Celtic Cross Spread
Difficulty: Average
This is probably the most well-known tarot spread. A good, basic spread for beginners to practise with, the Celtic Cross is useful for questions of all types. In this spread, it can be helpful to notice the relationships between the pairings of cards #5 & #9, #1 & #2, #3 & #4, and #6 & #10.
- The significator epitomizes what the reading deals with, the initial situation.
- An added impulse that compounds the significator, which may be either complimentary or contradictory.
- This is what is consciously known (thoughts).
- Unconscious driving forces that may not be known fully (emotions).
- The immediate past regarding the current situation.
- The first future card indicates the immediate future.
- This card represents the reader and their attitude towards cards #1 and #2.
- The external influences, the places and people which influence the topic.
- This tarot card suggests expectations; what is secretly hoped for or feared.
- The second future card reveals the long-term outcome.
Your Celtic Cross Reading
The Crown |
The Outcome Six of Wands (Victory)
External Forces  Three of Swords (Sorrow)
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The Recent Past Nine of Cups (Happiness) |
The Crossing Card
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The Future XIX – The Sun |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
Knight of Swords
Element: Fire of Air
Astrological Correspondence: Gemini
The Knight of Swords represents an intense, fast-moving force of intellect and action. He charges through the air with fierce determination, embodying the quick, forceful qualities of Air in motion. The Knight's swift movement symbolises his drive to deliver ideas and messages, pushing forward with unrelenting focus and mental energy. His actions are rapid and decisive, like a whirlwind of thought and communication, sometimes chaotic in their intensity.
This card signifies the action-oriented aspect of the Air element—taking intellectual concepts and turning them into tangible actions. However, the Knight of Swords can also represent the dangers of rushing forward without considering the consequences. His speed and energy may sometimes lead to hasty decisions or the need to reconsider the path after action has already been taken.
The Knight of Swords challenges you to embrace your intellectual power and take bold action but also reminds you of the need to temper that drive with caution, ensuring your pursuit of ideas does not lead to unintentional harm or misdirection. His energy encourages directness but warns against impatience.
In Relationships: The Knight of Swords can signify sudden and forceful communication or an intellectual attraction that dominates the emotional connection. Relationships may progress rapidly, but arguments or disagreements may also mark them if the parties involved are not careful in their approach. The Knight can indicate the need for quick, clear communication, but also suggests avoiding impulsive, hurtful words.
In Work: The Knight of Swords represents a fast-paced, intellectually driven professional environment. This is a person determined to achieve success by force of will, intellect, and swift action. However, this card can indicate that you might need to slow down and consider the consequences of your actions before you rush ahead. It's easy to become caught up in the speed of success and miss important details.
Spiritually: The Knight of Swords symbolises a quest for intellectual enlightenment, often seeking truth and knowledge through sharp analysis. This card can indicate a sudden spiritual awakening or an urge to rush towards spiritual goals but also warns that the pursuit of intellectual clarity can overshadow emotional or intuitive wisdom.
When ill-dignified: The Knight of Swords indicates impulsive, reckless behaviour driven by hasty thoughts and actions. You may rush into situations without thinking them through, leading to chaos or conflict. It's important to exercise caution and avoid becoming too forceful or aggressive in pursuing goals. This card can also point to misunderstandings or cutting words that cause damage to relationships or situations.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
Prince of Wands
Element: Air of Fire
Astrological Correspondence: Leo
The Prince of Wands represents the intellectual and communicative aspects of Fire, where mental energy and creative passion converge. As Air of Fire, he embodies the visionary thinker who brings dynamic ideas, plans, and strategies to life with inspiration and daring. The Prince is a passionate and courageous individual, full of bold concepts and the drive to translate them into action.
This card symbolises the spirit of adventure and enterprise, where creativity is channelled into purposeful movement. It is a card of intellectual boldness, where ideas ignite like wildfire and are swiftly translated into reality. The Prince of Wands is a figure of immense energy, filled with determination and enthusiasm to take on challenges, initiating projects with great confidence. He encourages you to embrace the power of your thoughts and ambitions, and act decisively in the pursuit of your goals.
In Relationships: The Prince of Wands represents passion and excitement. This can indicate a fast-moving romance full of desire and adventure, but it can also imply someone committed to the thrill of pursuit rather than steady emotional intimacy. The Prince is often the impulsive lover, driven by the desire for adventure or novelty.
In Work: In the professional world, the Prince of Wands is an energetic and bold leader, pushing projects forward with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose. He represents the catalyst for action, the one who brings ideas into motion. However, this card also warns that rushing forward without a solid plan can lead to burnout or missed opportunities.
Spiritually: The Prince of Wands can indicate intellectual exploration or philosophical inquiry. You may seek ways to expand your mind, often through bold or unconventional means. The card may also represent an energetic search for truth or personal enlightenment.
