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 Batons
External Forces  Knight of Cups
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The Recent Past Five of Swords |
The Crossing Card
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The Future Seven of Cups |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Ten of Batons
The Ten of Batons symbolises burdens, responsibilities, and the weight of success. It reflects the challenges of carrying too much, but also the potential for completion and fulfilment.
Symbolism: Ten batons form a dense, interwoven framework, with leaves struggling to emerge. The complexity of the design reflects the heavy responsibilities and pressures of achievement.
In Relationships: A relationship burdened by imbalances or external pressures. Communication is key to restoring harmony.
In Work: Overwork or carrying too many responsibilities. Delegation may be necessary to achieve long-term success.
Spiritually: The card invites you to release unnecessary burdens and focus on your spiritual priorities.
When ill-dignified: Overwhelm, failure to delegate, or losing sight of the goal. It warns against taking on more than you can handle.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
VIIII – The Hermit (L'Hermite)
The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, and the pursuit of inner wisdom. He invites the seeker to retreat from distractions and focus on the guiding light within.
Symbolism: An old man walks with a staff, holding a lantern that illuminates his path. The lantern symbolises the light of wisdom gained through introspection and experience. His posture suggests humility and patience, while his cloak emphasises withdrawal from the external world.
In Relationships: A period of self-reflection or a need for solitude to gain clarity on emotional matters.
In Work: A time for careful planning and introspection. Wisdom lies in patient deliberation rather than immediate action.
Spiritually: The Hermit invites the seeker to turn inward, embracing solitude as a space for spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, fear of introspection, or excessive withdrawal. It warns against cutting oneself off from others or resisting inner truth.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Seven of Swords
The Seven of Swords symbolises strategy, cunning, and the challenges of navigating complex situations. It reflects the need for careful planning but warns of dishonesty or shortcuts.
Symbolism: Seven swords form a slightly chaotic arrangement, reflecting the complexity of the situation. One blade is framed by six. The decorative elements hint at the potential for creative solutions amid disorder.
In Relationships: Secrecy or hidden motives. Open communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings.
In Work: Strategic thinking is required, but ensure your actions align with your ethical standards.
Spiritually: The card challenges you to face your truths rather than evading responsibility.
When ill-dignified: Deception, betrayal, or self-sabotage. It warns against dishonesty with oneself or others.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
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 Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
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.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
VIIII – The Hermit (L'Hermite)
The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, and the pursuit of inner wisdom. He invites the seeker to retreat from distractions and focus on the guiding light within.
Symbolism: An old man walks with a staff, holding a lantern that illuminates his path. The lantern symbolises the light of wisdom gained through introspection and experience. His posture suggests humility and patience, while his cloak emphasises withdrawal from the external world.
In Relationships: A period of self-reflection or a need for solitude to gain clarity on emotional matters.
In Work: A time for careful planning and introspection. Wisdom lies in patient deliberation rather than immediate action.
Spiritually: The Hermit invites the seeker to turn inward, embracing solitude as a space for spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, fear of introspection, or excessive withdrawal. It warns against cutting oneself off from others or resisting inner truth.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Six of Coins
The Six of Coins represents generosity, balance, and the cycle of giving and receiving. It signifies harmony in material matters and the importance of equitable exchange.
Symbolism: Six coins are arranged in a pair of triangles, accompanied by floral motifs that reflect abundance and fairness. The design conveys balance and the flow of resources.
In Relationships: Mutual generosity and support strengthen relationships. It emphasises fairness and balance in emotional give-and-take.
In Work: A time of financial balance or assistance, where efforts are rewarded, or you are in a position to help others.
Spiritually: The card reflects the value of sharing knowledge or resources, reminding the seeker of the abundance that flows from generosity.
When ill-dignified: Inequity, selfishness, or imbalance in giving and receiving. It warns against exploiting generosity or neglecting fairness.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups represents the pursuit of emotional and creative fulfilment, guided by intuition and romantic ideals. He encourages action aligned with your heart while remaining mindful of over idealism or escapism.
Symbolism: The Knight rides a steady horse, presenting a cup as if offering his heart or inspiration. His calm and focused expression reflects his dedication to his emotional or creative quest, while the horse's motion suggests steady progress.
In Relationships: This card signifies romance, devotion, or deepening emotional bonds. It encourages pursuing love with sincerity and charm but warns against being overly idealistic.
In Work: The Knight highlights the importance of pursuing work that resonates emotionally or creatively. It may suggest bringing artistry and passion to your efforts.
Spiritually: The Knight urges you to follow your heart's guidance and align your actions with your inner emotional truths.
When ill-dignified: Emotional inconsistency, escapism, or being too passive. It cautions against pursuing unrealistic ideals without grounding them in reality.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
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 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 Batons
The Queen of Batons represents creative leadership, warmth, and the nurturing of ideas and relationships. She inspires confidence and demonstrates the power of blending intuition with action.
Symbolism: Seated on her throne with a commanding yet approachable presence, the Queen holds her baton with purpose. The aura of growth and vitality surrounds her, emphasising her connection to creativity and nurturing energy.
In Relationships: The card signifies loyalty, passion, and the deepening of bonds through mutual inspiration. It suggests a partner who brings warmth and confidence to the relationship.
In Work: It highlights leadership, creativity, and the ability to inspire a team or execute a vision with determination and grace.
Spiritually: The Queen calls for alignment with your inner fire, trusting your intuition to guide your creative and spiritual pursuits.
When ill-dignified: Overconfidence, manipulation, or burnout. It warns against using charm for selfish gains or losing balance in the pursuit of ambitions.