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 8 of Clubs
External Forces  The Priestess
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The Recent Past Death |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future Ace of Spades |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
10 of Clubs
Shedding of a load or burden. Letting go of a part of your life that has now run its course and is no longer of relevance. Reflecting on what has perhaps been challenging and assessing how that challenge is now paving the way for the next step or stage of your journey.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Duality
Duality (traditionally known as Justice) is the card that represents cause and effect. Taking responsibility is not about assigning blame or surrendering to consequences blindly; rather it is about owning up to the circumstances we have helped create for ourselves.
Duality as an individual in a reading reminds us to weigh the severity of our actions carefully for every choice that we face and subsequent decision that we make sets the wheel in motion.
Duality as a situation may indicate the need to remain objective and impartial in assessing options that are open to the individual. Sometimes, clarity of thought cuts through confusion where emotions cloud the judgement.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
The Star
The Star shows the process of formation or disintegration of a nebula. The light from this process takes millions of light years to reach our galaxy millions of years so it is not "the present" moment as we see it. The Star card in The Diary suggests that all tangible things are subject to a cycle of creation that moves at its own pace and direction.
As the seeker, this card indicates that there are aspirations that are yet to be met or have already been fulfilled and it is time to either create the energy necessary for its formation; or allow it to disperse if the creation process is completed. Wishes are thoughts that are formed in the consciousness and it is up to the seeker to manifest it; or allow it to dissipate if it has already run its course.
As a situation, this card suggests a time of evaluating what is required to bring about the reality one wishes to create in one's future that is eventually to form a destiny. It may also suggest that dreams are the seed that requires one's effort to manifest into reality provided the steps are taken to ensure its growth. Without first identifying the situation one wishes to create, the possibility dissipates into unfulfilled aspirations.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
7 of Diamonds
Paying attention to the finer detail or to what is actually present as opposed to what could be. Taking ownership of only what is needed, allowing excess or clutter fall to the way side. Possibility of lost opportunities due to too narrow of a focus on what is already present. Being happy and content with what you have, not wanting to chase anything that is not needed or necessary at this time.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Death
There will come a time when all things end; a death that leaves one gasping for hope; fighting to cling on; afraid to let go. There will come a time when dreams of happy endings are rudely awakened by reality; wisps of wishful thinking disappearing into smoke; gone without a trace. There will come a time when the human heart breaks under such punishment; giving way to grief; dying bit by bit until it beats no more.
As a seeker, this card suggests a stage where one needs to learn to accept death as part of a natural cycle of life; deal with processes of letting things go; the need to move on.
As a situation, this card denotes an ending; thus, we may need to ask ourselves if holding on to something or someone may be detrimental to our growth. The time to let go will come when we acknowledge the need to do so.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Duality
Duality (traditionally known as Justice) is the card that represents cause and effect. Taking responsibility is not about assigning blame or surrendering to consequences blindly; rather it is about owning up to the circumstances we have helped create for ourselves.
Duality as an individual in a reading reminds us to weigh the severity of our actions carefully for every choice that we face and subsequent decision that we make sets the wheel in motion.
Duality as a situation may indicate the need to remain objective and impartial in assessing options that are open to the individual. Sometimes, clarity of thought cuts through confusion where emotions cloud the judgement.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
2 of Hearts
The unconditional sharing on a romantic or spiritual level with another like-minded being. Tuning in to the desires, thoughts and emotions of a person we resonate with whereby we feel we have become one being as opposed to two individuals. If the relationship is unhealthy or not balanced it can indicate one person is being clingy or manipulative of the emotions of their partner.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
The Priestess
The Priestess card may suggest non-reaction. Whether caused by tension or inner turmoil, it is a stage where opposing influences may require time to find balance once again.
The seeker as The Priestess cannot yet decipher the signs to understand them, thus it is necessary to watch, listen, learn and not react in order to make informed choices.
The situation as The Priestess may indicate a time to reflect on root causes of opposing influences that are contributing to tension in an environment.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
The Magician
The Magician card indicates an initiation; it is a beginning in the process of creation. The tools are laid out; The Magician is not lacking in skill but in experience thus, the method used may be questionable. It is a stage of self-mastery and success will depend on how The Magician utilises both skill and tools laid out before him.
In a situation, The Magician card suggests a stage of active involvement and the need to evaluate options before making decisions.
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.
8 of Clubs
Focus on a journey ahead, despite any apparent signs of upheaval or difficulty in the making. The possibility of ending up some way from where you began your journey or existence. Following through with what you believe is right despite any opposition encountered along the way.
