Celtic Cross Layout
Difficulty: Average
This is probably the most well-known layout. A good, basic layout for beginners to practise with, the Celtic Cross is useful for questions of all types. In this layout, it can be helpful to notice the relationships between the pairings of runes #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 rune indicates the immediate future.
- This rune represents the reader and their attitude towards runes #1 and #2.
- The external influences, the places and people which influence the topic.
- This rune suggests expectations; what is secretly hoped for or feared.
- The second future rune reveals the long-term outcome.
Your Celtic Cross Reading
The Crown |
The Outcome ![]() Ehwaz
External Forces ![]() Othala
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The Recent Past ![]() Jera |
The Crossing Card
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The Future ![]() Laguz |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

Perthro
As the rune of fate and gaming, Perthro suggests that people are remembered for the games they play. Uncertainty, a mystery, secrets, hidden things, the unknown, gambling. Initiation, knowing one's purpose, knowledge of one's self. Evolutionary adaptation.
Pertaining to feminine things such as the mystery of fertility. Good times and companionship, fun and friends, a time of joy. Connected to prophetic dreams, old memories may be stirred resulting in personal revelations and clarity of thought.
Ill-dignification can mean: addiction, stagnation, loneliness, malaise, disappointment, disloyalty.

The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Hagalaz
Sudden storm without warning, natural disaster, catastrophe, uncontrollable forces, destructive weather, especially hail or blizzards. Can be a sign of sudden disruption, chaos, and delays. Stagnation, pain, loss, suffering, hardship, sickness.
A trial by fire, temperance. Recovery from crisis leading to completion of a story. This rune is said to relate to the hidden desires of the unconscious mind, which may indicate the need for meditation and spiritual guidance.

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Naudhiz
Naudhiz warns about awareness of one's limitations. But resistance builds strength. Delays, restrictions, confusion, conflict, and the will to defeat them. Endurance, survival, determination. Patience and endurance are called for. Innovation, adaptation, and independence. The will power to direct fate.
An opportunity may not be what it seems. You may want to wait before making any important decisions. Tension in relationships is likely. If a risk has been taken, results are still forthcoming. Stress, and frustration are also associated with this sign.

Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Ingwaz
This is the rune of male health, fertility, creativity, gestation, and personal growth. Common sense, simple virtue, family, home. The spark of a new idea could start a fire. Often relates to a pivotal point, perhaps a rest stage, a time of relief, of healing and regeneration. A time when loose ends can be tied, freeing one to possibly move in a new direction. You must listen to yourself.
Ill-dignification can suggest impotence and circular movement. Production, labour, work.

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Jera
Jera is a rune of harvest, abundance, reward, fortune, completion, and putting things in order. The fruits of earlier labours are ripe for the picking. Abundant peace and contentedness due to a nice surplus. The promise of success earned. The life cycle of eternal change which rules the universe.
Ill-dignification can mean a sudden setback or reversal of fortune. A major change, bad timing, conflict, poverty, or getting stuck in a repeating loop.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Hagalaz
Sudden storm without warning, natural disaster, catastrophe, uncontrollable forces, destructive weather, especially hail or blizzards. Can be a sign of sudden disruption, chaos, and delays. Stagnation, pain, loss, suffering, hardship, sickness.
A trial by fire, temperance. Recovery from crisis leading to completion of a story. This rune is said to relate to the hidden desires of the unconscious mind, which may indicate the need for meditation and spiritual guidance.

The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Elhaz
Elhaz is concerned with security, protection, and defence. Warding off of evil, shield, guardian. Connection with the gods, awakening, higher purpose, divine inspiration, channelling energy or spirits, spiritual enlightenment. This rune is connected to shamans and alternative medicine that are no longer popular in today's society. May indicate a need of retreat for introspection.
Follow your instincts. Elhaz warns that people may want to push you into doing something against your will. You must stand your ground to maintain the rewards of your success or to maintain a position earned.
Ill-dignification warns you to watch for people taking advantage of you. Be careful not to take on their burdens. Can mean hidden danger, deception, confusion, reversal of fortune, weakening of the divine link. Taboo, warning, peril, repugnance. A creative drought.

External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Othala
This rune is concerned with home, land, and property. What is truly important to one. Group order, group prosperity. Land of birth, spiritual heritage, experience and fundamental values. Inheritance. Aid in journeys.
Othala relates to marriage, family, and things which are fixed and unchangeable, set-in stone. On a spiritual level this is a reminder that your body is the temple and home of your soul, a source of security, increase, and abundance.
Ill-dignification can mean lack of respect, totalitarianism, slavery, poverty, homelessness. Bad karma, prejudice, injury. This is a warning to take care of what you have if you care about it.

Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Ansuz
Ansuz signifies the protection of Odin, concerned with man's connection with the universe, spiritual messages, learning, communication, and the spoken word. Signs, inspiration, visions, and the symbolic power of words and names.
Acceptance of good advice yields blessings in health, harmony, and wisdom. Non-acceptance of good advice results in manipulation by others, misunderstanding, and delusion. Vanity and arrogance may deceive one's self. This rune may indicate that dreams are giving you important messages that you should take note of.

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.
Ehwaz
This rune typically signifies big changes – changes for the better. Transportation. May represent a horse, car, plane, boat or other vehicle. Slow but steady progress is indicated. Trust, loyalty, harmony, teamwork, an ideal partnership.
This rune also strengthens adjacent runes, adding clarification and solidarity to their meanings when in doubt. It is also connected with science and higher education. Communication reaches peak harmony.
Ill-dignification could mean a change is craved. Haste, disharmony, betrayal. Feeling trapped. Paranoia and superstition.