Celtic Cross Spread

Celtic Cross

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 0 – The Fool, Reversed		The Outcome XIII – Death, Reversed Hopes and Fears XXI – The World External Forces XII – The Hanged Man The Querent VIII – Strength, Reversed
The Recent Past II – The High Priestess	The Crossing Card XIV – Temperance, Reversed The Significator VII – The Chariot, Reversed	The Future VI – The Lovers
	Foundation card XVI – The Tower, Reversed

The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.

VII – The Chariot, Reversed

The Chariot represents determination, willpower, victory, and control. It embodies the energy of triumph over obstacles, achievement through effort, and the mastery of one's emotions and environment. A strong figure drives a chariot, guided by inner strength and unwavering resolve. The charioteer holds the reins, symbolising the control and discipline needed to direct the forces of will, both within and without. Two sphinxes pull the chariot, looking in opposite directions, representing the balancing of opposing forces that must be harmonised to achieve success.

Reversed, the Chariot can indicate a lack of direction, a loss of control, or an inability to move forward confidently. It may suggest that you are struggling with inner conflict, emotional imbalance, or external challenges that prevent progress. This card reversed warns against being too forceful in trying to achieve goals, as this could lead to setbacks or failure. It also suggests you may need to regain your focus, re-establish your confidence, and find a clearer path forward. The Chariot reversed calls for self-reflection and re-alignment of goals to regain control and momentum.

In Relationships: The Chariot signifies a time of forward movement and decisive action. It suggests you are ready to take control of your romantic life and move past obstacles or doubts. This card can indicate overcoming challenges, gaining clarity about your desires, or taking the lead in matters of the heart. The Chariot encourages you to stay determined and confident, pursuing love with focus and a clear sense of direction. It may also signal a period of growth in a relationship where both partners are moving forward together with shared goals and mutual understanding.

In Work: The Chariot is a powerful card, representing the determination and drive needed to achieve professional goals. It signifies a time to harness your inner strength and take decisive action towards your ambitions. This card encourages you to stay focused on your objectives, overcoming any obstacles or challenges that may arise. The Chariot reminds you that success will be achieved through perseverance, self-discipline, and maintaining control over external distractions. It can also indicate a journey of personal and professional growth, where you can push past your limits to achieve greatness.

Spiritually: The Chariot represents the mastery of one's inner forces and the ability to direct energy towards personal transformation. This card encourages you to use your willpower and focus to overcome spiritual challenges and obstacles, remaining determined on your path of growth and enlightenment. The Chariot invites you to embrace your power, channelling it towards spiritual advancement. It also speaks to the importance of balance and self-control, urging you to stay grounded and focused as you move forward on your spiritual journey.

The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.

XIV – Temperance, Reversed

Temperance represents balance, harmony, moderation, and healing. This card embodies the principle of integrating opposites and finding equilibrium within oneself and in the world. An angel or ethereal figure pours water from one cup to another, the imagery of Temperance suggests the blending of two elements to create something harmonious. The flowing water symbolises the steady flow of energy, while the angel's wings and serene expression point to a divine guidance in achieving harmony. This card teaches the importance of moderation, patience, and self-control in all areas of life.

Reversed, temperance can indicate imbalance, excess, or a lack of harmony in your life. It suggests you may be overindulging in certain areas, whether in emotions, behaviours, or actions, leading to stress, burnout, or disharmony. This card reversed warns against extreme reactions, impulsiveness, or trying to force situations to align with your desires. It can also indicate a failure to find middle ground in relationships or work, leading to conflict or dissatisfaction. Temperance reversed encourages you to reassess your approach, seek a more balanced and measured path, and take the time to heal areas of your life that feel out of alignment.

In Relationships: Temperance suggests that balance and harmony are key in your relationship. It may indicate the need for moderation in how emotions, time, and energy are shared between partners. This card encourages you to avoid extremes—whether in expectations, communication, or attachment—and instead find a balanced approach that fosters mutual respect, understanding, and patience. Temperance speaks to a steady connection, where both partners support each other's growth while maintaining their individuality. It can also indicate healing in relationships, whether overcoming challenges or finding a new sense of balance and understanding between two people.

