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 Ace of Cups
External Forces  V – The Pope
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The Recent Past VI – The Lovers |
The Crossing Card
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The Future Nine of Cups |
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The Significator represents what the main theme of the reading deals with, the initial situation.
King of Cups (Lost card, substituted here)
The Marseille version is filling in for this missing card. The King of Cups represents emotional mastery and wisdom. He is the embodiment of emotional intelligence and the ability to control one's feelings while offering support to others. This card symbolises leadership in emotional and spiritual matters.
Symbolism: The King sits on his throne holding his cup with dignity. His calm demeanour and thoughtful expression reflect his mastery over his emotions and ability to lead with compassion and understanding.
In Relationships: Emotional maturity and stability. The King of Cups signifies a steady, wise, and compassionate partner who provides guidance and balance.
In Work: Mastery in your profession, particularly in areas that require emotional intelligence or leadership. The King of Cups advises calm, measured decision-making and emotional resilience.
Spiritually: Mastery over your spiritual and emotional path. The King of Cups encourages you to use your wisdom and emotional balance to lead and guide others.
When ill-dignified: Emotional suppression, manipulation, or detachment. The King of Cups warns against becoming emotionally distant or using your emotional wisdom for control or selfish purposes.
The Crossing Card denotes an added impulse that compounds the initial card, whether complimentary or contradictory.
VII – The Chariot
The Chariot symbolises determination, willpower, and triumph through self-discipline. It represents the ability to move forward and achieve success by mastering conflicting forces.
Symbolism: The stationary horses reflect control rather than speed, while the charioteer's detailed attire and golden background emphasise victory and refinement. The calm pose suggests strength in discipline over chaos.
In Relationships: A time to take charge of your relationship's direction. The Chariot signals progress but warns against domination.
In Work: Triumph through focus and determination. It's a call to harness all resources and overcome obstacles confidently.
Spiritually: The Chariot encourages the mastery of inner conflicts to progress along the spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: Loss of direction, lack of control, or excessive force. It warns against being carried away by ambition or unchecked emotions.
The Crown stands for what the asker is aware of consciously.
Six of Coins
The Six of Coins represents generosity, charity, and balance in giving and receiving. It speaks to the flow of wealth, where resources are shared. This card emphasises the importance of fair exchange and the joy of helping others.
Symbolism: The even arrangement of the six coins suggests balance and fairness. The vertical alignment represents the flow of giving and receiving, highlighting harmony in financial or material exchanges.
In Relationships: A balanced relationship where both partners give and receive equally. The Six of Coins encourages acts of kindness, generosity, and mutual support.
In Work: Financial generosity or fair exchanges at work. This card suggests that assisting others can bring abundance and harmony into your career.
Spiritually: The spiritual law of giving and receiving. The Six of Coins encourages you to give freely, knowing that your actions will come back to you in time.
When ill-dignified: Imbalance in giving or receiving, manipulation, or exploitation. The Six of Coins warns against selfishness or using generosity to manipulate others.
Foundation card reveals unconscious driving forces that the querent may not be aware of.
Ace of Staves
The Ace of Staves represents the spark of creation, vitality, and the raw energy of new beginnings. It embodies the potential of a seed, ready to sprout and grow into something magnificent. This is the card of inspiration, energy, and the initiation of new ventures.
Symbolism: The upright staff, with its textured bark and emerging sprout, symbolises the beginning of a new cycle, full of potential and promise. The plain tan background highlights the purity and simplicity of the elemental energy, inviting you to step forward with enthusiasm and confidence. The sprout near the base reminds you that all growth begins with a single step.
In Relationships: A new beginning or a burst of passion in your romantic life. The Ace invites fresh energy and the excitement of new connections or the rekindling of a relationship.
In Work: The birth of a new project or opportunity. The Ace of Staves signals that now is the time to seize your creative potential and pursue your ambitions.
Spiritually: A call to action. The Ace suggests you are on the verge of spiritual awakening or taking a new path. Trust your instincts and take the first step towards growth.
When ill-dignified: Lack of direction or motivation, possibly feeling uninspired. You may be hesitant to begin, caught in uncertainty or fear of failure.
The Recent Past represents past events and concerns.
VI – The Lovers
The Lovers represent choice and the uniting of opposites. It embodies the transformative power of love and the necessity of making meaningful decisions.
Symbolism: The young couple standing beneath Cupid symbolises connection and divine guidance in love. The formal Renaissance clothing and the golden background elevate their union to a sacred level, while the static composition emphasises balance and deliberate choice.
In Relationships: A powerful connection that unites hearts and souls. It may signify a new relationship or a pivotal choice in love.
In Work: A partnership or decision with far-reaching consequences. The Lovers encourage the alignment of values with your work.
Spiritually: The Lovers symbolise unity with your higher self and the harmonious integration of opposites.
