The traits that we lack in our own selves causes us to seek completion in many of our relationships. Most of our earthly relationships are based on fulfilling this Devil inside of us. In certain people such as the very well-rounded or spiritually developed, this part of the personality may already be fulfilled. The children walk with The Devil hand in hand.

Meaning:
Temptation, obsession, impulsiveness, ambition, materialism, self-fulfilment, fate.

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.

The Lovers

Gemini

Lovers are eternally bound in Soul. A nude family holding hands in the form of a lemniscate represents natural purity.

Meaning:
Attraction, childishness, openness to inspiration, love, beauty.
When ill-dignified: shallow, superficial union. Instability, insecurity, indecision.