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The Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread might look complicated at first glance. In fact the large number of cards in the layout actually make it an excellent layout for the beginner. Having very specific cards for very specific purposes makes it easier to interpret. For this reason the Celtic Cross spread is often described in the booklet included when you buy a new Tarot deck.

As with all Tarot spreads, there are many different variations on the Celtic Cross. None are "right" or "wrong". The one described here is my personal favourite - experiment to find what form of the spread works best for you.

If you choose to use a significator card to represent the querent, this should be placed face up as card one. Personally I don't use significators. I deal card one face up, then the other nine cards of the spread face down. The cards are then turned up and read in order.

The interpretation of the individual cards I use is as follows:

  1. The first card is the significator if used. Otherwise it represents the general tone of the issue at hand.
  2. The second card goes on top of the first to indicate the basic problem, obstacle or antagonist.
  3. The third card shows the foundation of the issue: worries, desires, influences etc.
  4. The fourth card shows the immediate past, what led the querent to the current situation.
  5. The fifth card "crowns" the situation. It is the goal, the dreams, the best outcome.
  6. The sixth card is the immediate future. This is not the final outcome, simply the next step on the journey.
  7. The seventh card represents the querent and how they approach the situation.
  8. The eighth card represents the querent's immediate surroundings - house, workplace, people, etc.
  9. The ninth card represents hopes and fears. It can be the best or the worst. It can represent aspiration or warning.
  10. The tenth card is the final outcome. It must, of course, be read in conjunction with the other cards in the spread.