In Work: Temperance signifies a time for finding balance in one's professional life. This card encourages you to manage your workload, relationships, and responsibilities with grace and moderation, avoiding burnout and stress. It may suggest the need for collaboration or the blending of unique skills or talents to achieve success. Temperance reminds you that steady, thoughtful progress, rather than hasty or extreme actions, is the key to long-term success. This card can also point to a need for healing in the workplace, whether it's resolving conflicts or restoring calm to a stressful environment.

Spiritually: Temperance represents the pursuit of inner balance and integration. This card invites you to align your physical, emotional, and spiritual selves into a harmonious whole, finding peace through moderation, patience, and acceptance. It encourages you to seek spiritual growth through balance rather than extreme practices or rigid beliefs. Temperance suggests that spiritual enlightenment can be achieved when the seeker is in harmony with both the inner self and the external world. It is a reminder that the path to spiritual fulfilment is about maintaining balance and being open to divine guidance.

The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.

0 – The Fool, Reversed

The Fool represents the beginning of an inner and outer journey, a leap of faith into the unknown where infinite possibilities lie. This card embodies potential and purity. It represents the spirit of new beginnings before experience has shaped the self. The Fool carries a light knapsack, signifying that experiences or material attachments do not burden him. His innocence and openness suggest a state of trust in the universe and a readiness to take risks, unafraid of the unknown.

Reversed, the Fool can indicate a fear of stepping into the unknown, an avoidance of change, or a reluctance to take risks. It may suggest that you are holding back from starting a new journey because of doubts, insecurities, or an overreliance on the familiar. The Fool reversed warns against acting impulsively, leading to unnecessary mistakes. It can also signal naivety or a lack of preparedness when faced with challenges, urging you to approach new beginnings more responsibly.

In Relationships: The Fool invites openness, spontaneity, and fresh starts. This card suggests embarking on new romantic experiences without the weight of baggage. It encourages you to approach love with an open heart, ready to explore new connections and uncharted territory. The Fool signifies trust, freedom, and the joy of new beginnings, free from inhibitions.

In Work: The Fool signals a new chapter in one's professional life. It may indicate the start of an exciting journey or project, urging you to embrace change and take a risk for growth and fulfilment. This card encourages stepping out of your comfort zone, trusting that the journey will bring valuable experiences and opportunities despite an uncertain future. The Fool advises boldness and enthusiasm in pursuing career goals, suggesting that success may come from breaking away from conventional paths.

Spiritually: The Fool represents the call to venture beyond the ego, to explore new realms of consciousness and self-awareness. This card invites you to embrace the spiritual journey with innocence and trust, letting go of preconceived notions or rigid beliefs. The Fool encourages surrender to the flow of the universe, letting go of control, and embracing the unknown with faith. It is a reminder that the spiritual path is not about certainty, but the willingness to explore and discover.

Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.

XVI – The Tower, Reversed

The Tower represents sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation. This card symbolises the collapse of established structures that were built on unstable foundations. A tall tower being struck by lightning, with people falling from it, signals that something in your life is about to be drastically altered, often through unexpected events or revelations. While the image may appear dramatic, the Tower invites a necessary shake-up or disruption that clears the way for transformation. The destruction is not meant to be detrimental, but to reveal the truth and tear down false beliefs, patterns, or illusions that no longer serve your best interests.

Reversed, the Tower can indicate resistance to change or a fear of upheaval. You may be avoiding the collapse of an outdated structure, clinging to what is familiar out of fear of the unknown. This card reversed warns that delaying or denying the inevitable changes will only lead to greater chaos in the future. The reversed Tower also speaks to the possibility of avoiding the truth, which may be keeping you trapped in an illusion. It encourages you to face the situation head-on, release your attachment to the old, and embrace the transformation required for personal growth and freedom. The Tower reversed suggests the sooner you accept the need for change, the sooner you can rebuild on a stronger foundation.

