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 Prince of Coins
External Forces  10 of Swords
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The Recent Past Princess of Wands |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future 4 of Wands |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
2 of Coins
The picture is based on a classical presentation. The alternation is portrayed by the changing of the green and yellow colours and in addition through the movement the snake makes around the two pentacles, fashioned in the circle of colours. This appeals to a repetition of experiences. The double loop relates to our entire path through life.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
King of Cups
The king's figure and features show a certain easy-going nature and goodness. The throne's decoration underlines the qualities of love and joy which are engraved on him.
He is holding a gift in his right hand. He is very much aware that presents play an important role in friendships. The table in the background, prepared for festivities, encourages a social gathering.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
3 of Swords
The colours red, blue and gray are all mixed together in this scene. Clarity fills the whole picture, but the emotions also play a role. The ten wands in the background are all mixed up.
A cloud obscures or overshadows the scene. The two drops of water show condensation, as the cloud is being influenced by the sword. These drops also represent tears.
The three swords point to a spot on the heart. It is unclear whether they are damaging it, yet one can see a drop of blood.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Temperance
The path through the underworld can be seen which eventually leads into light. The path is edged with lilies, the underworld flowers. The abstract archangel Michael is helping to find the right composition for the flow of energy, in other words is on the way through the subconscious (forgotten) to keep a minimal contact going with the conscious e.g., by transmission (documents...)
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Princess of Wands
The princess is apparently in a holiday situation with palm-trees, a beach and the sea. Fire (sun) and water (sea) come together here. Heat and refreshment alternate. There are enough references to the erotic theme in the picture.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
King of Cups
The king's figure and features show a certain easy-going nature and goodness. The throne's decoration underlines the qualities of love and joy which are engraved on him.
He is holding a gift in his right hand. He is very much aware that presents play an important role in friendships. The table in the background, prepared for festivities, encourages a social gathering.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
The Emperor
The picture has the effect of being rather poor and harsh. The blue colours represent coolness, but due to the red and yellow one can sense a certain energy, which also appears in Aries' head at the corner of the throne, connected astrologically with the Emperor.
The card's number four, which also represents the element earth, can be found in the house in the square of rocks and the crown also shows four spikes and four stones. Further symbols of the Emperor are an orb (symbol of world dominion) and a form of sceptre (symbol of materialism in life).
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
10 of Swords
Letting go of rationality is shown here as a dissolving process. Nine swords are cutting up a tenth sword, the point of which is melting and with this fluid wets the other nine swords.
The hand is injured by the four lower swords and is opening up; two drops of blood can be seen. It is not clear how many of the swords are or should be melting. The sun rising in the background brings with it new strength.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Prince of Swords
The strong helmet protects the prince, while, with eyes closed and head bent forward, he is demolishing the hard wall. Some bricks are falling down. A part of the wall looks like a bookcase.
This is all about ancient knowledge and opinions, the details of which are being asked about or, in the truest sense of the word, which are being blown into mid-air. However, with his eyes closed the prince cannot take into consideration what he is throwing around.
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.
Prince of Coins
The fields and fruit trees are well kept and managed. Everything seems to be in order. The harvest is certain to turn out well. Apart from a few gold buttons, the prince does without any jewellery. His facial expression mirrors his pride in his performance, but at the same time a certain submissiveness.
