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 Ace of Wands		The Outcome XIV – Temperance, Reversed Hopes and Fears Six of Cups, Reversed External Forces Page of Cups The Querent VIII – Strength
The Recent Past Knight of Cups	The Crossing Card Nine of Cups, Reversed The Significator Two of Swords, Reversed	The Future Seven of Swords, Reversed
	Foundation card Eight of Swords, Reversed

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

Two of Swords, Reversed

The Two of Swords represents indecision, stalemate, and the need for balanced judgement. This card appears when you are faced with a difficult decision or unable to see the truth of a situation. The swords in this card often depict a figure blindfolded, symbolising the inability to see the full picture or to make a clear choice. The Two of Swords asks you to balance intellect and emotions, carefully weigh the options, and trust in your ability to make the right decision when the time is right. It signifies a period of inner conflict, where the mind is divided, and external circumstances may not provide clear answers.

Reversed, the Two of Swords can indicate confusion, avoidance, or a refusal to make a decision. The reversal suggests you may be stuck in a state of denial, unwilling to confront the reality of a situation or to take the steps to resolve an issue. The Two of Swords reversed urges you to acknowledge your feelings and confront the choices you have been avoiding. It may also suggest that you are letting fear or indecision paralyse you, preventing you from moving forward. The reversed card encourages you to break free from this mental stalemate and make a decision, knowing that action is often the key to clarity.

In Relationships: The Two of Swords indicates a relationship stalemate or a decision that needs to be made. This card suggests there may be a situation where you are avoiding confronting difficult truths or making a choice in your romantic life. It could indicate a relationship where communication has stalled or there is a lack of clarity regarding the next steps. The Two of Swords encourages you to be honest with yourself and your partner, addressing the emotional blockages or uncertainties that may exist. It is a reminder that avoiding a decision or shutting out emotions will not resolve the situation.

In Work: The Two of Swords signals indecision or mental conflict regarding a job, project, or career path. This card suggests you may be at a crossroads in your professional life, unsure of which direction to take. The Two of Swords asks you to carefully evaluate the options available, ensuring you are not making decisions based on external pressure or fear. It may also indicate a time when you feel stuck or unable to make progress, either because of hesitation or external factors. The card encourages you to reflect on your goals, trusting that clarity will come with patience and introspection.

Spiritually: The Two of Swords represents inner conflict or a need to balance one's beliefs. This card suggests you may feel torn between two paths, practices, or ways of thinking. The Two of Swords encourages you to look inward, seeking clarity and guidance from your higher self. It is a reminder that spiritual growth often requires tough decisions, and the ability to balance opposing forces within the self is key to moving forward. You may need to quiet the mind, remove distractions, and connect with your intuition to find the answers you seek.

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

Nine of Cups, Reversed

The Nine of Cups signifies emotional contentment, fulfilment, and the realisation of desires. Depicted as a figure seated in front of nine neatly arranged cups, with a look of satisfaction and pride, this card represents a time when your emotional needs have been met, and your desires have come to fruition. The Nine of Cups indicates a period of emotional success, where you find joy, peace, and gratitude, having achieved personal fulfilment. It suggests you have worked hard to manifest your dreams and are now experiencing the rewards of your efforts.

Reversed, the Nine of Cups indicates that emotional contentment may be elusive or you may feel unfulfilled, despite outward appearances of success. It can suggest dissatisfaction or a longing for something more, even though you have achieved your desires. The reversal of the Nine of Cups may point to excess, indulgence, or taking things for granted. It may also indicate that you are pursuing superficial goals that do not bring true happiness or ignoring deeper emotional needs. The Nine of Cups reversed invites you to reassess your desires and values, to find a more meaningful sense of fulfilment that aligns with your emotional well-being.

In Relationships: The Nine of Cups represents emotional fulfilment and happiness. This card signifies a time when you are content in your romantic life, where wishes and desires related to love and connection have been realised. It may suggest that you have found a partner who meets your emotional needs or are experiencing harmony and mutual satisfaction in a current relationship. For singles, the Nine of Cups indicates that emotional contentment and happiness are within reach and that you may soon find a relationship that aligns with your deepest desires. This card encourages you to enjoy the love you have while remaining open to new emotional experiences.