In Relationships: The Tower indicates a sudden and unexpected change—this could be an argument, a breakup, or a moment of shocking revelation that forces both partners to confront underlying issues. While the upheaval may be painful, it offers an opportunity to rebuild the relationship from a more authentic place, free of illusions or false expectations. The Tower urges you to face uncomfortable truths and let go of outdated beliefs or patterns preventing the relationship from developing. This card can also signify a need to release unhealthy attachments to make way for a more genuine connection.

In Work: The Tower suggests an unexpected disruption in your professional life. This could be a sudden job loss, a major shift in a project, or the breakdown of a system that no longer works. The Tower indicates that a structure built on unstable ground is collapsing, and while this may initially seem like a crisis, it is ultimately a catalyst for change and growth. You are encouraged to embrace the chaos as an opportunity to reassess your goals and approach, shedding old methods or beliefs that no longer align with your vision of success. The Tower signals the need for radical change, pushing you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace radical new possibilities.

Spiritually: The Tower represents a profound awakening, where your beliefs or worldview may be shattered to make room for deeper understanding and enlightenment. This card invites you to confront the illusions or false constructs that have kept you from seeing the truth of your spiritual path. The Tower represents the moment of revelation that breaks down the ego, allowing the individual to see things more clearly. It is a reminder that spiritual growth often requires moments of upheaval, where the old self is destroyed to make way for the new. The destruction of the old is essential for the emergence of wisdom and self-awareness.

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

II – The High Priestess

The High Priestess represents intuition, wisdom, and the subconscious mind. This card embodies the mysteries of the unseen and the inner knowledge that transcends logic and reason. She sits between two pillars, one black and one white, symbolising balance and duality. Behind her is a veil decorated with pomegranates, which suggests hidden knowledge and the gateway to deeper understanding. Her serene expression invites you to connect with the voice within.

The High Priestess is a guardian of wisdom and the keeper of secrets. She represents the connection to the unconscious and the flow of intuition, encouraging you to trust what you feel beyond the surface. The moon at her feet signifies the cyclical nature of life and the importance of cycles, rhythms, and the feminine aspects of existence, such as receptivity, intuition, and introspection. The High Priestess reminds us that not all knowledge can be accessed through logic alone; sometimes, the answers lie in silent reflection.

In Relationships: The High Priestess calls for listening to one's inner wisdom in matters of the heart. It suggests you may need to trust your intuition or inner voice, rather than relying only on external circumstances. This card can indicate a deep connection or a relationship in a period of mystery or uncertainty. It encourages introspection and observation, rather than impulsive action, to navigate the emotional and intuitive aspects of love.

In Work: The High Priestess encourages you to trust your inner wisdom when making career decisions. It may signal a time when knowledge and insight, rather than outward action, are necessary to move forward. This card suggests that sometimes the best way to approach career growth is through reflection, careful observation, and connecting with your deeper instincts. The High Priestess may also indicate hidden opportunities or knowledge available, but not yet revealed. Patience and trust in your intuition will be key in navigating the path forward.

Spiritually: The High Priestess represents spiritual growth and the pursuit of higher knowledge. She invites you to embrace the deeper mysteries of life—to seek enlightenment through inner reflection, meditation, and connection with the subconscious. She symbolises the unfolding of wisdom from a connection to the divine and the unseen realms. The High Priestess encourages a journey of introspection, intuition, and spiritual depth.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

XIV – Temperance, Reversed

The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.

VIII – Strength, Reversed

Strength represents courage, resilience, patience, and control. It embodies the power of taming inner fears, overcoming adversity with gentleness, and having the fortitude to face challenges with grace. A woman calmly holding the jaws of a lion signifies the balance between power and compassion, where strength comes not from force, but from a sense of inner calm and self-confidence. The woman's serene expression conveys that this strength is not aggressive, but is instead the ability to remain composed in the face of difficulty, harnessing personal power through self-discipline and understanding.

Reversed, Strength can indicate a lack of confidence, difficulty controlling emotions, or an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. It may suggest you are feeling weak, overwhelmed, or unable to tap into your inner strength, possibly because of fear or self-doubt. This card reversed advises you to reconnect with your sense of inner power, find calmness in the midst of chaos, and face your challenges with patience and trust in yourself. It may also indicate that you are struggling with your approach to difficult situations, possibly using force or aggression rather than compassion and patience.

