The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread

Intro

The Celtic Cross (or Keltic Cross) tarot spread is one of my favorites! It uses 10 cards and delves deeply into the problem or question asked. There is no single right way to do this spread – I have seen many different interpretations of it. I will include three separate interpretations of this spread so you can choose which one speaks to you.

The Method

Start by having the querent (person you are reading for) ask a question or state a problem. This can be out loud or in their head. If you would like, you can choose a significator, or card to represent the querent. This card should be placed face up in the middle of the table.

Next is shuffling the deck. Some people have the querent shuffle the deck and put their energy into it as they think about the question/problem. Others prefer to shuffle the deck themselves and have the querent simply hold the deck while they think of their question. Still others like to shuffle the cards themselves while they think about the querent and their question. Do whatever feels right for you.

At this point, some people like to cut the deck. Either you or the querent can do this. Some people cut the deck once, while others cut it into three sections. If you do this, cut to the left with your left hand, then pick the piles back up from right to left. 

Once this is finished, lay out the top ten cards in the order shown below in the diagram. You can place the cards face down in their respective positions and read each one as you go, or you can place them all face up. If you like, you can even draw the cards one at a time from the deck and read them as you go.

Interpreting the Cards

Below, I have included three different methods of reading the Celtic Cross spread. Choose whichever speaks to you.

When reading the cards, you can use established meanings, like the ones from the website or chart in the previous blog post here, books published about the subject, etc. You can also choose to simply use your intuition when reading the cards. What symbol or imagery stands out to you? What vibe do you get from the card?

As you read, you may notice some similarities between the cards, especially if the spots they are in have similar meanings.

If you see mostly cards from the major arcana in the reading, this means there are powerful forces involved. Any positive or negative things you read will be amplified. Often times, this means the outcome of the reading is unlikely to change. But remember – things still can change if the querent changes their path.

When reading the cards, try to make a story of your interpretations to the querent; tell the querent what you have learned. Make sure you read in a positive light, no matter the meaning. If you foresee danger in the future, don’t tell the querent something terrible is going to happen to them, tell them to be cautious and keep an eye out for danger.

If you can’t seem to get a clear answer from your reading, try again once more. If neither reading is making any sense, put the deck away for the day and try again at a later date.

Example Reading

Here’s a reading I did as an example.

I did this reading with myself as the querent. For my question, I asked how the rest of my week would go. I decided not to choose a significator card because I prefer not to read that way. I shuffled my deck and cut it three times, then laid all the cards out face up before beginning. For the interpretation, I used the chart above taken from source 3. For the meanings, I used the booklet that came with the tarot deck.

My Reading

Card 1: what covers me

This position is the general atmosphere surrounding the question and influences at work around it. I drew the Page of Chalices, reversed. This card is about hoarding emotions and keeping them to yourself for fear of getting hurt; keeping in the dark alone.

Interpretation: I’ve been holding back my feelings, but I need to let them flow and accept that sometimes I might get hurt, but it’s better to have loved and lost than never have loved at all.

Card 2: what crosses me

This position is about opposing forces – good or evil. It should be read upright. I drew Strength. This card is about overcoming obstacles, staying strong through tough times, and being fearless.

Interpretation: I’ve been having trouble overcoming the obstacles in my life. Things may get tough, but I need to remember to stay strong – I will get through this.

Card 3: what is beneath me

This position is the basis of the matter – part of the querent’s experience in the past. I drew the Knight of Chalices, reversed. This card is about closed off, guarded emotions and fear of the imminent fall.

Interpretation: For a while, I’ve been keeping things to myself for fear of being let down. I’ve been guarding my emotions and not letting people in. Note: notice the similarities between this card and the first one?

Card 4: what is behind me

This position is about influences just passing away. I drew The Empress, upright. This card is about focusing more on what matters; connecting to mother nature and the joy of being alive.

Interpretation: Lately, I’ve been focusing more on being thankful for what I have instead of wishing for things I don’t have.

Card 5: what crowns me

This position is something that may happen in the future. I drew The Magician, reversed. This card is about a lack of energy, self-confidence, passion, and creativity; a time of doubt.

Interpretation: If I’m not careful, I may fall into a spiral of self doubt, draining me of my drive to accomplish my goals. I need to make sure I work on trusting myself and finding my inspiration so this doesn’t happen.

Card 6: what is before me

This position is something that will happen in the future. I drew the Ten of Pentacles, reversed. This card is about not reaching your full potential.

Interpretation: Similar to the last card, if I remain on the path I’m on, I will fail to reach my full potential. Since this is not what I want, I need to change my path to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Card 7: what I fear

This position is about the querent’s negative feelings about the question or problem. I drew Temperance, upright. This card is about learning to maintain balance, enjoy things in moderation, and helping those in need during times of abundance.

Interpretation: I worry about not maintaining balance in my life. I don’t want to see myself too invested in things that don’t matter; I want to focus more on the important parts of my life.

Card 8: family opinions

This position is about the querent’s environment; opinions/influences of family and friends. I drew the Ace of Pentacles, upright. This card is about seizing great opportunities, rising up to challenges, rewards for hard work, and taking the road less traveled.

Interpretation: My friends and family of very supportive of me. They want to see me achieve success and be rewarded for the hard work I do.

Card 9: my hopes

This position is the querent’s hopes and ideals on the matter. I drew the Six of Chalices, upright. This card is about not letting life get you down, renewing yourself, and pursuing childlike innocence.

Interpretation: I want to overcome the things in life that get me down. I want to see myself overcoming obstacles and coming out wiser on the other side. I wish to see the good in life and focus on that.

Card 10: final outcome

This position is the final outcome; the summary of everything previously read. I drew The Tower, upright. This card is about sudden change, taking what you can from the destruction, accepting the truth, and starting fresh.

Interpretation: Overall, I will be seeing a big change in my life as a result of my actions. I need to focus on taking what I can from the experience and accepting that I may not be able to stop this. At the end of it all, I can start fresh and do things better, having learned from my mistakes.

The obstacles I’m facing in my life are a direct result of keeping things to myself and refraining from asking for help. Even though I’ve been trying to focus more on the good, it’s not quite enough. If I don’t reach out, I’m going to start doubting myself and my work will suffer because of it. My friends and family are there, willing to support me – all I need to do is ask. I worry about achieving balance in my life; seeing the good while still facing the obstacles in my way. As much as I want to see my goals achieved, I can’t do it alone. It’s ok to ask for help and that’s what I need to do. And if I crash and burn, at least I did it with friends and family by my side. I will come out of it stronger than before, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Next time we’ll talk about some more tarot spreads, so check back soon!

Sources

Buckland, Raymond. Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications, 1986. 

Buckland, Raymond. Wicca for One: the Path of Solitary Witchcraft. Kensington Publishing Corp., 2004. 

Eads, J. R., & Tombs, K. (2013). The Light Visions Guide (3rd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: James R. Eads.

Gray, Eden. The Complete Guide to the Tarot. Random House USA, 1982.