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 5 of Clubs
External Forces  9 of Diamonds
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The Recent Past 4 of Hearts |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future Queen of Diamonds |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
The Empress
The Empress card suggests a stage of gestation; it is defined by how one develops providence into something more. If an opportunity presents itself, this card represents the need find the balance between knowing when to foster growth and when to let go.
As the Seeker, this card represents the reality that too much attention stifles development, too little and it verges on neglect.
In a situation, The Empress card is a reminder that opportunities are abundant, it's what we do with them that determines success or failure.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
2 of Spades
Mental anguish or upset. The feeling that circumstances have played a part in the fact you cannot remove obvious restrictions. A position of stalemate in a situation being reached. A real need for lateral thinking if a solution is to become apparent. The ceding of personal power, with the principal belief being that this is how the status quo is meant to be.
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.
8 of Hearts
The feeling of desolation or loneliness. Being caught up in personal thoughts often negative to the extent external influences/supportive energies go unnoticed. The walking away from a situation which may have caused heartache towards something more positive. The painful acknowledgement that no more can be done with the only real option being that of walking away.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
4 of Hearts
Possible conflict of emotion or thought. An imbalance of subconscious needs when compared to conscious desires. Requirement to stay calm and focused when faced with external disharmony or conflict. The need to understand when to get involved in restoring harmony and when to let the parties involved sort things out for themselves.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
2 of Spades
Mental anguish or upset. The feeling that circumstances have played a part in the fact you cannot remove obvious restrictions. A position of stalemate in a situation being reached. A real need for lateral thinking if a solution is to become apparent. The ceding of personal power, with the principal belief being that this is how the status quo is meant to be.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
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.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
9 of Diamonds
The emptying of your life or environment of anything that is surplus to requirement, or no longer has relevance. Reflecting on what has gone, not realising there is still much to be gained in other ways. Lack of preparation for a journey or destination whereby there may be an expectation for everything to be provided to you instead of by you. The emotion of disappointment now in passing, with a readiness to learn from the experience before moving on.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
3 of Spades
Loss of faith or believe, a pessimistic outlook in general. Internalising of negative emotions. A numbing of the soul or spirit to the extent we also become numbed to the pain or hurt that comes from external sources. The need to use insight to identify the real cause of pain or upset, as opposed to misperceived sources. The urge to cut within in order to release harmful or negative emotions.
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.
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.