In Relationships: Strength speaks to the power of patience, understanding, and unconditional love. It suggests you may be called upon to show compassion and support, particularly in times of difficulty or uncertainty. This card signifies the need for gentle, yet firm, emotional strength in navigating challenges, and reminds you that love is based on mutual respect, trust, and the ability to remain calm and supportive through all circumstances. It encourages you to act from a place of empathy, understanding that love is about partnership and compassion.

In Work: Strength represents the inner resilience needed to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of professional challenges. It suggests your path to success will require patience, determination, and a steady hand in difficult situations. This card advises you to rely on your inner strength, confidence, and emotional intelligence to navigate challenges in the workplace, whether dealing with difficult colleagues, demanding tasks, or career setbacks. Strength encourages you to move forward with grace and conviction, trusting that inner resilience will lead you to success.

Spiritually: Strength signifies the mastery of the self, the ability to conquer one's inner demons, and the courage to follow one's spiritual path. This card calls you to dig deep within yourself for the fortitude to face your fears, heal emotional wounds, and cultivate peace. Strength emphasises that true power comes from compassion, inner harmony, and the ability to work through difficulties with faith and patience. It invites you to trust your spiritual journey and allow understanding to guide your growth.

External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.

XII – The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man represents surrender, suspension, perspective, and letting go. This card embodies pausing to reflect and seeing life from a different angle. A figure hanging upside down by one foot signifies a period of stillness or suspension, where forward movement is halted and a new way of thinking must emerge. The figure's serene expression and the halo around his head suggest that this pause is not one of suffering, but an intentional and transformative moment of introspection. The Hanged Man teaches that sometimes we must detach from our usual way of living or thinking to experience growth, release, and enlightenment.

This card invites you to reconsider your current approach or perspective, suggesting that action alone cannot solve a situation or challenge, but through patience, acceptance, and a shift in viewpoint. The Hanged Man encourages the acceptance of temporary discomfort, trusting that letting go of control will ultimately lead to a more profound understanding of oneself and the situation at hand.

In Relationships: The Hanged Man suggests a time of reflection and reconsideration. It may indicate a need to pause and view the partnership from a different angle, possibly encouraging you to look beyond surface issues and explore deeper emotional truths. This card often points to a period of waiting or suspension, where things may feel stagnant or on hold, but where growth still occurs. The Hanged Man invites you to release expectations or rigid beliefs about love and instead be open to new perspectives and understandings. It also encourages self-sacrifice for the sake of the relationship, though with caution, ensuring the sacrifices made are not one-sided.

In Work: The Hanged Man points to a time of pause, reflection, or a shift in perspective regarding professional goals. It may suggest that you are in a phase where movement or progress is temporarily halted, and the key to success lies in rethinking your approach or strategy. This card advises patience and a willingness to let go of previous expectations or rigid plans to allow for new ideas and approaches to emerge. The Hanged Man can also indicate sacrifice or selflessness in your work, perhaps taking on a project or task that feels limiting or uncomfortable for the sake of a greater purpose or long-term gain. It teaches that growth often comes through patience and seeing things from a new angle.

Spiritually: The Hanged Man represents a necessary pause in one's spiritual journey, where the seeker is invited to let go of ego, attachments, and the need for control in order to achieve enlightenment. This card encourages you to release old beliefs, perspectives, and patterns to embrace a higher consciousness. The Hanged Man speaks to the process of surrender, where spiritual growth is achieved by stepping away from the material world and allowing oneself to be guided by faith, intuition, and trust in the universe. It is a reminder that some of the most profound spiritual growth occurs during times of stillness, waiting, or letting go.

Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.

XXI – The World

The World represents completion, fulfilment, and the culmination of a long journey. It symbolises the achievement of a goal, the harmony of opposites, and the attainment of wholeness and balance. Depicted with a dancer encircled by a laurel wreath, with cherubim representing the four fixed signs of the zodiac (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) in each corner, the World represents the successful completion of a cycle and the joy that comes with realising your potential. The laurel wreath signifies victory and accomplishment, while the dancer's movement indicates the freedom and joy accompanying the realisation of a dream or goal.

