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 9 of Spades
External Forces  5 of Clubs
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The Recent Past 6 of Diamonds |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future 8 of Clubs |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
9 of Hearts
Personal nurturing whereby the true spirit has the chance to emerge and subsequently flourish. Replacing of negative thoughts and emotions of the self with more positive ones. Understanding that love of the self is more important than the love that is offered to another. Having confidence in showing to the world and those around you your emotional self as well as your physical self.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
The Moon
Jahanam is where dreams are woven; this is where cats learn to fly and birds carry swords;
this is where the Lady Moonshine hides the face of the Sun God
so that we may see the truths hidden in the dark and drive ourselves insane.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
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.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
4 of Clubs
Co-operation with others to achieve a common goal. Utilising of individual skills to the benefit of the team as a whole. Acknowledgement of our own personal limitations and knowing when we need to call on the help of others. The willingness to muck in as opposed to acting as a passive observer.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
6 of Diamonds
Extending the hand of welcome or friendship. Being accepted into a community or circle where prejudgements are withheld. Offerings made unconditionally with no expectation of receiving in return. The passing on or sharing of attributes that can bring about harmony and acceptance.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
The Moon
Jahanam is where dreams are woven; this is where cats learn to fly and birds carry swords;
this is where the Lady Moonshine hides the face of the Sun God
so that we may see the truths hidden in the dark and drive ourselves insane.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
10 of Spades
The feeling of being under intense and unrelenting mental pressure. Believing it is not possible to cope with what is happening, or that it is not possible to deal with any further or additional issues. The need to find an outlet for internal mental anguish so that the heaviness can be eased in some way. The possibility of unresolved past issues resurfacing, which may then give the impression they are haunting us in a way that makes escape seem impossible. Failing to see the light indicating there is a way out from your current mental state.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
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.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
5 of Diamonds
Experiencing of hardship. Acknowledgement that suffering can be partnered with dignity, particularly if it is open to public scrutiny. Either being supported, or the offering support at a time of need. Being receptive to the energies of others, particularly if they are there to help or protect against external influences.
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.
9 of Spades
Feeling of despair or of being trapped. The incorrect belief there is no movement possible within a current predicament. Current aims or objectives tantalisingly out of reach. Indications that a problem or obstacle needs to be examined from a different angle or viewpoint if a way forward is to be identified. Giving up too easily on a task believing there is no hope.
