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![]() The Chamber
External Forces ![]() Death
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The Recent Past![]() The Sorcerer |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future![]() Page of Swords |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
4 of Cups
When you order people to do something, be certain that your orders are clear.
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
6 of Wands
If you're stuck, the first step to freedom is to examine what's holding you in place.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
5 of Wands
The means may be grotesque, but if they get you what you want you'd do well to use them.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
10 of Swords
Classic iconography. Classic significance: Absolute destruction.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
The Sorcerer
AKA The Magician in traditional Tarot.
The sort of guy who knows, wills, dares and keeps his mouth shut.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
6 of Wands
If you're stuck, the first step to freedom is to examine what's holding you in place.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
8 of Pentacles
Things grow from other dead things. Don't overlook them for their dark origins, and don't dismiss the dead as a total erasure of what was.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Death
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
3 of Swords
The Vikings were once the most feared force on the northern seas, now they are remembered by statues, Swedish death metal, and Antonio Banderas movies. Do what you will to ensure your name, but once you're gone you have no control over what will become of it.
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.
The Chamber
AKA The World in traditional Tarot.
The walls and windows are all bricked up, there appears to be no way out, but you got in somehow, so there must be a way. Have you tried looking behind you? Even if you're trapped forever (As you are in this world) there's likely something fun do while you're here.