When ill-dignified: The Prince of Wands can indicate mental restlessness, hasty decisions, or an excessive focus on novelty at the expense of deeper commitment. You may be easily distracted or prone to acting on impulse without thinking through the consequences. This card warns against reckless behaviour or a lack of foresight in your actions.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Six of Cups (Pleasure)
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Scorpio
The Six of Cups symbolises harmony, emotional fulfilment, and glee derived from experiences or connections. In this deck, the card features six golden cups arranged in a balanced and symmetrical pattern, overflowing with water from flowers, representing the renewal and richness of emotional energy. The imagery conveys an atmosphere of sensual satisfaction and the revitalising joy of revisiting memories or tapping into emotional resources from the past.
The Sun in Scorpio combines the warmth and illumination of the Sun with Scorpio's depth and intensity, highlighting a connection between the conscious acknowledgment of joy and the transformative power of emotional experiences. It signifies a moment of emotional harmony where the past serves as a source of strength and inspiration for the present.
The Six of Cups invites us to indulge in the pleasures of memory and connection, celebrating the richness of our emotional life. While it carries echoes of nostalgia, it is not merely a backward glance but an affirmation of the deep well of emotional abundance that fuels growth and joy. It reminds us to embrace moments of pleasure, allowing them to recharge our spirits and enrich our present.
In Relationships: The Six of Cups can suggest a reunion with a past lover or rekindling of childhood affection or relationships that hold emotional nostalgia. It may also indicate a period of emotional healing, where you can find solace in the purity of love once experienced or remembered.
In Work: The Six of Cups might represent revisiting passions, returning to work or environments where you once found emotional fulfilment. This card suggests drawing on experiences or revisiting a childhood dream or ambition could help bring growth and emotional satisfaction in your career.
Spiritually: The Six of Cups speaks to a desire for a return to spiritual innocence and simplicity. It can be a reminder to embrace the spiritual joy and wonder of childhood or early spiritual experiences. It may also indicate a time to reconnect with old spiritual practices that once felt powerful, or to seek comfort in sacred places or rituals.
When ill-dignified: The Six of Cups may point to excessive attachment to the past, nostalgia for things that no longer serve you. There may be a reluctance to move forward, clinging to former relationships or times with an unrealistic expectation. You may feel stuck, as if you are living in the past and unable to embrace the present or future.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
XVII – The Star
(Aquarius, Heh)
The Star represents hope, inspiration, and the flow of divine energy. Associated with Heh, the window, this card symbolises clarity and the opening of the soul to cosmic light. Aquarius, the zodiac of vision and humanitarian ideals, imbues the card with themes of enlightenment and universal connection.
The central figure is a nude woman, representing purity and vulnerability, pouring water from two vessels—one onto the earth and the other into a pool, symbolising the balance between spiritual and material realms. Behind her, a radiant star dominates the sky, surrounded by smaller stars, signifying guidance and hope. The background, rich with blues and violets, evokes the tranquillity of the natural world.
In Relationships: The Star suggests healing and renewed hope. It encourages you to trust in the flow of love and remain open to its guidance.
In Work: This card signifies inspiration and creative potential. You are advised to trust your intuition and align your efforts with a higher vision.
Spiritually: The Star symbolises a connection to the divine and the flow of universal energy. It calls you to share your gifts and have faith in the cosmic plan.
When ill-dignified: The Star warns of disillusionment, a loss of faith, or a failure to see one's potential. You are advised to reconnect with your inner light and trust in the process of renewal.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
Nine of Cups (Happiness)
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Pisces
The Nine of Cups represents joy, emotional abundance, and the fulfilment of heartfelt desires. This card depicts nine cups arranged symmetrically, overflowing with clear, pure water, symbolising the harmonious flow of emotional energy. The imagery exudes completeness and satisfaction, reflecting the culmination of efforts that lead to genuine happiness.
Jupiter in Pisces combines the expansive, benevolent energy of Jupiter with Pisces' intuitive and empathetic nature, creating a powerful alignment of emotional depth and generosity. This pairing amplifies the sense of boundless joy, compassion, and the effortless manifestation of desires.
The Nine of Cups signifies a time of emotional contentment and the realisation of aspirations. It encourages you to revel in your achievements, appreciate the beauty of life's blessings, and share your joy with others. While it is a card of celebration and abundance, it also reminds us to remain open to the continuous flow of emotional energy, ensuring that happiness is not stagnant but ever-renewing.
In Relationships: The Nine of Cups signifies the satisfaction of emotional desires. It can indicate the fulfilment of a romantic wish, such as finding true love, an emotionally harmonious relationship, or strengthening an existing bond. There is contentment and emotional satisfaction in the romantic sphere.