In Work: The Nine of Cups indicates professional satisfaction and the fulfilment of career goals. It suggests you have achieved success in your work or are on the verge of realising your professional ambitions. This card celebrates the completion of a goal, whether a promotion, project, or recognition, and signals a time to take pride in accomplishments. The Nine of Cups reminds you to appreciate your hard work and acknowledge the rewards that have come from your efforts. However, it also encourages you to reflect on what brings you fulfilment in your career, suggesting that success is measured by emotional satisfaction rather than external validation or material gain.

Spiritually: The Nine of Cups signifies peace, contentment, and alignment with one's higher self. It indicates that you are experiencing spiritual fulfilment, having found a path or practice that brings you emotional and spiritual satisfaction. This card suggests a time of gratitude and inner peace, where you feel connected to your spiritual journey and at ease with who you are. The Nine of Cups encourages you to continue nurturing your spiritual path, acknowledging the spiritual abundance in your life. It is a reminder that happiness comes from within and can be found in the present moment.

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

Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands represents inspiration, new beginnings, and the spark of creative energy. As the first card in the suit of Wands, it signifies the start of an exciting journey, filled with potential and the promise of growth. Depicted as a hand emerging from a cloud, holding a wand with leaves sprouting from it, the Ace of Wands symbolises the initial burst of energy and enthusiasm that comes with an idea, a new project, or a burst of creative inspiration. It is a card of action, ambition, and the desire to manifest dreams into reality. The wand itself represents vitality, willpower, and the potential for creation, urging you to take bold steps towards your goals.

The Ace of Wands indicates the arrival of a new opportunity or the ignition of a fresh, exciting idea. It encourages you to embrace this moment of inspiration and channel it into action. This card suggests the time is right to take the first steps towards turning ideas into reality, and the energy and enthusiasm needed to succeed are available. It may also indicate a time of great personal vitality, where you feel ready to take on challenges and pursue your passions with determination.

In Relationships: The Ace of Wands represents the passionate beginning of a new romantic relationship or the renewal of passion in an existing one. It suggests an exciting new connection or attraction that sparks intense emotions and physical chemistry. This card encourages you to follow your heart and explore this newfound energy, whether it's the start of a new relationship or a rekindling of desire in a current one. The Ace of Wands invites you to approach love with excitement and enthusiasm, embracing the potential for growth and connection. It can also indicate the emergence of new opportunities for romantic adventure, encouraging you to take steps towards deepening your love life.

In Work: The Ace of Wands signifies the beginning of a new professional project, creative venture, or entrepreneurial opportunity. It marks the arrival of an idea or inspiration that has the potential to grow into something significant. This card encourages you to take the first steps towards manifesting your goals, whether by starting a new business, pursuing a creative passion, or taking on a leadership role. The Ace of Wands is full of enthusiasm and energy, urging you to act on your ambitions with confidence, creativity, and determination. It may also represent a surge of motivation or a renewed sense of purpose in the workplace, encouraging you to tackle new challenges with fresh energy.

Spiritually: The Ace of Wands represents a new spiritual path or the awakening of creative energy within the soul. It indicates the arrival of inspiration or a moment of spiritual clarity that propels you forward on your journey. This card encourages you to embrace the insights or callings that are emerging, as they have the potential to lead to growth and transformation. The Ace of Wands invites you to take action on your spiritual path, trusting that your energy and passion will guide you towards deeper connection with the divine. It may also signify a time of personal empowerment when you feel aligned with your true purpose and ready to take bold steps in your spiritual evolution.

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

Eight of Swords, Reversed

The Eight of Swords represents restriction, entrapment, and mental imprisonment. This card suggests you feel trapped or bound by a situation, often because of limiting beliefs, fears, or self-doubt. The image of a blindfolded figure bound and surrounded by swords indicates a state of confusion, where you can't see a way out of your problems or challenges. The Eight of Swords highlights how the mind can create a sense of imprisonment, making obstacles seem insurmountable, even when they may not be. It's a card that invites you to examine the mental barriers you've placed on yourself and realise that you may have more freedom than you perceive.

