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 Ten of Swords, Reversed		The Outcome XVIII – The Moon, Reversed Hopes and Fears Page of Wands, Reversed External Forces Three of Pentacles, Reversed The Querent Ace of Pentacles, Reversed
The Recent Past Five of Wands, Reversed	The Crossing Card IX – The Hermit The Significator Page of Cups, Reversed	The Future Ten of Cups
	Foundation card Seven of Swords

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

Page of Cups, Reversed

The Page of Cups represents emotional curiosity, creativity, and exploring new experiences. Depicted as a youthful figure holding a cup with a fish emerging from it, the Page of Cups embodies wonder and openness to emotional or intuitive growth. This card signals a time when you may be open to new emotional experiences, artistic pursuits, or spiritual insights. It encourages you to embrace your inner child and explore your feelings with innocence, receptivity, and playfulness.

Reversed, the Page of Cups indicates emotional immaturity, a lack of emotional expression, or difficulty understanding one's feelings. The reversal may suggest that you are suppressing your emotions or avoiding emotional intimacy or creative exploration. It could also indicate confusion or uncertainty in relationships, where you may struggle to express yourself or understand your emotional needs. The Page of Cups reversed encourages you to reconnect with your emotions, face your feelings, and allow yourself to explore your creative or intuitive side. It may also suggest the need to heal emotional wounds or be more receptive to the emotional messages the universe is offering.

In Relationships: The Page of Cups suggests the beginning of a new romantic experience or emotional adventure. It represents the excitement of falling in love or exploring feelings for someone new, often with an open heart and a sense of wonder. The Page of Cups may indicate the blossoming of a relationship filled with creativity and inspiration. The card signals a time of emotional renewal, where you may be rediscovering your feelings or expressing your love in creative ways. This card also encourages you to embrace vulnerability and trust your emotional instincts in matters of the heart, suggesting that genuine love comes when you open up to your emotions with honesty and playfulness.

In Work: The Page of Cups represents new creative opportunities or an emotional approach to work. This card signals that you may be on the verge of a new creative project or feel inspired to explore a career path that allows for artistic expression. The Page of Cups encourages you to approach your professional endeavours with an open mind and a sense of emotional connection, allowing your intuition and creativity to guide you. It may also indicate a need to reconnect with passion or enthusiasm for your work, suggesting that following your heart or creative impulses can lead to fulfilment.

Spiritually: The Page of Cups represents the beginning of a new phase of spiritual growth and emotional exploration. It indicates a time when you are open to receiving new insights, intuitive messages, or spiritual guidance. The Page of Cups encourages you to trust your inner voice and intuition, which may lead to deeper spiritual truths. This card also suggests you may be called to explore creative practices as spiritual expression, helping you to connect with your higher self. The Page of Cups invites you to embrace your emotional sensitivity and spiritual openness, trusting that your feelings and intuition will guide you.

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

IX – The Hermit

The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, wisdom, and guidance. It embodies the search for inner truth and deeper understanding through reflection and self-examination. An older figure carrying a lantern and a staff walks alone, symbolising the solitary journey towards enlightenment. The lantern represents the light of wisdom, illuminating the path ahead, while the staff signifies support and the strength gained through life experience. This card suggests a retreat from the external world to seek answers within and find clarity through introspection.

The Hermit invites you to step back from distractions, slow down, and embrace moments of solitude. It encourages personal growth through reflection, spiritual seeking, and the pursuit of knowledge that can only be found within. The Hermit is a guide, showing that wisdom comes not from external sources, but from within one's heart and mind, developed through self-discovery and careful contemplation.

In Relationships: The Hermit signifies a period of introspection, where you may need to take time for yourself before moving forward in a relationship. It suggests a need to step back and reflect on what you seek in love, away from external influences or distractions. This card encourages you to connect with your inner desires and values, understanding yourself better before committing to a romantic relationship. The Hermit also reminds us that love must start from within, and that personal growth and self-awareness are key to building healthy, fulfilling partnerships.

In Work: The Hermit suggests a time of reflection, seeking deeper meaning or purpose in one's professional life. It may indicate the need to step away from daily work life to gain clarity on one's true calling or long-term goals. This card encourages you to trust your intuition and wisdom when making career decisions and not rush into new opportunities until you have reflected on what will bring you true fulfilment. The Hermit can also point to a career in teaching, counselling, or research, where the act of guiding others or seeking knowledge is central to success.

