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![]() Queen of Swords
External Forces ![]() Death
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The Recent Past![]() 5 of Wands |
This Crosses the Significator
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The Future![]() 9 of Swords |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
4 of Swords
Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam!
(Today is a good day to die!)
This Crosses the Significator denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
6 of Cups
I have no clue what I was thinking on this one. No clue, but if this card comes into play, remember to watch the horizon.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Ace of Cups
AKA 2angels1grail in traditional 4chan. If you're offended, figure out why you're offended and excise the weakness.
The Foundation reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
5 of Cups
The problem with a hand of glory is that wax melts and glory fades.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
5 of Wands
The means may be grotesque, but if they get you what you want you'd do well to use them.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
6 of Cups
I have no clue what I was thinking on this one. No clue, but if this card comes into play, remember to watch the horizon.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
4 of Cups
When you order people to do something, be certain that your orders are clear.
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.
King of Swords
The coronation of the nuclear bomb. It's the sword that can annihilate a city, a few of them can end the world. It's a weapon so deadly that its mere existence changed the way mankind thinks of war. It's the point at which humankind's means finally exceeded its goals. 1945 was the end of one world and the birth of a new.
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.
Queen of Swords
Homage to Wagner. Brünnhilde lays asleep on the mountain surrounded by magic fire, waiting for Siegfried. Only he who wasn't afraid of Wotan's spear could pass the fire. And when that romance didn't work out, she burned down Valhalla and left Earth to the mortals.
Not everyone can have what they want. A man who can't sing isn't going to be the world's greatest singer. Know yourself, know what you can do, and don't squander what you have trying to win something you won't. But also know when to try, and what's worth never giving up on.
