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 Two of Swords		The Outcome X – The Wheel of Fortune, Reversed Hopes and Fears Eight of Cups, Reversed External Forces I – The Magician The Querent Knight of Swords, Reversed
The Recent Past Queen of Pentacles	The Crossing Card Three of Swords, Reversed The Significator VI – The Lovers	The Future Two of Pentacles
	Foundation card Knight of Wands, Reversed

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

VI – The Lovers

The Lovers represents union, love, choices, and harmony. It embodies the themes of connection within oneself and with others. The Lovers card is depicted with a couple standing together with an angel overseeing them, symbolising divine blessing and the importance of alignment with higher ideals. This card reflects the powerful and transformative nature of love, not just in romantic relationships, but in many partnerships, including those that involve shared values, goals, and emotional bonds.

At its core, the Lovers is about making choices, particularly those that reflect our values and align with our true selves. It suggests you are at a crossroads where a decision needs to be made—one that has the potential to shape your life path. This card encourages you to act with integrity and authenticity, ensuring that love, compassion, and truth guide your choices. The Lovers also speaks to the connection between the heart and the mind, asking you to find harmony between your desires and reason.

In Relationships: The Lovers card speaks to the power of emotional connections and the importance of choosing love and commitment with intention. It signifies the potential for a significant and harmonious relationship, one grounded in mutual respect, attraction, and shared values. This card invites you to make decisions in love with clarity and authenticity, suggesting that love, when chosen wisely, can lead to fulfilment and growth. The Lovers can also signify a turning point in a relationship, where you must make an important choice.

In Work: The Lovers suggests the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values and passions. It may indicate a partnership or collaboration that will lead to success, or the need to make a decision that will impact your professional path. This card encourages you to consider how your work aligns with your deeper goals and choose a path that resonates with your authentic self. The Lovers also emphasises the importance of balancing work and personal life, fostering relationships that support professional success without sacrificing personal happiness.

Spiritually: The Lovers card signifies the unity of opposites, the balance of masculine and feminine energies, and the pursuit of higher harmony. It invites you to seek alignment within yourself, uniting your conscious and unconscious desires, and connect with the divine through love, compassion, and authenticity. The Lovers can also represent the spiritual journey of making choices that reflect your true calling, encouraging you to act in accordance with your higher self and divine purpose. It reminds us that spiritual growth comes from living in harmony with your values.

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

Three of Swords, Reversed

The Three of Swords represents heartbreak, emotional pain, and sorrow. This card is often associated with feelings of grief, loss, or betrayal, particularly in relationships. It signifies the piercing of the heart by harsh truths or painful experiences, such as the end of a relationship, a betrayal by a loved one, or a difficult emotional revelation. The image of three swords piercing a heart symbolises the depth of the pain, yet it also suggests healing is possible after the storm. This card is a reminder that emotional suffering, though painful, is often a part of the human experience and can lead to growth and the eventual release of old wounds.

Reversed, the Three of Swords can indicate lingering emotional pain, but it may also signify the beginning of the healing process. The reversal suggests you are letting go of past hurts, although the healing may still be in progress. The Three of Swords reversed can also indicate an avoidance of dealing with emotional pain, suggesting that you may be repressing your feelings rather than allowing yourself to grieve. This card reversed invites you to confront unresolved pain to heal and release old emotional wounds. It may also signal that the worst has passed, and recovery is underway.

In Relationships: The Three of Swords signifies emotional heartache, often due to betrayal, separation, or miscommunication. This card may indicate a breakup, an affair, or a painful realisation about a relationship. You may be experiencing sorrow from an old relationship or facing current heartbreak. The Three of Swords encourages you to allow yourself to grieve and acknowledge your emotions, knowing that healing is a process. This card reminds you that you deserve love that is honest, supportive, and nurturing. Though difficult, the Three of Swords offers a moment of introspection where you can learn from experiences and prepare for emotional renewal.