Spiritually: The Hermit represents the pursuit of inner wisdom and enlightenment. This card invites you to withdraw from the noise of the world and focus on your inner spiritual journey. The Hermit encourages you to trust your intuition, meditate, and seek answers through spiritual practices such as prayer or self-reflection. It emphasises the importance of self-discovery and the belief that enlightenment comes from within. The Hermit also suggests that guidance from a spiritual mentor or teacher may be helpful, but the ultimate truth must be found in solitude.

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

Ten of Swords, Reversed

The Ten of Swords represents painful endings, betrayal, and hitting rock bottom. This card signals a time of tremendous distress, often indicating that a situation has reached its peak of destruction, and the only way out is through the aftermath. The image depicts a figure lying face down with ten swords piercing their back, symbolising the ultimate betrayal or defeat. The Ten of Swords signifies a crisis or a moment where you feel like everything falls apart, and you are at the lowest point possible. However, it is important to note that the Ten of Swords also marks the completion of a cycle, meaning that while the end is painful, it is also the beginning of a new chapter.

Reversed, the Ten of Swords suggests that the worst of the pain has passed, and you are beginning to heal from a difficult situation. The reversal indicates that you are emerging from emotional or mental distress, and the worst is behind you. While the scars may remain, this card encourages you to focus on recovery, understanding that the healing process is underway. It may also suggest that you are still in the final stages of letting go of a painful situation, but knowing that a new chapter is beginning and that you have the strength to move forward.

In Relationships: The Ten of Swords suggests the painful end of a relationship, possibly involving betrayal, dishonesty, or emotional devastation. You may experience the finality of a breakup, a sense of loss, or the painful realisation that a relationship is no longer serving your well-being. This card indicates a time of heartache but also signals the end of a difficult emotional journey. The Ten of Swords urges you to release any attachment to the past and allow yourself the time and space to heal. While this card represents a painful ending, it also holds the promise of emotional liberation and the opportunity to rebuild your sense of self and open yourself up to future relationships.

In Work: The Ten of Swords represents a significant failure, burnout, or the collapse of a professional endeavour. You may have experienced a career setback, loss of a job, or the failure of a project. This card signals the end of a phase in your work life, often due to betrayal, poor decisions, or circumstances beyond your control. While the Ten of Swords can represent a moment of defeat, it also suggests this is the conclusion of a difficult chapter. The card encourages you to accept the end of the situation and focus on the lessons learned, knowing that from this point forward, you can move on to more fulfilling professional opportunities.

Spiritually: The Ten of Swords indicates spiritual crisis, despair, or the shattering of old beliefs. You may be going through an intense period of doubt, loss, or a profound sense of disconnection from your spiritual path. This card represents the breaking down of old structures and ways of thinking, which can feel devastating but is necessary for growth. The Ten of Swords invites you to embrace this spiritual death and let go of outdated beliefs or attachments that no longer serve you. Though painful, this is an opportunity for rebirth, allowing you to reconnect with your true self and the divine.

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

Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords represents secrecy, deception, and strategic thinking. This card suggests you may be dealing with a situation where there is dishonesty, hidden motives, or someone trying to outsmart others. It indicates a need for caution and careful consideration, as things may not be as they appear on the surface. The image shows a figure sneaking away with swords, symbolising the act of taking what isn't freely given or trying to avoid detection. This card invites you to examine situations in which deception, avoidance, or evasion may be at play, whether from you or others.

While the Seven of Swords can indicate betrayal or trickery, it can also represent the need for cleverness and resourcefulness in difficult situations. Sometimes, this card suggests you rely on your wits and think outside the box to overcome challenges. It encourages strategic action, where you must be cautious about your approach, and mindful of how others may perceive your intentions. The card may also suggest a situation where you keep something to yourself for protection, advantage, or personal reasons. The Seven of Swords is a reminder to stay alert, gather the facts, and trust your intuition before making decisions.

In Relationships: The Seven of Swords suggests there may be secrets, dishonesty, or hidden agendas. This could be a situation where one partner is deceptive, hiding important information, or avoiding confrontation. Alternatively, it may point to hiding your feelings or avoiding an honest discussion about the relationship. The Seven of Swords calls for you to pay attention to what may not be said or seen, encouraging you to approach the relationship with awareness and discernment. If there is deceit, the card urges you to confront the truth and seek open communication. On the other hand, it may also suggest the need to be more transparent in your actions or to carefully consider the consequences of keeping things hidden.

