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  Four of Batons
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The Recent Past XX – Judgement (Le Jugement) |
The Crossing Card
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The Future Nine of Batons |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
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.
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.
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.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
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 Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
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.
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.
Five of Swords
The Five of Swords signifies conflict, tension, and the cost of victory. It reflects the complexities of human interaction, where ambition and ego can lead to hollow triumphs.
Symbolism: Four curved blades form an oval frame around one straight sword, with floral details disrupted by their arrangement. The imagery suggests discord and the difficulty in maintaining harmony.
In Relationships: Disputes or misunderstandings. It highlights the importance of humility and compromise.
In Work: Office politics or struggles for dominance may create tension. Focus on ethical choices and long-term goals.
Spiritually: The card challenges you to evaluate the price of your actions and realign with your inner truth.
When ill-dignified: Manipulation, deceit, or unnecessary hostility. It warns against prioritising personal gain over integrity.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Four of Batons
The Four of Batons represents stability, celebration, and the grounding of initial achievements. It reflects a moment of harmony and shared joy.
Symbolism: Four interwoven batons create a doubled cross, signifying stability and order. The balanced growth of leaves mirrors the fulfilment of early efforts and the foundations of future success.
In Relationships: Harmony and commitment. It may indicate joyful gatherings or milestones.
In Work: The achievement of an important goal or the establishment of a stable foundation for future endeavours.
Spiritually: A celebration of inner balance and alignment with the rhythms of life.
When ill-dignified: Restlessness or dissatisfaction with stability. It warns against taking harmony for granted or resisting change.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Eight of Cups
The Eight of Cups signifies departure, emotional growth, and the courage to leave behind what no longer serves. It is a card of seeking deeper meaning.
Symbolism: This card shows cups arranged symmetrically, with intertwining vines and floral decorations. The structured yet somewhat rigid design reflects an order that may feel confining, symbolising the need to step away from stability for something more fulfilling. The central flower suggests a guiding light or inner calling, reinforcing the theme of seeking deeper meaning beyond the familiar.
In Relationships: Moving on from a relationship that no longer fulfils you or reassessing your emotional needs.
In Work: Leaving a secure position to pursue something more meaningful. Trust your instincts to guide you.
Spiritually: The card encourages the seeker to embark on a quest for truth, leaving behind superficial comforts.
When ill-dignified: Fear of change, stagnation, or clinging to the familiar. It warns against resisting the call to evolve.
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.