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 XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu)
External Forces  VII – The Chariot
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The Recent Past VIII – Justice |
The Crossing Card
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The Future XI – Strength (La Force) |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
V – The Pope (Le Pape)
The Hierophant bridges the earthly and the divine, symbolising tradition, spiritual guidance, and the transmission of sacred knowledge. He represents the connection between the seeker and a higher truth through structure and ritual.
Symbolism: The Hierophant sits between two pillars, a gesture of blessing extended towards two kneeling figures below him. His triple cross sceptre represents spiritual authority, while the two fingers pointing to his heart suggest access to divine mysteries. His serene expression reflects wisdom tempered with compassion.
In Relationships: A relationship built on shared values. It can also signify guidance or mentorship within a partnership.
In Work: Success through adherence to structure, tradition, or established methods. Seek advice from a mentor or institution.
Spiritually: The Hierophant invites the seeker to explore established spiritual paths, finding wisdom in teachings passed down through generations.
When ill-dignified: Dogmatism, resistance to change, or blind adherence to tradition. It warns against sacrificing individuality for conformity.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
I – The Magician (Le Bateleur)
The Magician represents skill, potential, and the power to shape reality. As the first step in the Major Arcana, he symbolises the individual's awareness of their tools and the initiation of personal mastery.
Symbolism: The table before him holds simple tools—a cup, a coin, a blade, and a wand—representing the raw elements of life and their mastery. His wide-brimmed hat, resembling the lemniscate, speaks of infinite potential and dynamic creativity. The uneven terrain below mirrors his capacity to balance uncertainty with control.
In Relationships: A time to take initiative or charm your way into new connections. The Magician highlights personal magnetism but warns against manipulation.
In Work: A signal to harness your skills and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Confidence and action are key.
Spiritually: The Magician is the bridge between spirit and matter, teaching you to use divine gifts responsibly.
When ill-dignified: Deception, arrogance, or scattered energy. It warns against using talents for selfish or destructive ends.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
XIIII – Temperance
Temperance embodies balance, harmony, and the art of blending opposites into a unified whole. It is a card of moderation and integration, calling for patience and the gentle flow of energies.
Symbolism: An angelic figure pours water between two vessels, symbolising the interplay of opposites and the alchemical transformation process. One cup is blue, and the other is red, suggesting a balance between the material and the spiritual.
In Relationships: Harmony and mutual understanding within relationships. It suggests compromise and blending energies for a greater whole.
In Work: A need for patience and adaptability. Success comes through steady effort and the balancing of resources.
Spiritually: Temperance invites you to harmonise opposing aspects of your being and align with the universal flow.
When ill-dignified: Imbalance, impatience, or excess. It warns against pushing too hard or failing to find equilibrium.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
III – The Empress (L'Impératrice)
This card signifies the creative force in its most abundant and fertile form. It represents growth, nurturing, and the life-giving power of nature.
Symbolism: Her sceptre symbolises authority rooted in creativity and love, while the shield bearing an eagle emphasises vision and protection. The Empress's seated posture on her throne exudes a sensual yet controlled energy, symbolising the harmony between fertility and structure. Her crown and flowing robes represent her connection to divine beauty and earthly abundance.
In Relationships: The blossoming of love or a nurturing, supportive relationship. It is a call to cultivate affection with care and patience.
In Work: A time of prolific creativity and the manifestation of projects. Trust your ability to bring ideas to fruition.
Spiritually: The Empress guides you to honour your divine creative potential, celebrating the interplay between spirit and matter.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, stagnation, or excessive control. It warns against smothering growth or being consumed by material concerns.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
VIII – Justice
Justice signifies truth, balance, and the law of cause and effect. She represents the impartial hand of the universe, delivering outcomes that align with one's actions and intentions.
Symbolism: Seated on a throne, Justice holds scales in one hand and a sword in the other. The scales symbolise balance and fairness, while the sword represents the clarity and decisiveness required to enact justice. Her direct gaze emphasises accountability and integrity.
In Relationships: Honest communication and equitable partnerships. It calls for evaluating the fairness and balance within relationships.
In Work: Decisions made with integrity will lead to just rewards. It is a time to act ethically and weigh all options carefully.
Spiritually: Justice reflects the law of karma and encourages alignment with higher principles to achieve spiritual clarity.