In Work: The Seven of Swords can indicate dishonesty, theft, or unethical behaviour in the workplace. It may suggest that someone is trying to take credit for someone else's work, using manipulative tactics, or engaging in underhanded behaviour to achieve their goals. This card advises you to be cautious and observant of your professional dealings, as deceit or betrayal may be occurring. Alternatively, the Seven of Swords may suggest you adopt a more strategic, clever approach to achieve success, relying on your ability to navigate tricky situations with discretion and tact. The card encourages you to consider the ethical implications of your actions and avoid shortcuts that could lead to negative consequences.

Spiritually: The Seven of Swords suggests a need for greater honesty with oneself, as well as the potential for self-deception or avoidance of spiritual truths. This card invites you to examine areas of your life where you may be hiding from deeper issues or avoiding the truth. It may also indicate that you are relying on cleverness or avoidance rather than confronting your spiritual challenges directly. The Seven of Swords encourages you to reflect on whether you are being truthful in your spiritual practice and seek clarity in areas of your life that may be clouded by dishonesty or denial. It is a reminder that spiritual growth comes from facing the truth.

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

Five of Wands, Reversed

The Five of Wands represents conflict, competition, and the challenges that arise from differing opinions or approaches. It indicates tension or struggle, often within a group or community. Depicted as multiple figures engaged in a chaotic situation, each holding a wand and vying for position, the Five of Wands symbolises conflict that arises from differences in perspective, ambition, or goals. However, this card does not suggest that the conflict is destructive, but an opportunity for growth and learning through challenges.

Reversed, the Five of Wands can indicate an escalation of conflict, where tensions have become more intense or reached an impasse. It may suggest that you are avoiding confrontation or struggling to resolve disputes, leading to an ongoing sense of frustration or stagnation. The reversed Five of Wands could also point to an environment where competition has become unhealthy, and individuals are working against each other rather than together. This card advises you to reassess your approach to conflict—whether you are feeding into the drama or whether you can find a more constructive way to address the issue at hand. It encourages you to look for ways to collaborate, communicate, and resolve differences before the situation becomes even more difficult to manage.

In Relationships: The Five of Wands indicates a time of tension or conflict. This could manifest as disagreements, misunderstandings, or a lack of alignment between partners. It may also suggest competition, whether it's between romantic interests or external pressures affecting the relationship. The Five of Wands asks you to examine the nature of these conflicts—are they really important, or are they distractions? It may indicate that you and your partner need to find common ground and address underlying issues to move forward. This card can also indicate rivalry, whether dealing with external competition or navigating emotional struggles within the relationship.

In Work: The Five of Wands signals a competitive or challenging work environment. You may be facing conflict with colleagues, managers, or even clients, or there may be a struggle to assert your position in a competitive field. This card suggests that, while challenges are present, they are not necessarily insurmountable. The Five of Wands encourages you to stay focused on your goals and use the competition as a motivator for personal growth and innovation. Rather than being discouraged by conflict, you are urged to find ways to collaborate or think creatively to stand out from the crowd. The Five of Wands can also point to a need to choose your battles wisely.

Spiritually: The Five of Wands represents inner conflict or struggles in finding harmony with one's beliefs or spiritual path. This card may indicate that you are facing challenges in reconciling different spiritual practices or may feel torn between different aspects of your spiritual self. The Five of Wands suggests that conflict is part of the spiritual journey, but can also provide valuable lessons in growth, strength, and clarity. This card asks you to examine how you respond to inner and outer conflict and to integrate differing views or beliefs into a more cohesive understanding. It encourages you to embrace challenges as opportunities to refine your spiritual practice, understanding that discord can lead to greater personal and spiritual evolution.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

IX – The Hermit

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

Ace of Pentacles, Reversed

The Ace of Pentacles represents new beginnings, material opportunities, and potential prosperity. This card embodies the energy of manifestation, stability, and abundance in the material world. As a seed of potential, the Ace of Pentacles signifies the start of a new project, venture, or opportunity that has the potential to bring lasting wealth, success, and security. The pentacle symbolises earthly resources, including wealth, career, and physical well-being, and the Ace represents the potential to turn these resources into something tangible and sustainable. This card suggests a new opportunity may present itself, whether it's a new job, investment, or a way to improve your physical or financial situation.

Reversed, the Ace of Pentacles suggests missed opportunities or a delay in manifesting material success. You may be struggling to create the stability or abundance you desire, or you may find it difficult to get a new project or venture off the ground. There may be a lack of focus on practical matters, or you may ignore the need for patience and discipline in your pursuit of material goals. The Ace of Pentacles reversed also indicates the potential for financial setbacks, wasted resources, or a missed chance for growth. The card urges you to reassess your approach, focus on long-term planning, and ensure you are taking steps to create lasting security and prosperity.