In Work: The Nine of Cups represents emotional fulfilment through one's work. It suggests you are on the path towards achieving your professional goals and are experiencing success and satisfaction. This is a card of recognition, where you can bask in the joy of your accomplishments.
Spiritually: The Nine of Cups is a card of emotional and spiritual fulfilment. It suggests a time of peace, harmony, and the realisation of spiritual desires. You may feel aligned with your higher self and at peace with your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Cups can indicate emotional overindulgence, satisfaction derived from shallow or materialistic pursuits, or complacency. It can point to a temporary sense of fulfilment that does not last, leading to emotional emptiness after the initial joy fades.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
Prince of Wands
Element: Air of Fire
Astrological Correspondence: Leo
The Prince of Wands represents the intellectual and communicative aspects of Fire, where mental energy and creative passion converge. As Air of Fire, he embodies the visionary thinker who brings dynamic ideas, plans, and strategies to life with inspiration and daring. The Prince is a passionate and courageous individual, full of bold concepts and the drive to translate them into action.
This card symbolises the spirit of adventure and enterprise, where creativity is channelled into purposeful movement. It is a card of intellectual boldness, where ideas ignite like wildfire and are swiftly translated into reality. The Prince of Wands is a figure of immense energy, filled with determination and enthusiasm to take on challenges, initiating projects with great confidence. He encourages you to embrace the power of your thoughts and ambitions, and act decisively in the pursuit of your goals.
In Relationships: The Prince of Wands represents passion and excitement. This can indicate a fast-moving romance full of desire and adventure, but it can also imply someone committed to the thrill of pursuit rather than steady emotional intimacy. The Prince is often the impulsive lover, driven by the desire for adventure or novelty.
In Work: In the professional world, the Prince of Wands is an energetic and bold leader, pushing projects forward with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose. He represents the catalyst for action, the one who brings ideas into motion. However, this card also warns that rushing forward without a solid plan can lead to burnout or missed opportunities.
Spiritually: The Prince of Wands can indicate intellectual exploration or philosophical inquiry. You may seek ways to expand your mind, often through bold or unconventional means. The card may also represent an energetic search for truth or personal enlightenment.
When ill-dignified: The Prince of Wands can indicate mental restlessness, hasty decisions, or an excessive focus on novelty at the expense of deeper commitment. You may be easily distracted or prone to acting on impulse without thinking through the consequences. This card warns against reckless behaviour or a lack of foresight in your actions.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Six of Disks (Success)
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Taurus
The Six of Disks (Success) represents material success, generosity, and balanced exchange. This card indicates you are in a position of both receiving and giving in the material realm, leading to a harmonious flow of resources. The six disks represent a balanced circulation of wealth and effort, suggesting that prosperity is enjoyed and shared with others.
The Six of Disks symbolises the positive results of one's hard work and investments in the material world. It speaks to the rewards of perseverance and discipline, showing that success in material matters has reached a point where generosity and mutual benefit are possible. The influence of the Moon in Taurus highlights emotional satisfaction derived from stability and security, with an emphasis on enjoying the fruits of one's labour while maintaining a grounded, nurturing attitude towards others. This card encourages giving and receiving in equal measure, fostering balance and mutual support.
In Relationships: The Six of Disks signals a balanced, equitable partnership where both parties share responsibility and resources. This card may indicate the growth of a relationship built on mutual respect and support, where both partners invest in one another's well-being.
In Work: The Six of Disks indicates the successful completion of a project or business venture, bringing both rewards and recognition. It symbolises the ability to share success with others and suggests wealth, recognition, and stability are being achieved. It may also indicate charitable efforts or the redistribution of wealth in a way that benefits both the individual and the collective.
Spiritually: The Six of Disks represents harmony and balance between the material and spiritual realms. It suggests you are experiencing spiritual fulfilment through generosity, charity, or service. It may also suggest that your spiritual wealth is shared or passed on to others.
When ill-dignified: The Six of Disks can suggest imbalance or exploitation in material matters. You may be hoarding resources or being taken advantage of by others. This card warns against materialistic motivations or unequal relationships where one party benefits at the expense of the other.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
Three of Swords (Sorrow)
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Libra
The Three of Swords symbolises mental anguish, sorrow, and clarity from confronting painful truths. It represents the difficult, often harsh, realities of life that require one to face mental or emotional suffering head-on. The card depicts three swords touching at their points, reflecting the tension and sharpness of conflicting thoughts and emotions. This is a card of sorrow and emotional intensity, but also one that points to the healing power of facing the source of the pain.
With Saturn's influence in Libra, the Three of Swords emphasises the need for structure and discipline in dealing with mental and emotional hardship. While the card may signify heartache or betrayal, it also invites you to understand the lessons that emerge from these experiences. There is clarity in this suffering, as difficult as it may be, which leads to growth and transformation.