In Work: The Three of Swords suggests emotional pain. This could be a situation of betrayal or disappointment, such as being passed over for a promotion, dealing with workplace conflict, or facing a setback in a project or business venture. The Three of Swords advises you to confront the emotions that come with professional disappointments, recognising that, though painful, these experiences can lead to personal and professional growth. It also emphasises the need to heal and move on from situations that no longer align with your values or goals. The card may also indicate that it is time to get out of a toxic work environment and focus on self-care and emotional recovery.

Spiritually: The Three of Swords represents healing after emotional pain or trauma. This card suggests you may be struggling with spiritual or emotional wounds, possibly stemming from experiences, betrayals, or disappointments. The Three of Swords encourages you to acknowledge the pain and allow it to guide you towards greater wisdom and self-awareness. This card reminds you that healing is necessary for spiritual growth and that confronting your emotional wounds leads to greater inner strength and resilience. The Three of Swords also calls on you to release any spiritual or emotional baggage preventing you from going forward.

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

Two of Swords

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.

The Two of Swords calls for a pause and contemplation, urging you to seek clarity within before acting. It is a reminder that the solution may not be readily apparent, and decisions made without proper reflection could lead to regret. The card encourages you to take time to research, assess both sides of the situation, and approach the decision with balance and fairness. The blindfold suggests that clarity may come with time, and while you may not have all the answers now, you will gain insight as you approach the issue rationally.

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.

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

Knight of Wands, Reversed

The Knight of Wands represents boldness, adventure, and pursuing goals with passion and vigour. It embodies the energy of someone fearless, dynamic, and determined to move forward in their pursuits, no matter the obstacles. This card signifies action, enthusiasm, and a fiery drive to achieve one's ambitions. Depicted on horseback, charging forward with a wand in hand, the Knight of Wands is on a quest, eager to conquer challenges and explore new frontiers. His energy is contagious, and his confidence in the face of uncertainty encourages you to act decisively and boldly in your own life.

Reversed, the Knight of Wands can indicate impulsiveness, recklessness, or a lack of focus. You may be acting without thinking through the consequences, rushing into situations without adequate preparation, or pursuing too many projects at once. This card warns against getting swept up in the excitement of new opportunities without considering the long-term impact. The reversed Knight of Wands also suggests a loss of momentum, where you are feeling stuck, lacking the drive and energy needed to move forward. Here, you are encouraged to reassess your goals and reignite your passion with a more grounded approach. It may also indicate frustration from feeling like things are moving too slowly or not at all.

In Relationships: The Knight of Wands indicates a time of passionate energy and adventure. For those in committed relationships, this card suggests a renewed sense of excitement, spontaneity, and enthusiasm. It may represent a period of rekindled passion, where both partners are eager to explore new facets of the relationship or take risks together. For those who are single, the Knight of Wands can signify a fast-moving romantic encounter filled with excitement and intensity. However, the Knight of Wands may also point to a tendency for relationships to be temporary, encouraging you to be mindful of how quickly things progress. This card reminds you to stay true to your desires while seeking a balance between passion and stability.

In Work: The Knight of Wands represents bold action, ambition, and the drive to succeed. This card signifies a time when you should take decisive action towards your career goals. The Knight of Wands is determined, fearless, and ready to face challenges head-on, suggesting that you should embrace new opportunities, take risks, and pursue ventures confidently. It can also indicate a new, exciting job or project that requires energy and enthusiasm. While this card encourages fast movement, it also warns against rushing into things without planning. You are encouraged to harness your energy wisely, balancing excitement with practicality to avoid burnout or missteps.

Spiritually: The Knight of Wands signifies intense growth and spiritual exploration. You may feel a pull to expand your consciousness, take risks in your spiritual practices, or go on a journey of self-discovery. This card encourages you to follow your inner calling with excitement and confidence but approach spiritual exploration with an open mind and a sense of purpose. The Knight of Wands represents a spiritual quest, full of new experiences and insights. It's a time to embrace change, seek new wisdom, and venture beyond your comfort zone while staying true to the heart's deepest desires.

The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.

Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles represents nurturing, practicality, and the embodiment of abundance through care and grounded energy. She is a figure of stability, comfort, and material success, who uses her resources and nurturing nature to create a secure and harmonious environment for herself and those around her. Seated on a throne, with a pentacle in her lap and surrounded by lush greenery, the Queen of Pentacles symbolises a connection to the material world, yet she remains grounded and balanced in her approach to wealth, home, and family. This card speaks to the nurturing energy required to create material and emotional abundance.

The Queen of Pentacles embodies the ability to manifest security and comfort while maintaining a practical and compassionate approach. She represents someone skilled at managing finances, taking care of their home, and supporting loved ones while also finding time to nurture themselves. The Queen is deeply in touch with nature and the physical world, understanding that material success results from both hard work and a caring, thoughtful approach. She encourages you to balance practicality with compassion, create a secure foundation, and use your resources strategically to ensure long-term happiness.

In Relationships: The Queen of Pentacles signifies a caring and nurturing partner. This card indicates a partner who provides emotional and practical support, creating a loving and secure home environment. The Queen of Pentacles represents someone devoted to their partner and family, offering unconditional care and stability. For those seeking love, the card suggests the importance of self-nurturing and building a foundation of trust and comfort. It can indicate a relationship grounded in mutual care and a focus on building something to last together.

In Work: The Queen of Pentacles represents success through practicality, hard work, and the ability to manage both professional and personal responsibilities with grace. You may be excelling in a career that requires attention to detail, organisation, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities. This card speaks to financial security from careful planning and wise investment, along with the ability to create a nurturing work environment. The Queen of Pentacles encourages you to use your skills in managing resources for stability and success. It may also suggest that your career is one in which you can provide care or support to others, whether in a leadership role, as a caregiver, or in a profession that fosters security and well-being.

Spiritually: The Queen of Pentacles represents a balanced and grounded approach to growth. This card suggests you are in tune with the physical world and understand the importance of taking care of your body, mind, and environment as part of your spiritual practice. The Queen invites you to nurture your spiritual life by cultivating self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and integrating your spiritual practices into daily life. She emphasises the importance of creating a sacred space, whether through meditation, reflection, or connection with nature, to foster inner peace and well-being. The Queen of Pentacles teaches that you can nurture spiritual growth in a practical, down-to-earth way.

The Future depicts that which lies ahead.

Three of Swords, Reversed

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

Knight of Swords, Reversed

The Knight of Swords represents action, intellect, and ambition. This card embodies a bold, determined, and sometimes impulsive energy. The Knight of Swords charges forward with a clear objective, acting swiftly and decisively, fuelled by passion and mental focus. His sword symbolises the sharpness of his mind and his ability to cut through confusion, but his swift movement can sometimes result in hasty decisions or a lack of consideration for the consequences. The Knight of Swords urges you to take action with conviction and purpose, but it also cautions that moving too fast without thought may lead to mistakes or conflict.

Reversed, the Knight of Swords suggests impulsive behaviour, rash decisions, or a lack of direction. You may be rushing into a situation without clear thinking, making hasty decisions that lead to confusion, arguments, or mistakes. The reversed Knight of Swords can indicate a person who is argumentative, reckless, or forceful in their communication, without considering the impact of their words or actions. It also points to a lack of focus, where you may be pursuing too many things at once without completing anything or getting caught up in mental distractions. The Knight of Swords reversed urges you to slow down, think carefully, and channel your energy in a more focused manner.

In Relationships: The Knight of Swords represents fast-paced, direct energy. You may be rushing into a relationship, desiring to move things forward quickly or to assert your desires boldly. This card suggests a time of intellectual connection, where you may be eager to discuss important matters or clear up misunderstandings. However, it may also indicate a tendency towards arguments or misunderstandings if communication is too blunt or one person is too headstrong. The Knight of Swords encourages you to speak your truth and take decisive actions in your romantic life but warns against being too forceful or rushing things without considering the feelings of others.