Reversed, the Eight of Swords suggests you are beginning to free yourself from a state of mental imprisonment or restriction. The reversal indicates that you are gaining clarity, breaking free from limiting beliefs, or finding ways to overcome fears and doubts that have held you back. The reversed Eight of Swords encourages you to continue challenging your mental barriers and take active steps towards liberation. It may also indicate a realisation that the obstacles you perceived were not as insurmountable as you thought and that there is a way forward if you change your perspective.

In Relationships: The Eight of Swords suggests a situation where you feel trapped, restricted, or emotionally bound. This could indicate feelings of helplessness or fear that prevent you from moving forward. The Eight of Swords may also represent a situation where you feel stuck due to insecurities or fears about opening up or making changes in the relationship. The card encourages you to examine your mental and emotional limitations and recognise that these barriers are not insurmountable. It may also suggest that you need to free yourself from old wounds, negative beliefs about love, or toxic patterns to move forward in a healthier and more fulfilling way.

In Work: The Eight of Swords indicates you may feel trapped in your current job, position, or professional situation. You may feel like you have no options or are constrained by circumstances beyond your control. The Eight of Swords suggests you are experiencing a mental block, feeling stuck, or doubting your abilities to break free from your current work situation. This card encourages you to challenge your own thinking and recognise that the restrictions you feel are often mental rather than physical. The Eight of Swords advises you to seek new perspectives, find creative solutions, and have the confidence to move past your self-imposed limitations to achieve career growth and fulfilment.

Spiritually: The Eight of Swords represents a state of spiritual confusion or entrapment. You may struggle with limiting beliefs, fear, or doubt preventing you from embracing your spiritual path. This card suggests you may feel disconnected from your spiritual practice or trapped in a cycle of negative thought patterns. The Eight of Swords invites you to examine your mental state and recognise that your limitations may be self-created. It encourages you to release these fears, allowing yourself to move along your spiritual path with greater freedom and openness.

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

Knight of Cups

The Knight of Cups represents emotional pursuit, romance, and following one's heart with passion and conviction. This card embodies a figure determined to chase after their dreams, desires, and ideals, often in the realm of love, creativity, or spiritual growth. The Knight of Cups signifies a time when you are feeling inspired, motivated, and driven by your emotions or a sense of purpose. This knight rides a horse while holding a chalice, symbolising a quest for emotional fulfilment, passion, and emotional connection.

The Knight of Cups encourages you to be guided by your heart and intuition, urging you to take action on your dreams, even if those dreams are rooted in love or artistic pursuits. It is a card of movement, suggesting that you may be on the brink of embarking on an emotional adventure, whether that involves a new relationship, creative project, or spiritual journey. The Knight of Cups is not afraid to be vulnerable or to follow what feels right, allowing his emotions to lead him. However, it also calls for balancing emotional pursuits with practicality, as the Knight may at times be swept away by idealistic fantasies.

In Relationships: The Knight of Cups represents a romantic and idealistic approach. This card suggests you may be on the cusp of experiencing a romantic encounter or a period where emotions are passionate and transformative. The Knight of Cups brings the energy of a romantic adventurer, someone willing to do whatever it takes to express their love, woo a partner, or follow the call of the heart. For those already in relationships, this card may indicate a renewal of passion, a deepening emotional connection, or heightened romance. The Knight of Cups urges you to be open to the emotional flow, allow love to guide you, and take inspired action in love without hesitation.

In Work: The Knight of Cups suggests you may be pursuing a path that aligns with your passions, creativity, or emotional fulfilment. This card represents the pursuit of work that feels meaningful or emotionally rewarding, rather than simply chasing external rewards or recognition. The Knight of Cups may indicate a project or job involving creative expression, emotional intelligence, or helping others, suggesting that you are guided by a calling. This card encourages you to take inspired action in your career, follow your intuition, and stay true to your dreams, even if the path is unconventional.

