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 Strength
External Forces  10 of Diamonds
|
||
The Recent Past The Priestess |
This Crosses the Significator
|
The Future 9 of Clubs |
|
|
|||
The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
5 of Clubs
Dilemma of moving forward with a risk of something we value or cherish being left behind. Being held back through misguided ideas of unselfish service to others. When associated with selfish actions it can indicate an expectation that others will follow in our path or share in our chosen dream, even if it is not their destiny to do so.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
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 Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
7 of Spades
Being manipulated or being manipulative of others with no sound basis or objective for that manipulation. Turning against another who is actually on your side yet is being treated as a type of enemy. Waiting for an opportune moment to disadvantage another. Breakdown in communication leading to a standoff. Mistrust of another person or their motives.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Jack of Hearts
A feeling of vulnerability, or belief we cannot cope with what life is about to throw at us. The release of emotion in either a positive or harmful way. The wearing of the heart on the sleeve. Expansive expression of emotions in balance with how thought processes are portrayed.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
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.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
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 Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
The Devil
The Devil is a whisper that comes from the depths of our heart; for what is temptation but a weakness most exploited by our desire.
As the seeker, The Devil suggests an attachment that has become unhealthy; therefore, we may need to explore what it is we have bound ourselves to and what that object of our desire represents to us before we are able to free ourselves from it.
As a situation, The Devil card advices us to be aware of becoming too involved; to the extent we are unable to perceive the situation clearly. As such, we may need to ask ourselves if decisions made are based on instant gratification or out of necessity.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
10 of Diamonds
If the main focus is the elderly gentleman there could be an indication of taking an objective view of previous actions or relationships. If the main focus is the kneeling figure, it could show there is a pull to hang onto childhood or anything represented by childhood. Alternatively, it could show the turning of a back on material gains with an acknowledgement that friends and family are more important. If the main focal point is the child itself, it may indicate innocence and childhood are about to be left behind, but with no fear being shown in relation to the forthcoming changes.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Page of Diamonds
Transformation on a spiritual level, leading to an understanding our 'magic' is apparent through what you are and not what you have. Being shielded from the allure of material wealth at the expense of self-realisation. Understanding what you can be, or what you could have is something that you can direct with our own hand. Preparation in readiness to move on from something that is no longer of relevance or is no longer providing anything of value.
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.
Strength
The Strength card may suggest imposing one's will upon another whether intentional or not. It is a stage where we learn that true strength lies not in our ability to control what is in our external reality; rather it is about enduring hardships with grace and maintaining compassion.
The seeker as Strength advises us to explore aspects within that drives us to manipulate, control or influence people or situations without consideration. It may be an indication for us to realise that true strength lies not in exerting our will through force.
The situation as Strength may suggest a stage to evaluate the circumstances with objectivity. To maintain our position without compromise; if we perceive retreat as a weakness instead of strength.