In Relationships: The Ace of Pentacles represents the potential for a stable, grounded, and secure relationship. This card suggests a fresh start in romance, one built on a foundation that offers long-term growth. It may indicate the beginning of a relationship that is practical, supportive, and has the potential to grow into something lasting and fulfilling. The Ace of Pentacles invites you to approach your romantic life with patience, understanding, and willingness to invest in the relationship's future. It may also point to the need to prioritise stability and trust within the relationship, ensuring that both partners are aligned in their goals and values.

In Work: The Ace of Pentacles signals the start of a promising new venture or opportunity for financial growth. This could manifest as a new job, promotion, business idea, or investment opportunity that offers the potential for long-term success and stability. The Ace of Pentacles encourages you to focus on building a solid foundation for your career, ensuring that your efforts are practical, well-planned, and sustainable. This card is a reminder that hard work, patience, and planning will lead to tangible rewards in the material world. You may be encouraged to take practical steps to secure your financial future or to invest in opportunities that have the potential to pay off in the long run.

Spiritually: The Ace of Pentacles represents the manifestation of abundance and alignment with the material world. This card suggests a grounding of spiritual practices or a new opportunity to integrate spirituality with everyday life. You may be beginning a new phase in your spiritual journey that allows you to connect more deeply with the material world while maintaining your values. The Ace of Pentacles encourages you to approach your growth with patience, discipline, and an openness to tangible results. It may also indicate the need to focus on grounding practices such as meditation, nature walks, or other activities that connect you to the Earth and your physical body.

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

Three of Pentacles, Reversed

The Three of Pentacles represents teamwork, collaboration, and the mastery of a craft. This card embodies the energy of building something solid through collective effort, skill, and dedication. It signifies the importance of working with others to achieve a shared goal and highlights the value of bringing different strengths, talents, and perspectives together. The figure on the card is a skilled artisan or worker, either collaborating with others or demonstrating their craftsmanship. This card suggests your efforts are being recognised and you're on the path towards mastery in your field.

Reversed, the Three of Pentacles suggests a lack of collaboration, poor communication, or a failure to work with others. You may be struggling to find common ground with colleagues, partners, or team members, leading to frustration or stagnation. This reversal can also indicate a lack of recognition for your skills or contributions or may point to a situation where your efforts are not appreciated. The Three of Pentacles reversed can also signify that you focus too much on perfectionism or individual achievement, rather than teamwork. The card encourages you to focus on cooperation, seek feedback, and be open to learning from others.

In Relationships: The Three of Pentacles suggests you and your partner may be building something solid and long-lasting together. This could be the development of a deeper commitment or the creation of shared goals and values. The card emphasises the importance of teamwork and collaboration. You may need to work with your partner to overcome challenges or to improve the relationship's foundation. Communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to support each other's growth are key themes in the Three of Pentacles. This card can also suggest that your relationship is in a stage of growth and development, where the effort of both parties is needed to ensure a lasting bond.

In Work: The Three of Pentacles signals collaboration, recognition, and progress in one's work. It may indicate that you are working as part of a team or are about to be recognised for your contributions to a project. This card signifies that your skills are being appreciated and that you are moving forward in your professional development. It also points to the importance of learning from others, whether through mentorship, teamwork, or collaboration. The Three of Pentacles reminds you that success is often achieved by working with others and sharing knowledge and expertise. It may also suggest you are at a point in your career where you are refining your craft and preparing to take on more responsibility.

Spiritually: The Three of Pentacles represents growth, mastery, and the development of one's spiritual practice. You may be deepening your understanding and expanding your skills in this area. The card encourages you to continue your spiritual development with dedication, patience, and attention to detail. It also suggests that you may benefit from connecting with others who share similar spiritual goals or values, as collaboration and learning from others are key to growth. The Three of Pentacles invites you to recognise that spiritual mastery, like any other craft, takes time, effort, and the willingness to work with others in the pursuit of a shared understanding.

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

Page of Wands, Reversed

The Page of Wands represents enthusiasm, curiosity, and the spirit of adventure. It embodies the energy of a youngster eager to explore new ideas, projects, or possibilities. This card reflects a time of inspiration, where you are full of creative potential and ready to embark on a new journey, whether in career, relationships, or personal growth. Depicted as a figure holding a wand, gazing into the distance, the Page of Wands suggests you are looking ahead with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of limitless potential. The Page is not weighed down by doubts or fears, but filled with the eagerness to discover and experience what lies ahead.