Spiritually: The Knight of Cups signifies a time of emotional and spiritual exploration, where you are called to trust your intuition. This card suggests you may be on a quest for deeper meaning, inspired by a spiritual ideal. The Knight of Cups invites you to embrace your emotions as a gateway to spiritual growth, encouraging you to follow your heart and intuition. This card can also represent the need for creative or artistic expression as a form of spiritual practice, where you connect with your higher self through imagination, art, or music.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

Nine of Cups, Reversed

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

VIII – Strength

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.

This card represents the courage to face life's challenges, persevere with patience, and trust in the process of growth. Strength reminds us that resilience is built from within, and that sometimes the greatest strength lies in showing vulnerability and compassion rather than exerting dominance. It is an invitation to approach difficult situations with kindness, both towards oneself and others, and trust that inner strength will carry you through.

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.

Page of Cups

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.

The Page of Cups also represents the awakening of intuition and creativity. The fish emerging from the cup symbolises the flow of inspiration and ideas, suggesting you may receive new emotional or intuitive insights or are being called to pursue creative or artistic endeavours. This card asks you to stay open to new possibilities, trust your emotions, and be willing to take a leap of faith to explore what lies beneath the surface of your feelings.

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.

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

Six of Cups, Reversed

The Six of Cups represents nostalgia, memories, and emotional reconnection. This card depicts two children exchanging cups filled with flowers, symbolising the innocence and purity of the past, along with the joy of shared memories. The Six of Cups suggests a time when you may be reflecting on your past, longing for simpler times, childhood experiences, or old relationships. It can also represent a reunion with someone from the past, or a return to a place or situation that brings back fond memories. This card is a reminder of the emotional value that memories, nostalgia, and shared experiences can hold, and it invites you to reconnect with your inner child or rediscover the joy and wonder of past moments.

Reversed, the Six of Cups can indicate that you are stuck in the past, unable to move forward because you are too focused on what has been lost or left behind. It may suggest an unhealthy attachment to memories, relationships, or experiences, preventing you from embracing the present moment or making progress. The reversal of the Six of Cups invites you to reflect on why you may be holding onto the past and consider whether you are using those memories as an excuse to avoid the future. It may also indicate unresolved issues or emotional baggage from the past that need to be addressed to heal. The card asks you to balance honouring the past with embracing the future.

In Relationships: The Six of Cups indicates a time of emotional reflection on old relationships, memories, or even childhood experiences that shape your approach to love. For those in relationships, it may represent rekindling old feelings or reigniting the joy and innocence of the early stages of love. It can also signify a reunion with an old flame, bringing back nostalgic feelings or unresolved emotions. For singles, the Six of Cups may suggest that experiences or past relationships influence how you view love and you may subconsciously seek qualities from past loves. This card invites you to embrace the positive aspects of experiences while staying open to new possibilities.

In Work: The Six of Cups suggests you may be revisiting past projects, interests, or professional connections that bring a sense of fulfilment or nostalgia. It can indicate a return to a previous job, a childhood dream, or a career path that holds emotional significance. The card encourages you to reflect on your achievements and lessons learned and use those insights to inform your decisions. It also speaks to the value of reconnection, suggesting that reconnecting with old colleagues or revisiting old work relationships could lead to opportunities for growth or collaboration. The Six of Cups asks you to remember the joy and passion you once had for your work and find ways to reignite that spark in your current professional life.

Spiritually: The Six of Cups represents the return to a more innocent state of mind, where spiritual growth is grounded in joy, wonder, and openness. It suggests you may be reconnecting with your spiritual roots, revisiting practices or beliefs that once brought you peace or fulfilment. The Six of Cups can also indicate the need to nurture the inner child, approach spirituality with innocence and awe, and cultivate a playful and joyful attitude towards the divine. It reminds you that spiritual growth does not always have to be serious or heavy; there is room for light-heartedness, fun, and wonder.

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.

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.