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 Four of Coins
External Forces  Ten of Cups
|
||
The Recent Past Five of Coins |
The Crossing Card
|
The Future Valet of Coins |
|
|
|||
The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Ten of Coins
The Ten of Coins symbolises legacy, prosperity, and long-term security. It reflects the culmination of efforts to create a stable and abundant future for yourself and others.
Symbolism: Ten coins are arranged in a pair of X's, forming a harmonious and interconnected pattern. The abundance of detail reflects wealth, tradition, and the enduring rewards of hard work.
In Relationships: A stable and enduring partnership that focuses on building a shared future. It suggests family or community ties.
In Work: The successful completion of a project or the establishment of lasting financial security.
Spiritually: The card reflects the integration of material success with spiritual fulfilment, encouraging gratitude and generosity.
When ill-dignified: Materialism, stagnation, or the fear of losing what has been built. It warns against clinging to tradition at the expense of growth.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Ten of Swords
The Ten of Swords signifies endings, collapse, and the release of what no longer serves. While it represents a painful conclusion, it also promises renewal and the possibility of a fresh start.
Symbolism: Ten swords form a heavy, intertwined pattern, with minimal room for growth. The design emphasises finality and the weight of a tough cycle ending.
In Relationships: The conclusion of a relationship or the need to accept closure for emotional healing.
In Work: The end of a challenging phase, making way for new opportunities. Letting go of old methods is crucial.
Spiritually: The card symbolises surrender and transformation, urging the seeker to embrace the cycles of death and rebirth.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to closure, unnecessary suffering, or refusal to move on. It warns against clinging to what has already ended.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
0 – The Fool (Le Mat)
The Fool represents the untamed spirit and unshackled freedom of the soul. He wanders without boundaries, embodying movement, exploration, and detachment from worldly concerns. This card invites us to embrace change and unpredictability with courage and spontaneity.
Symbolism: The dog biting at the Fool's leg symbolises the tension between freedom and earthly constraints. His staff and bundle represent the burdens and wisdom accumulated on life's journey, carried with both carelessness and purpose. The colourful jester's attire signifies his eccentricity and adaptability, while his forward gaze reflects an openness to the unknown.
In Relationships: A new, unpredictable connection or the need for more spontaneity in existing relationships. Beware of recklessness.
In Work: Embarking on a risky or unconventional path, where intuition takes precedence over plans.
Spiritually: The Fool embodies the soul's leap into the vast unknown, trusting the divine order of chaos.
When ill-dignified: Naivety, poor judgement, or a lack of grounding. It warns of becoming aimless or distracted by superficial pursuits.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Eight of Coins
The Eight of Coins represents diligence, skill development, and the pursuit of mastery. It signifies focused effort and the rewards of hard work.
Symbolism: Eight coins are arranged in a methodical, balanced design, reflecting order and craftsmanship. The symmetrical details emphasise the value of precision and dedication.
In Relationships: Effort and care are required to build or maintain a strong connection. This card highlights the value of commitment.
In Work: A time for honing your skills or perfecting a craft. Focus and dedication lead to mastery and long-term success.
Spiritually: The card reflects disciplined practice in spiritual pursuits, encouraging consistent effort for growth.
When ill-dignified: Laziness, poor craftsmanship, or frustration with slow progress. It warns against neglecting effort or pursuing shortcuts.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Five of Coins
The Five of Coins symbolises hardship, scarcity, and the challenges of material or emotional instability. It invites resilience and the recognition of available support.
Symbolism: Five coins form an X, reflecting imbalance and disruption. The floral embellishments suggest that growth is possible, even in difficult circumstances.
In Relationships: Struggles often involving feelings of neglect or emotional distance. It calls for mutual support and understanding.
In Work: Financial or professional difficulties that require perseverance and resourcefulness.
Spiritually: The card reflects the challenges of feeling disconnected from abundance, urging the seeker to rediscover faith and community.
When ill-dignified: Despair, self-pity, or a refusal to seek help. It warns against isolating yourself during difficult times.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Ten of Swords
The Ten of Swords signifies endings, collapse, and the release of what no longer serves. While it represents a painful conclusion, it also promises renewal and the possibility of a fresh start.
Symbolism: Ten swords form a heavy, intertwined pattern, with minimal room for growth. The design emphasises finality and the weight of a tough cycle ending.