When ill-dignified: Corruption, dishonesty, or imbalance. It warns against biased decisions or failure to take responsibility for your actions.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
I – The Magician (Le Bateleur)
The Magician represents skill, potential, and the power to shape reality. As the first step in the Major Arcana, he symbolises the individual's awareness of their tools and the initiation of personal mastery.
Symbolism: The table before him holds simple tools—a cup, a coin, a blade, and a wand—representing the raw elements of life and their mastery. His wide-brimmed hat, resembling the lemniscate, speaks of infinite potential and dynamic creativity. The uneven terrain below mirrors his capacity to balance uncertainty with control.
In Relationships: A time to take initiative or charm your way into new connections. The Magician highlights personal magnetism but warns against manipulation.
In Work: A signal to harness your skills and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Confidence and action are key.
Spiritually: The Magician is the bridge between spirit and matter, teaching you to use divine gifts responsibly.
When ill-dignified: Deception, arrogance, or scattered energy. It warns against using talents for selfish or destructive ends.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
IIII – The Emperor (L'Empereur)
The Emperor embodies structure, authority, and the power of order. He is the architect of stability, encouraging discipline and leadership in the material world.
Symbolism: The Emperor's throne and square-shaped setting symbolise structure and the solid foundation of his rulership. The sceptre and orb he holds reflect his control over earthly domains. His gaze is firm and unyielding, emphasising responsibility and focus.
In Relationships: Stability, loyalty, and shared goals define relationships under the Emperor's influence. It may also indicate a partner with strong authoritative traits.
In Work: Success through organisation, discipline, and strategic planning. Leadership is both a gift and a responsibility.
Spiritually: The Emperor teaches the balance between setting boundaries and allowing the divine to flow within the constraints of the physical world.
When ill-dignified: Rigidity, stubbornness, or misuse of power. It warns against being controlling or dismissive of emotional needs.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
VII – The Chariot
The Chariot represents triumph through willpower and discipline. It is the card of focused determination, suggesting the mastery of opposing forces to achieve a unified goal.
Symbolism: The charioteer stands tall, guiding two horses of contrasting colours, symbolising duality and control. The canopy above him evokes divine protection, while the wheels in motion reflect progress and momentum. His expression is resolute, embodying control amidst dynamic movement.
In Relationships: Moving forward together, overcoming challenges, or achieving harmony despite differences.
In Work: Success through focus, persistence, and strategic action. Victory is attainable through balance and self-control.
Spiritually: The Chariot teaches the alignment of inner and outer forces, calling for the integration of spirit and will to advance.
When ill-dignified: Lack of direction, recklessness, or internal conflict. It warns against being pulled in opposing directions without clarity of purpose.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
II – The Priestess (La Papesse)
The High Priestess is the keeper of wisdom and the custodian of sacred knowledge. She represents introspection, patience, and the search for truths hidden beneath the surface.
Symbolism: Seated and serene, the High Priestess holds an open book, symbolising esoteric teachings and mysteries revealed through disciplined study. Her veil represents the boundary between the seen and unseen, while the calm symmetry of her setting reflects inner equilibrium and balance.
In Relationships: Emotional depth and the unfolding of hidden dynamics. This card encourages trust in intuition over appearances.
In Work: A time for reflection and strategy rather than direct action. The answers lie in careful analysis.
Spiritually: The High Priestess invites the seeker to embrace silence and meditation, revealing the wisdom that resides within.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, secrecy, or confusion. It warns against ignoring inner guidance or withholding necessary truths.
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.
XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, perspective, and the wisdom gained through sacrifice. It signifies the pause required for deeper insight and the willingness to let go of attachments to achieve spiritual growth.
Symbolism: A figure hangs upside down from a grafted tree, forming an almost serene cross-like posture. The inversion suggests seeing the world from a different perspective, while the living tree structure reflects the connection to spiritual growth. His tranquil expression emphasises acceptance and enlightenment through suspension.
In Relationships: A need for patience, reflection, or a fresh perspective on a relationship. It can also suggest letting go of control.
In Work: A time to pause, reassess, and allow things to unfold. Solutions may come from viewing challenges differently.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man invites the seeker to embrace surrender as a path to awakening and profound understanding.
When ill-dignified: Stubbornness, resistance to change, or avoiding necessary sacrifices. It warns against remaining stuck in unproductive situations.