How to Read The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread
Tarot cards are a powerful tool for accessing wisdom from your higher self and intuition - or from the higher self of someone doing a reading for you.
But it can take time and practice to learn to peel back all the layers of meaning in a card reading. Choosing the right card spread (or layout) can make a big difference. There are simpler spreads (like a five card spread I've used a lot) and more complicated ones - like the Celtic cross spread.
Arranged in a basic cross shape and a vertical line shape on the right, this card spread uses ten tarot cards to get detailed information about every aspect of the querent's life, goals, and beliefs. It's quite powerful. (The querent is the person asking for advice.)
Each card position has a certain meaning, contributing to the complete picture. After you lay the cards out in their positions on the spread, you not only interpret the meaning of each card as it applies to that position - but also how the cards relate to one another. So you zoom in to each card's meaning, but also the overall picture.
This guide will help you read the Celtic cross spread, as well as guide you through how to lay the cards down. It is helpful to have a notebook and pen to take down notes, since it can get pretty complicated. It also helps to take a picture of your card spread so you can reference it later and look over your notes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Celtic Cross Tarot Spread
Make Sure Your Question is Clear and Well Phrased
It's crucial to start with a clear and specific question in your mind. It might help to quickly read our blog post on how to form a good question. The quality of your question will significantly influence the accuracy and relevance of the reading. For example, avoid questions like "What does my future hold?" Instead, ask something like "How can I advance in my current career field?"
Shuffle and Meditate On The Question
Shuffle the cards while concentrating on your question in a meditative way. If you are reading for someone else, have them also focus on the question and clear their mind of everything else. This process helps infuse your energy and intent into the cards. I often wait until I get a sudden feeling of being "ready" to start dealing the cards.
Lay Out the Cards Without Stopping
I find it best to stay in a meditative, focused state as I lay out all the cards at once. Afterward, I dig into each meaning and take pictures and notes.
The layout goes as follows. Simply follow the numbers to lay down the cards, drawing from the top of your deck:
Now that you've got all the positions of the Celtic cross laid out, it's time to read the meanings. It's completely okay to reference a book or look up meanings online.
Let's start with the very first two cards we laid out, which form a little mini cross:
Card # 1 - The Questioner
The first card you placed at the center represents the person asking the question (which may be you). This card sets the tone for the reading and provides insight into the present circumstances. It may reflect on the questioner's state of mind or how they perceive the situation.
Card #2 - The Cross or Challenge
Placed horizontally across the first card, this card speaks on the immediate challenges of the situation. It is "what crosses you". Even if it at first appears to be a positive card, keep in mind that it represents the difficulties the questioner is facing.
These two first cards represent the heart of the matter. They are the core of the reading.
Let's continue reading the rest of the cards.
Card #3 - The Past
Positioned to the left of the Questioner card, this card indicates the past and events that led up to the present situation. It may provide a greater understanding of the challenges the questioner is facing.
Card #4 - The Near Future
Positioned to the right of the Questioner card. This card gives an idea of what may be likely to unfold in the next weeks or even months. It shows what the next steps on the questioner's journey may be, but doesn't reveal the final outcome.
Card # 5 - What Is Above
This card is placed above the Questioner card and represents their goal or hopes for best outcome in this situation. It usually shows what the Questioner is working consciously to create.
Card #6 - What is Below
Placed directly below the Questioner card, this represents their subconscious feelings and motivations. It may show what really drives them, or simply some unknown person or force who affects the situation. A reversed (upside down) card here may strongly indicate things that the questioner is unaware of.
This completes the main cross section of the spread. Now we'll read the pillar of cards on the right, starting from the bottom.
Card #7 - Advice
This card gives helpful advice and recommendations for dealing with the situation. It can show how the Questioner's beliefs and approach to the situation are influencing things.
Card #8 - External Influences
This card provides more details about the people, situations, and events that are affecting the situation. These things are typically outside of the Questioner's control, but are helpful to know about.
Card #9 - Hopes & Fears
This might be a difficult card to read, since hopes and fears live closely together in our minds. It can show more about how the questioner's fears and desires are affecting the situation. For example, someone may be hoping for a marriage proposal from their partner but also fear commitment.
Card #10 - Outcome
This card reveals where the situation is headed if the questioner continues on their current course of action and makes no changes. The questioner can use this insight to adjust their path if needed.
Interpreting The Way The Cards Interact
Once all cards are laid out, begin interpreting the spread as a whole. Pay attention to card interactions, patterns, and the flow of the reading. Consider each card's individual meaning and its relationship with its neighboring cards. Allow your intuition and personal connection with the cards to weave a comprehensive narrative.
Here are some tips to help you dive deeper.
Conscious vs. Subconscious
Cards #5 and #6 represent your conscious goals and subconscious mind. Are these in harmony? Or is your subconscious mind working against your goals? For example, if you are working hard to build a business, but your subconscious has very low confidence, it might sap your energy and prevent you from reaching success. Unconscious beliefs that are not in harmony with what we want need to be addressed and healed.
Your Goals vs. the Outcome
Card #5 shows your conscious goals that you are working towards. How does that compare with card #10 that shows the outcome of the situation? Do you like where you are heading? This is a chance to pause and change your strategy if needed.
Near Future vs the Outcome
Card #4 shows the near future of this situation. Card #10 shows the eventual outcome. Are events heading in the right direction? Check with card #7, the advice card, if you need to change your approach or perspective.
Hopes and Fears vs Your Subconscious
How does card #6 (representing the subconscious) interact with card #9 representing hopes and fears? Do you have subconscious blockages that are feeding into your fears? This can create unwanted negative outcomes.
Reflect on the Advice of Card #7
If you aren't liking the outcome that card #10 shows, reflect on the advice that card #7 gives you. What can you do to create a more positive outcome? Is there anything coming up in the near future card #4 that could help?
The Influence of People
Very often the Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King) represent people in your life (or you depending on where the card lands in the reading). Is card #8 a Court card? It might represent a person or organization that is influencing your life in a positive or negative way. Court cards in any position might be showing you a person that has a huge impact on the situation.
Major Arcana Cards - the Heavy Hitters
Tarot readers will want to pay extra attention to the Major Arcana cards and where they land in a reading. These 22 numbered cards are not part of the suits (pentacles, wands, cups, or swords). Instead, they represent universal energy and influence in our lives, resulting in huge life changes and growth. Spend some extra time reflecting on these cards if you get them in your Celtic Cross reading.
Summarize and Reflect
Hopefully you've made some helpful notes and can now summarize the overall message of the spread. Reflect on how the cards relate to the initial question and the insights they've provided. Remember, the Tarot acts as a guide, offering perspectives and advice the questioner may not have considered before, but ultimately, the decisions lie in your hands.
Conclusion
That was a lot, wasn't it? The Celtic Cross is one of the more complicated layouts to interpret. If you don't often read tarot, it can be overwhelming. Having a picture of the spread and notes to refer back to can be so helpful for reference later.
Perhaps you'd like to browse our beautiful collection of tarot cards and oracle cards. They are powerful tools for tapping into your intuition and getting some clarity during difficult and confusing times.
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