In Relationships: The conclusion of a relationship or the need to accept closure for emotional healing.
In Work: The end of a challenging phase, making way for new opportunities. Letting go of old methods is crucial.
Spiritually: The card symbolises surrender and transformation, urging the seeker to embrace the cycles of death and rebirth.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to closure, unnecessary suffering, or refusal to move on. It warns against clinging to what has already ended.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
XX – Judgement (Le Jugement)
Judgement signifies awakening, transformation, and the call to a higher purpose. It represents a time of reckoning and renewal, offering the opportunity to align with divine will and embrace rebirth.
Symbolism: An angel blows a trumpet from above, awakening figures rising from coffins below. The trumpet symbolises divine calling, while the figures' praying hands reflect surrender and readiness for transformation. The scene suggests liberation and the promise of a new phase of existence.
In Relationships: Healing, forgiveness, or a transformative phase. It may signify a second chance or a fresh start.
In Work: A moment of clarity or a major decision that aligns your work with your higher purpose. Renewal is on the horizon.
Spiritually: Judgement calls you to awaken to your true calling, embrace forgiveness, and prepare for a spiritual rebirth.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, self-doubt, or avoidance of accountability. It warns against ignoring the call to transform.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Ten of Cups
The Ten of Cups represents emotional fulfillment, contentment, and the culmination of heartfelt desires. It signifies not just happiness, but a sense of satiety—where life's pleasures and emotional riches have reached their peak. This is a moment of completion, yet it also hints at the question: what comes next?
Symbolism: Nine cups form a strong foundation, supporting a single cup above them. This suggests a fullness of experience, where emotional harmony is achieved, yet the upper cup hints at something beyond—an ideal or a higher state of being. The absence of floral adornment focuses attention inward, emphasising that true fulfillment arises from within, not from external embellishments.
In Relationships: A state of emotional satisfaction, where love, connection, and shared joy flourish. It suggests bonds that have reached their natural fulfilment, yet a moment to reflect on what sustains love beyond its peak.
In Work: The realisation of success and stability, where satisfaction is achieved, yet the challenge now lies in maintaining passion and purpose beyond material completion.
Spiritually: A profound connection with the universe and the realisation that satisfaction comes from within. This card suggests an elevated state of emotional and spiritual fulfilment, yet invites contemplation on what lies beyond completion.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, complacency, or disillusionment after achieving one's desires. It warns against mistaking temporary satisfaction for lasting fulfilment and urges gratitude for present abundance.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Valet of Batons
The Valet of Batons signifies the spark of inspiration, youthful enthusiasm, and the potential for growth. This card invites curiosity and encourages embracing the unknown with an adventurous heart.
Symbolism: The Valet stands tall, holding a large club as if discovering his power for the first time. His gaze forward is bright and inquisitive, embodying the spirit of exploration. The background suggests open horizons, symbolising untapped potential and the excitement of new ventures.
In Relationships: This card indicates fresh, playful energy in relationships, the thrill of beginnings, or the curiosity that fuels deeper connection. It encourages openness to new experiences and creative ways of building bonds.
In Work: It heralds opportunities for learning, experimentation, or pursuing passion. The Valet advises you to take the first steps with optimism, trusting that exploration will lead to growth.
Spiritually: The Valet represents the seeker at the beginning of their journey, filled with wonder and the readiness to embrace inspiration and guidance.
When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, naivety, or lack of direction. It warns against abandoning curiosity out of fear or letting inexperience lead to recklessness.
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.
Four of Coins
The Four of Coins represents stability, security, and the consolidation of resources. The square flower in the centre suggests a firm foundation but also warns of rigidity or excessive attachment to material possessions.
Symbolism: Four coins form a square, symbolising solidity and structure. The simplicity of the arrangement reflects material grounding, while the lack of movement suggests potential stagnation.
In Relationships: A relationship built on stability, but one that may lack spontaneity. It calls for finding balance between security and emotional openness.
In Work: Financial or professional stability, but a need to avoid becoming overly conservative or resistant to growth.
Spiritually: The card invites you to ground yourself but warns against clinging too tightly to the material world.
When ill-dignified: Greed, possessiveness, or fear of loss. It warns against hoarding resources or stifling growth due to fear of change.