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 Ace of Hearts
External Forces  8 of Spades
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The Recent Past The Hanged One |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future 3 of Hearts |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
2 of Diamonds
Being met with choices or options although there is no clear indication as to which alternative will prove to be the most beneficial. Offering of a choice to another but without giving due guidance as to repercussions of each on offer. Insight may be the key to success. Being wary of what is on offer, questioning the motives behind what is being presented.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Imprisoned Instincts
Imprisoned Instincts is traditionally known as the Wheel of Fortune card in tarot. While it denotes sudden change for better or worse, nothing in life happens overnight. Sometimes, we are aware of signs of change and address them or we may overlook them and pay for consequences later.
As the seeker, this card indicates that methods of coping to circumstance surrounding us contribute to what happens in the future. Thus, taking responsibility for decisions we make empower us to create the future we wish for ourselves. Taking action is a choice; doing nothing to change our circumstances is also a choice.
As a situation, Imprisoned Instincts suggest a change and while the circumstances may be out of our control but how we deal with what happened/happens is. Perhaps it is time to assess at personal methods of coping and not the event itself.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Ace of Diamonds
Indication that a path previously trodden will change in the near future. Either something will be opening up and becoming apparent, or it could indicate the curtain is about to come down, possibly leading to closure of sorts. Wondering if the grass is in fact greener on the other side. Consideration given to what you have right now against what you could have.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
6 of Clubs
Boredom or apathy with what we are doing or what we have achieved. The giving up on a task before it has reached completion or conclusion. Lack of attention to a task at hand, with a risk all efforts made to that point could reverse or come undone. Falling asleep mentally or spiritually through lack of inspiration or motivation.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
The Hanged One
This Hanged One is suspended in limbo but it is not a decision that is made in haste. This card suggests a stage where decisions are made based on unconditional sacrifice; without expectations of anything in return.
The seeker as The Hanged One may allow us to make choices that require some form of sacrifice; but they are made without conditions attached thus, it is an opportunity for growth and maturity.
The situation as The Hanged One suggests not making decisions in haste. If the outcome of any given situation depends on choices that we make; we may wish to reflect on how our contributions can and will influence the circumstances before making a move.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Imprisoned Instincts
Imprisoned Instincts is traditionally known as the Wheel of Fortune card in tarot. While it denotes sudden change for better or worse, nothing in life happens overnight. Sometimes, we are aware of signs of change and address them or we may overlook them and pay for consequences later.
As the seeker, this card indicates that methods of coping to circumstance surrounding us contribute to what happens in the future. Thus, taking responsibility for decisions we make empower us to create the future we wish for ourselves. Taking action is a choice; doing nothing to change our circumstances is also a choice.
As a situation, Imprisoned Instincts suggest a change and while the circumstances may be out of our control but how we deal with what happened/happens is. Perhaps it is time to assess at personal methods of coping and not the event itself.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Jack of Clubs
By nature a tendency to be impetuous or to be easily distracted. The characteristic of acting first and thinking later. A tendency to not think through repercussions of actions. A person who may not feel any sense of fear, and will tackle any task with vigour and enthusiasm.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
8 of Spades
Issue of either feeling either trapped or protected, often by the energies of another. The relinquishing of personal freedom. Putting yourself out to ensure the safety or well-being of another. Either being smothered by the attentions of someone else, or being the person who is doing the smothering.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Jack of Spades
Dishonest communication, or lack of respect for how words can be twisted and be taken out of context. A requirement to see through the façade being presented in order to get to the real truth of a matter. Failure to understand the seriousness of a given situation. Seeing the funny side of a situation thus lessening the impact it may have on us otherwise. The not giving or receiving of a direct or straight-forward answer.
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.
Ace of Hearts
The possibility of extremes of emotion being experienced in equal measures. The real chance of being brought down to a ground level of being should we feel we have become over confident or egotistical. The start of an emotional roller coaster ride, possibly accompanied by a willingness to take risks even though it may cause us to crash harder as a result.