The World signifies the end of one phase and the beginning of another, marking a moment of integration and wholeness. This card invites you to celebrate your achievements, acknowledging the hard work and growth you've been through. It represents a time of satisfaction, accomplishment, and the knowledge that the journey's lessons have been learned. The World suggests you have achieved a level of personal or spiritual maturity, where you feel aligned with your purpose and ready to move forward into the next chapter of life.

In Relationships: The World signifies a harmonious, fulfilling relationship or the completion of a significant romantic cycle. It indicates that you have reached a point of emotional maturity, where you feel at peace within yourself and in your connection with your partner. This card suggests a balanced relationship that brings completion and joy. It may also indicate you are ready to enter a new phase of your romantic life, whether that means deepening your commitment, moving towards a more serious partnership, or even moving on from a relationship that has run its course. For those who are single, the World signals the readiness to embrace love more holistically, free from old baggage, and to attract a relationship that aligns with your true self.

In Work: The World signifies the successful completion of a long-term project or goal. It represents recognition, accomplishment, and the fulfilment of professional aspirations. This card suggests you have reached a level of mastery or expertise and are ready to take on new challenges or ventures. It may also signal the end of a phase in your career, offering the opportunity for growth and advancement in a new direction. The World invites you to celebrate your professional success and acknowledge the effort and dedication it took to reach this point. It also suggests that you are prepared for the next step in your journey, having gained the experience necessary to continue evolving in your career.

Spiritually: The World represents enlightenment, integration, and oneness with the universe. This card signifies that you have reached a place of spiritual balance and fulfilment, where you feel aligned with your purpose and at peace with yourself and the world around you. The World encourages you to embrace the interconnectedness of all things and acknowledge the completion of a significant spiritual cycle. It signals that you have gained wisdom and understanding and are ready to integrate that knowledge into daily life. This card invites you to celebrate your spiritual growth and honour the journey that has brought you to this moment of wholeness.

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.

XIII – Death, Reversed

Death represents transformation, endings, and rebirth. It is a symbolic death, signifying the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another. A skeletal figure on horseback with a scythe reminds us that change is inevitable and letting go of the old makes room for the new. It signifies the natural cycle of life, where death is a transition, not an end. This card calls for releasing what no longer serves, allowing you to shed old habits or beliefs holding you back from growth.

Reversed, Death can indicate resistance to change, an unwillingness to let go, or a fear of the inevitable transformations that life presents. It suggests you may be holding on to outdated beliefs, relationships, or situations that no longer serve you, preventing growth and hindering progress. The reversed Death card warns that delaying the inevitable or resisting change can cause stagnation, and the refusal to transform will eventually lead to greater discomfort. It encourages you to embrace endings to make room for new beginnings, reminding you that transformation is essential for personal growth.

In Relationships: Death signifies the end of a phase, which could be a breakup, a transformation in how two people relate, or letting go of old patterns that no longer work. This card indicates that the relationship may be going through a period of change, and it encourages you to embrace that change rather than resist it. Death invites rebirth—whether the opportunity to renew the relationship by letting go of baggage or the possibility of closing the chapter to make space for new, healthier connections. This card reminds us that endings, though painful, are necessary for growth and new beginnings.

In Work: Death signifies a major transformation, signalling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It may indicate the closing of a professional project, a career change, or a shift in goals or direction. While this may initially feel unsettling, Death suggests this change is an opportunity for growth through an alternative career path, a different role, or a fresh approach to work. This card encourages you to release old ways of working or thinking that no longer serve you and embrace the unknown with an open mind. Death signals that sometimes it's necessary to let go of the old to make space for new opportunities and success.

Spiritually: Death represents the ultimate transformation, the shedding of old identities, and the continual evolution of the soul. This card speaks to the process of spiritual rebirth, where you may be called to let go of outdated beliefs or practices that no longer resonate with your higher self. It encourages you to embrace the process of spiritual evolution, where each phase of life offers the opportunity to transform and grow in new ways. Death invites the seeker to release the attachments that bind them to the material world and focus on inner growth, understanding that spiritual evolution is a continual process of shedding and renewal.