When ill-dignified: Temptation, discord, or indecision. It warns against superficial connections or poor choices.
The Future depicts that which lies ahead.
VII – The Chariot
The Chariot symbolises determination, willpower, and triumph through self-discipline. It represents the ability to move forward and achieve success by mastering conflicting forces.
Symbolism: The stationary horses reflect control rather than speed, while the charioteer's detailed attire and golden background emphasise victory and refinement. The calm pose suggests strength in discipline over chaos.
In Relationships: A time to take charge of your relationship's direction. The Chariot signals progress but warns against domination.
In Work: Triumph through focus and determination. It's a call to harness all resources and overcome obstacles confidently.
Spiritually: The Chariot encourages the mastery of inner conflicts to progress along the spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: Loss of direction, lack of control, or excessive force. It warns against being carried away by ambition or unchecked emotions.
The Querent represents the asker and their attitude towards the subject of the reading.
Knight of Swords
The Knight of Swords represents action, determination, and intellectual pursuit. This card signifies a person driven by mental clarity and purpose. The Knight of Swords charges forward with a clear objective, often at breakneck speed.
Symbolism: The charging horse and dynamic posture emphasise forward motion and energy. The detailed armour reflects the Knight's preparedness, while the ornate background suggests formality and purpose.
In Relationships: Quick action or intense passion. The Knight of Swords suggests taking decisive steps or charging ahead confidently, but it may also warn against rushing into things.
In Work: A period of fast-paced action or a challenge that requires quick thinking and decisiveness. This card represents the need to act swiftly in your career.
Spiritually: A time of mental clarity and forward motion in your spiritual journey. The Knight of Swords calls you to act on your insights and take bold steps towards spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, recklessness, or aggressive behaviour. The Knight of Swords warns against rushing forward without considering the consequences.
External Forces represents the influence of others in your life as well as trends in your relationships with others.
V – The Pope
The Pope represents tradition, spiritual authority, and shared values. He embodies the connection between divine wisdom and earthly institutions, urging adherence to established principles.
Symbolism: The Pope's raised hand conveys blessing, while his staff with a triple cross represents divine authority. The kneeling figures at his feet highlight devotion and the transmission of sacred teachings. The symmetrical composition and golden background reinforce his role as a stabilising spiritual guide.
In Relationships: A union founded on shared values or traditions. It may suggest the influence of societal expectations on relationships.
In Work: Success comes through adherence to established systems or mentorship from a trusted authority figure.
Spiritually: The Pope urges respect for spiritual traditions and the wisdom passed down through generations.
When ill-dignified: Dogma, blind conformity, or resistance to innovation. It cautions against rigid adherence to outdated ideas.
Hopes and Fears shows the expectations you have concerning the outcome of your question.
Three of Cups
The Three of Cups represents celebration, community, and joyful reunions. It speaks to the power of friendship, collaboration, and shared experiences. This card is often associated with a time of happiness and gathering, where emotional connections are strengthened.
Symbolism: The three chalices arranged with one on its side symbolise unity, community, and the strength of mutual support. The simple yet elegant design reflects harmony and shared joy among individuals. The card highlights the importance of celebration and connection in your emotional life.
In Relationships: Joyful celebrations, whether a reunion, an engagement, or sharing happy moments with a partner. It's a card of communal happiness and togetherness.
In Work: Successful collaborations or team efforts that lead to achievement. This card can also suggest celebrating your professional accomplishments with others.
Spiritually: A sense of spiritual community and shared experiences. The Three of Cups invites you to celebrate your spiritual growth with others and honour the joy of collective connection.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, exclusion from a group, or conflicts within a community. This card may warn against neglecting your emotional connections or becoming too focused on external celebrations.
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.
Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups signifies the birth of emotions, spiritual renewal, and the flow of abundance. It represents the opening of the heart, the initiation of emotional healing, and the potential for deep, transformative love. This card invites you to embrace your emotions with openness and trust, knowing that your emotional reservoir is being replenished.
Symbolism: The ornate chalice symbolises emotional receptivity and divine blessing. The stream of water flowing from its rim represents the endless flow of love and creativity, while the simple background emphasises the purity of this new emotional beginning. The card evokes feelings of peace, connection, and the potential for emotional fulfilment.
In Relationships: The beginning of a new, emotionally fulfilling relationship or a deepening of connection with someone already in your life. This is a time of emotional renewal and openness.
In Work: The birth of new opportunities that align with your passions and creativity. It signals a time to trust your intuition and pursue work that brings you joy.
Spiritually: A call to open your heart and embrace spiritual growth. The Ace of Cups encourages you to explore your inner world and find healing and emotional wholeness.
When ill-dignified: Emotional blockages, closed off from new experiences, or difficulty trusting emotions. This suggests there is a resistance to embracing emotional flow.