In Work: The Knight of Swords signifies ambition and drive. You may be pursuing your goals with passion, energy, and speed. This card suggests a time to take action and use your mind to tackle challenges head-on. However, the Knight of Swords also warns against charging forward without a coherent plan, as this could lead to burnout, mistakes, or conflict with others. You are encouraged to use your intellect and determination to push forward but to remain mindful of the bigger picture and potential consequences of your actions. This card may also indicate a new project or opportunity requiring quick thinking and bold action, where success depends on the ability to adapt and act fast.

Spiritually: The Knight of Swords represents a time of pursuing knowledge, truth, or personal growth. You may be seeking answers, trying to cut through confusion or uncertainty in your spiritual journey. This card urges you to take swift action in pursuing your goals, but it also warns against rushing into new practices or philosophies without proper reflection or understanding. The Knight of Swords can indicate a time of mental stimulation and spiritual clarity, where you may feel inspired to dive into spiritual matters. However, it also suggests intellectual understanding alone may not be enough—balance is needed with emotional wisdom and reflection. You are encouraged to use your intellect to enhance your spiritual growth but to avoid overthinking or becoming fixated on theories that might disconnect you from your intuition.

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

I – The Magician

The Magician represents the power of manifestation. The first card of the Major Arcana embodies the energy of focused will, where potential is brought into reality through skill, action, and intention. Standing with one arm raised towards the heavens and the other pointing towards the earth, the Magician connects the spiritual and material realms. He bridges the divine and the earthly to bring about change. His tools—the wand, cup, sword, and pentacle—symbolise mastery over the four elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. He channels power through these instruments.

The Magician is the embodiment of self-confidence and resourcefulness. Understanding his abilities and the world around him, he can turn visions into reality. The table in front of him, filled with tools, represents everything he needs to succeed being within reach. His presence signifies the awakening of latent abilities and the realisation that the power to shape one's destiny lies within. This card speaks to the power of focused energy, skill, and determination to manifest your desires.

In Relationships: The Magician suggests the power of intention and communication. It indicates that you can create a fulfilling romantic connection by being clear about your desires and aligning your actions with those intentions. It may also indicate the arrival of someone with powerful charisma or the need to harness your charm and creative energy to foster love. The Magician encourages conscious creation in matters of the heart, a reminder that you are the architect of your romantic life.

In Work: The Magician is a card of opportunity and self-empowerment in the professional realm. It signals that you possess the skills necessary to make your career aspirations a reality. This card encourages taking bold, deliberate action towards career goals and making the most of resources. The Magician suggests that the path to success is one where focus and determination play a vital role, and you have the power to manifest prosperity and recognition.

Spiritually: The Magician represents the mastery of one's inner power and the ability to direct energy with purpose. This card speaks to the harnessing of personal energy for growth, enlightenment, and transformation. It calls you to recognise your power, align your will with your spiritual goals, and work towards awakening your full potential. The Magician reminds us that the divine is not separate from us but exists within. It urges you to use your talents and awareness for higher spiritual development.

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

Eight of Cups, Reversed

The Eight of Cups represents emotional withdrawal, leaving behind what no longer serves, and seeking a deeper sense of fulfilment. This card depicts a figure walking away from eight stacked cups, leaving them behind as they venture towards a mountain or distant horizon. The Eight of Cups signals a time when you may feel emotionally dissatisfied, disconnected, or unfulfilled with your current situation, seeking something more meaningful. It suggests that while the material or superficial aspects of life may seem fine on the surface, an inner longing or desire for emotional depth, truth, and purpose is not being met.

Reversed, the Eight of Cups indicates emotional resistance or a reluctance to let go of something that no longer serves you. The reversal may suggest that you are holding onto a relationship, job, or situation out of fear or attachment, even though it is no longer emotionally fulfilling. This card reversed invites you to acknowledge your dissatisfaction and recognise when it is time to move on, even if it feels difficult. It can also indicate a need for emotional healing and a deeper understanding of why you may be clinging to the past or avoiding necessary change. The Eight of Cups reversed encourages you to gather the courage to leave behind what no longer brings you joy.