Reversed, the Page of Wands can indicate a lack of direction, scattered energy, or hesitation in pursuing new opportunities. You may feel uncertain about your next steps or struggle with self-doubt in taking creative or professional risks. It may suggest you are not committed to a new endeavour or are procrastinating when starting something new. The reversed Page of Wands warns against being too impulsive or chasing many ideas at once. It advises you to regain clarity, refocus your energy, and take more deliberate action towards your goals. It also asks you to tap into your creative potential and overcome any fears or hesitations preventing you from moving forward.

In Relationships: The Page of Wands indicates a time of excitement, new beginnings, or fresh energy. This card suggests a renewed sense of passion, spontaneity, and adventure. It may point to an exciting phase where the partners discover additional aspects of each other or explore new possibilities within the relationship. For singles, the Page of Wands represents the potential for a new romantic connection, one characterised by lightness, fun, and discovery. The Page's energy encourages you to approach love with an open and adventurous spirit, willing to take risks and explore new connections. This card may also suggest that you are attracted to someone who embodies youthful energy, passion, and creativity.

In Work: The Page of Wands signals the beginning of a new creative project or an exciting professional opportunity. It indicates you may embark on a new venture or enter a field that sparks your curiosity and enthusiasm. The Page of Wands encourages you to approach your work with passion, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. This card suggests a time to explore innovative ideas, take bold steps, and trust your creative impulses. It may also indicate youthful energy in the workplace, where you are learning new skills, developing your talents, and gaining confidence in your abilities. The Page of Wands urges you to take initiative, embrace new challenges, and pursue exciting opportunities.

Spiritually: The Page of Wands represents a time of exploration and growth. You may be discovering new paths, philosophies, or practices that ignite your inner fire and curiosity. This card encourages you to be ready to explore new ideas or teachings. The Page of Wands is a reminder to embrace the adventure of self-discovery, be curious about the mysteries of the universe, and remain open to the spiritual lessons that lie ahead. It suggests you are in a phase of learning and growth, where the exploration of new spiritual practices may lead to greater understanding and enlightenment.

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.

XVIII – The Moon, Reversed

The Moon represents intuition, illusion, the subconscious, and hidden truths. It invites you to explore the realm of the unconscious mind, dreams, and intuition. A moonlit landscape with a wolf and a dog howling at the moon, a path winding through rocky terrain, and a crab emerging from the water symbolises the mysterious and sometimes deceptive nature of the mind. The moonlight casts shadows, obscuring as much as it illuminates. It invites you to look beyond appearances to understand deeper meanings or hidden emotions. This card suggests there may be illusions, confusion, or uncertainty in a situation, and it encourages you to trust your intuition to navigate through the unknown.

Reversed, the Moon can indicate confusion, disillusionment, or a lack of clarity. It suggests you may be facing self-deception, illusions, or hidden fears preventing you from seeing the truth. The reversed Moon may also point to heightened anxiety, emotional instability, or difficulty discerning between reality and fantasy. It encourages you to take a step back, clear your mind, and confront any underlying fears or uncertainties. The reversed Moon calls for self-awareness, urging you to trust your inner guidance while being wary of false beliefs or misinterpretations. It may also suggest that you avoid facing your emotions or truths and must work to overcome this.

In Relationships: The Moon suggests there may be confusion, misunderstandings, or illusions. It could indicate that one or both partners are hiding their feelings, or there are secrets to be revealed. This card warns against jumping to conclusions or making assumptions based on surface-level information. The Moon encourages open communication and honesty, urging you to trust your intuition and dig deeper into your emotions. It can also signify a period of emotional uncertainty or mood swings, where clarity may come only after introspection and reflection. This card asks you to be patient with yourself and your partner.

In Work: The Moon suggests there may be hidden factors or uncertainties surrounding a work situation. It encourages you to look beyond the surface. There may be deception, miscommunication, or unclear motivations at play, and you should be cautious about trusting everything you hear or see. This card can also indicate a time of emotional vulnerability in the workplace, when intuition may be more reliable than logic. The Moon invites you to listen to your gut feelings and avoid making decisions without understanding the situation. It may also point to a need for creative or intuitive solutions, as the path forward may not be clear.

Spiritually: The Moon represents the journey into the subconscious mind and the exploration of hidden aspects of the self. This card calls for introspection, inviting you to uncover and confront your fears, desires, and unresolved emotions. The Moon encourages you to pay attention to your dreams, intuition, and inner messages, as these may hold the keys to spiritual growth. However, it also warns of illusions and misleading thoughts, urging you to approach your spiritual journey with caution and awareness. The Moon signifies that the path to enlightenment may be shrouded in mystery, and you must trust your inner wisdom and intuition to guide you.