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 3 of Diamonds
External Forces  The Devil
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The Recent Past 2 of Clubs |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future The Soothsayer |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
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.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Page of Hearts
The awakening of new or unrealised emotions, often associated with maturation out of adolescence into adulthood. Following the calling of the heart, even though there is no real understanding of what is being done or why. The taking of those early and tentative steps towards romantic attraction.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
7 of Hearts
The appearance of options or choices but with no indication which may be preferable at the time. Presence of something potentially positive or uplifting, which if ignored may pass by with an opportunity thus being missed. Emotions becoming more linear whereby objectivity is being restored. The feeling of 'running on empty' for a while but with the indication the end of this negative state is within sight.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
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.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
2 of Clubs
The following a path which appears to have an intangible ‘something’ which makes it feel right at the time. Change of focus away from what is directly ahead to what is directly above guiding you. Following of your own instincts when there is a sense the way forward is no longer clear to you.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Page of Hearts
The awakening of new or unrealised emotions, often associated with maturation out of adolescence into adulthood. Following the calling of the heart, even though there is no real understanding of what is being done or why. The taking of those early and tentative steps towards romantic attraction.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
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.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
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.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
6 of Spades
Moving on when the time is right, and on terms that are appropriate at the time. A warning that the way forward may have hidden obstacles, thus indicating the path is not an easy one to undertake. The utilising of blind faith as opposed to reasoned thought when proceeding ahead. The closing of the book on issues from the past, lessening the chance of them being able to play an active role in what is to come. The burning away or dissolving of hindering mind sets.
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.
3 of Diamonds
Being grateful for what you have at your disposal, or offering thanks to those who have provided. Prioritising where to invest money or effort. Investing wisely in order to see long term gains or profits. Expecting everything to be provided for us with little or no effort on our part to earn those provisions.