In Relationships: The Eight of Cups suggests you may experience emotional dissatisfaction or disillusionment. You may be considering leaving a connection that no longer fulfils you, or you may already be ready to leave a relationship that has lost meaning. It can indicate the need for personal growth, reflection, and emotional independence. The Eight of Cups encourages you to be honest with yourself about your feelings and recognise when a relationship is no longer serving your emotional needs. For singles, the card may indicate the need to move on from emotional baggage, letting go of relationships or situations that prevent them from opening up to new, more fulfilling connections.

In Work: The Eight of Cups suggests a desire to leave a job, project, or career path that no longer provides emotional or professional satisfaction. You may feel unfulfilled, disengaged, or disconnected from your work, prompting a search for more meaningful work or a different path altogether. This card calls for the courage to leave behind what is comfortable or familiar to pursue a more fulfilling career, even if the path ahead seems uncertain. The Eight of Cups may also indicate that you seek a new sense of purpose in your professional life, encouraging you to follow your passions or seek deeper meaning in your work.

Spiritually: The Eight of Cups represents the quest for deeper meaning and fulfilment. It may indicate that you feel unfulfilled, disconnected from your spiritual path, or seek something more profound. This card calls for introspection and the willingness to leave behind old beliefs, practices, or habits that no longer support spiritual growth. It suggests a journey of seeking greater truths or wisdom and may involve solitude or reflection to reconnect with the inner self and find greater peace. The Eight of Cups encourages you to follow your inner calling, even if it requires stepping into the unknown or leaving behind old comforts.

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.

X – The Wheel of Fortune, Reversed
The Wheel of Fortune represents cycles, fate, destiny, and change. The tenth card of the Major Arcana embodies the ever-turning wheel of life, where circumstances shift unpredictably, and the forces of fortune and destiny influence our lives. The Wheel features symbols such as the four fixed zodiac signs and the Sphinx, representing the ongoing movement of time and the interplay between fate and free will. The card speaks to the cyclical nature of existence, where moments of fortune and misfortune rise and fall, reminding us that no situation lasts forever.

Reversed, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate a feeling of being stuck or out of sync with the natural flow of life. It may suggest that you are resisting change or struggling against the forces of fate, leading to stagnation or misfortune. This card reversed warns against attempting to force things to happen or trying to control the uncontrollable, reminding you that life moves in cycles and resisting the natural flow can lead to frustration. It also indicates you may experience a downturn or setback, but that this is likely temporary. The Wheel reversed encourages letting go of resistance, accepting the cycles, and trusting that change will come in due time.

In Relationships: The Wheel of Fortune signifies that changes are coming, often unexpectedly. It may indicate a turning point in a romantic relationship, where new dynamics or events will shift the course of the connection. This card suggests you should be open to the ebb and flow of emotions, as relationships go through cycles of growth, transformation, and occasional turmoil. The Wheel reminds us that love is not static, and that fate or timing may play a crucial role in romantic endeavours. It encourages flexibility and acceptance, knowing that changes, while sometimes difficult, bring opportunities for renewal and growth.

In Work: The Wheel of Fortune suggests change is imminent, whether it's a shift in job, career path, or professional circumstances. This card can indicate that your efforts are about to bear fruit or external forces, such as a new opportunity or unexpected event, will alter the course of your professional journey. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to stay adaptable, as fortune may favour you or present challenges that require a shift in perspective. It also signifies that luck or timing will be a factor, and you should be ready to seize opportunities that arise.

Spiritually: The Wheel of Fortune speaks to the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of life. It reminds you that everything is in constant motion, and that spiritual growth often comes through periods of both abundance and hardship. This card encourages you to trust in the divine timing of your journey, knowing that each phase, whether of challenge or ease, has a lesson to offer. The Wheel of Fortune also invites you to recognise that fate plays a role in your spiritual path and be open to the mysteries of the universe, even when things are beyond your control.