The Three of Swords urges you to acknowledge your sorrow, accept the lessons it brings, and move towards healing. It is a reminder that, although painful, confronting emotional distress opens the door to wisdom and resilience.
In Relationships: The Three of Swords often points to heartbreak, betrayal, or the end of a relationship. It suggests you may be facing emotional pain or a difficult separation. While painful, it can also indicate the end of confusion, as the truth gets revealed.
In Work: The Three of Swords can represent disappointment or betrayal within the workplace, perhaps a sudden failure, a broken partnership, or a loss. It signals a need to grieve and process the pain but also suggests clarity will emerge as you face the truth of the situation.
Spiritually: The Three of Swords points to the necessity of confronting inner pain or sorrow to achieve spiritual growth. This card invites you to face difficult emotions head-on and use them to develop strength and wisdom. It suggests that healing comes from acknowledging pain and moving through it with awareness.
When ill-dignified: The Three of Swords may indicate an inability to heal from old wounds, or a tendency to dwell in heartbreak without moving forward. You may be stuck in a cycle of mental suffering or unable to release old pain. It could also signify mental cruelty or the misuse of intellect in causing harm to others.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Seven of Cups (Debauch)
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Scorpio
The Seven of Cups signifies emotional excess, illusion, and the dangers of overindulgence. This card depicts seven cups arranged chaotically, overflowing with murky, stagnant liquid, emphasising the corruption of pure emotional energy. The imagery conveys decay, as the once-refreshing waters of gladness and emotional fulfilment have become polluted by excess, indulgence, or lack of clarity.
Venus in Scorpio combines the seductive and magnetic qualities of Venus with Scorpio's intensity and depth, highlighting the tension between desire and emotional saturation. This card reflects the risks of being seduced by fleeting pleasures, ungrounded fantasies, or false promises, leading to a state of disillusionment and emotional stagnation.
The Seven of Cups warns against being caught in illusions or distracted by unproductive desires. It challenges us to discern between genuine fulfilment and empty indulgence. While it may tempt us with alluring possibilities, it urges us to ground ourselves, clear emotional confusion, and make choices that lead to lasting satisfaction and renewal.
In Relationships: The Seven of Cups suggests you may face many emotional choices, perhaps feeling uncertain about which path to take. It can indicate a tendency to be drawn to unrealistic or illusory relationships or desires, cautioning you to look beyond appearances and follow your heart.
In Work: The Seven of Cups warns of the dangers of distraction or chasing unrealistic opportunities. You may be overwhelmed by numerous options or distracted by tempting but empty promises. It advises you to focus on practical goals and avoid emotional escapism or fantasy-driven decisions.
Spiritually: The Seven of Cups points to confusion or a scattering of emotional or spiritual energy. You may be pulled in multiple directions or have trouble discerning between true spiritual paths and distractions. It invites you to ground yourself, focusing on the path that resonates most deeply with your soul.
When ill-dignified: The Seven of Cups can indicate emotional confusion or disillusionment. You may face excessive emotional choices, each more fleeting than the next, leading to indecision or a lack of emotional clarity. There may be a tendency to become consumed with fantasy at the expense of tangible reality, leading to disappointment.
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.
Six of Wands (Victory)
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Leo
The Six of Wands represents triumph, success, and the confidence that comes with achieving a hard-won victory. The card features six wands arranged in a harmonious and balanced pattern, radiating energy and stability. Flames burn brightly at the intersections, symbolising the dynamic, victorious energy of Jupiter's expansive influence paired with Leo's bold, charismatic nature.
This card signifies the rewards of perseverance and effort, along with the recognition of those achievements by others. It is a moment of celebration and validation, where personal success aligns with public acknowledgment. The Six of Wands also reflects the importance of leadership, generosity, and using one's influence to uplift and inspire others. It encourages you to savour your accomplishments while remembering the responsibility that comes with triumph.
In Relationships: The Six of Wands indicates positive recognition. There may be a public celebration of a commitment or the successful overcoming of obstacles. It represents mutual admiration and respect.
In Work: This card signifies a well-earned victory in professional life. You may receive praise, promotion, or recognition for your efforts. It suggests your hard work has been acknowledged, and you are on the path to greater achievements.
Spiritually: The Six of Wands represents a moment of spiritual triumph. It indicates that you have navigated challenges and are now reaping the rewards of your efforts. It is a time of affirmation and confirmation of your spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: The Six of Wands may indicate a hollow or fleeting victory. It can also suggest pride, arrogance, or overconfidence in the face of achievement. You might focus too much on external validation rather than the deeper satisfaction of personal growth. It cautions against becoming self-important.