The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread is one of the most commonly used spreads by Tarot readers, but also one of the more complex spreads to interpret. While most beginners use the Celtic Cross spread to learn Tarot, it requires a deeper understanding of the various positions and the inter-relationships across these positions in order to derive the most value from the spread.
In this blog post, I outline the layout and positions of the Celtic Cross, and then delve deeper into understanding the relationships between these positions to gain a more holistic view of the Celtic Cross.
The Celtic Cross Layout
Card 1: The present. This card represents what is happening to the querent at the present time. It also reflects the querent’s state of mind and how they may be perceiving the situation.
Card 2: The challenge. This card represents the immediate challenge or problem facing the querent. This is the one thing that, if resolved, would make life a lot easier. Even if you draw a ‘positive’ card in this position, consider it carefully as it will still represent a challenge.
Card 3: The past. This card represents the events that have lead up to the present situation and may provide some indication of how the challenge came about.
Card 4: The future. This card represents what is likely to occur within the next few weeks or even months. This is not the final outcome, simply the next step on the journey.
Card 5: Above. This card reflects the querent’s goal, aspiration or best outcome with regards to the situation. It is what the querent is working towards consciously as they attempt to resolve the issue.
Card 6: Below. This card reflects that which is within the subconscious realm of the querent and delves much deeper into the core foundation of the situation. It symbolises the underlying feelings and trends associated with the situation and can indicate what is truly driving the querent. This card may bring a surprise message to the querent, particularly if they are not deeply connected to their inner being (watch out for reversed cards here which are likely to indicate that this is an ‘unknown’ to the querent).
Card 7: Advice. The advice card takes into account all that is happening within the querent’s life and presents a recommendation for what approach can be taken to address the current challenges.
Card 8: External influences. This card highlights the people, energies or events which will affect the outcome of the question and are beyond the querent’s control.
Card 9: Hopes and/or fears. This is perhaps one of the most difficult positions to interpret. Keep in mind that hopes and fears are closely intertwined, therefore that which we hope for may also be that which we fear, and so may fail to happen. Sometimes it is useful to draw a second card for clarification after the reading has been laid and to read the two together.
Card 10: Outcome. This card is representative of where the situation is headed and if/how the issue will be resolved. It assumes the outcome based on the querent continuing their current course of action. Of course, if the outcome card is not a desirable outcome, it is within the free will of the querent to make the necessary changes to their situation.
*Note: There are many different versions of the Celtic Cross, including differences in the order of the cards. Choose what works best for you.
If you want to learn more about the positions of the Celtic Cross, I highly recommend Joan Bunning’s Celtic Cross overview.
Understanding the Inter-Relationships of the Celtic Cross
First, let’s imagine the Celtic Cross split into two main sections – the Circle/Cross section on the left (Cards 1 to 6) and the Staff section on the right (Cards 7 to 10).
The Circle/Cross shows what is going on in the querent’s life at the time of the reading. This section is made up of two crosses – a central one (Cards 1 and 2) nested within a larger cross (Cards 3 to 6). The smaller cross represents the heart of the matter – what is most central to the querent at the time of the reading. The larger cross consists of two lines that overlay the smaller cross. The horizontal line (Cards 1, 3 and 4)) shows time moving from the past on the left into the future on the right. The vertical line (Cards 1, 5 and 6) is the querent’s consciousness moving from unconscious on the bottom to conscious mind on the top. Together these six cards give a snapshot of the inner and outer environment at the time of a reading.
The Staff section shows the relationship between the querent and the environment in which they operate, and can provide a better indication of what is happening in the broader context.
Second, start to look at the various combinations of cards to build a ‘story’:
- Compare the Above and Below cards (Cards 5 and 6). Is there a synergy between the conscious and the subconscious levels? Is there alignment between what is driving the querent and what the querent aspires to? If there is alignment, great – it will be a lot easier to resolve the issue. If not, then assist the querent in understanding what is happening at the subconscious level and how this may be impacting their response to the issue.
- Compare the Above and Outcome cards (Cards 5 and 10). Again, is there alignment between what the querent wants to happen and what will happen? Is the querent helping or hindering the situation? If you find that Cards 5 and 10 are opposing, then the querent will need to think carefully about how to create the outcomes they want. Look to the Advice card (Card 7) for more guidance.
- Compare the Future and Outcomes cards (Cards 4 and 10). How are the events of the near future contributing or influencing the overall outcome? Will the querent need to manage these events in a particular way to create the right outcomes? Again, refer to the Advice card (Card 7) for more detail.
- Compare the Below and Hopes/Fears cards (Cards 6 and 9). If you are finding it difficult to interpret the Hopes/Fears, have a look at what is happening at the subconscious level within the querent (Card 6). Is there something in their subconscious realm that is creating fear or hope? If you see reversed cards in these positions, then it is likely the querent is not yet aware of their subconscious drivers and how this is impacting them in the ‘real world’.
- Compare the Advice and Outcome cards (Cards 7 and 10). The querent doesn’t like the outcome? Well, take a look at the Advice card to see what actions the querent can take to create a more positive outcome. Also take into consideration what events are likely to occur in the near future (Card 4) so that the querent can manage these effectively.
What other combinations do you look for in your Celtic Cross readings? What helps you most to interpret the Celtic Cross spread?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you so much for this, Biddy!! It has been very informative and helpful. Can I ask you a question — for the first time ever (for me) I did a Celtic Cross reading — about myself and an important male friend (a cosmic twin type, not a lover). And 9 of the 10 cards had male images in them. Kings, pages, knights, or even just other male minor arcana figures. The only female figure was the Empress in the #9 position (hopes/fears). Can you expound on what that might mean, in general, in a reading? I don’t recall it ever happening before. Thank you!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn,
Thanks for your comment! What a great observation, to see those nine male figures. In some ways, the fact that you picked this up is significant in itself. I would actually pose the question back to you about what significance this has for you. What male energy is entering your life? How can you best draw on this energy through your friendship? Interestingly, the Empress is a very feminine card… perhaps here she is faced with the presence of a lot of male energy and may be considering how she responds to this energy. My advice is to reflect on this to understand what it means for you personally.
Warm regards,
Biddy
The most perfect explanation! No need digging further on this one.
Dear Biddy, thank you for a marvellous website. I would like to ask a question concerning Card 2. I have a reading with the Sun in that position and it is crossing Strength as Card 1. I have read it as try to be optimistic even though everything seems to be going wrong and I am going through a testing time. But if it is a challenge or problem could I actually be hoping for too much at the present time and need to be more realistic. I know it is very personal but I was wondering that having such a positive card as the Sun in that position, how would it affect it’s meaning. Many thanks Annabel
Hi Annabel,
Great question! Personally, I would interpret it very similar to the way you have. The Sun shows that fundamentally, who are someone who is very warm, friendly, positive and optimistic. Your energy is one that can see the opportunities, even when you are faced with challenges. With Strength card as your crossing card, this suggests that you are facing a test of your faith and your inner strength, and to overcome this, it would be wise to draw on the positive energy of the Sun. You know you have it in you to get through difficult situations by applying a positive attitude. See the Sun as your personal strength or talent that you can then use to conquer your challenge.
For more general application, see the Significator as what will help overcome the Crossing card.
I hope this helps,
Biddy
I’m sorry perhaps I didn’t make it clear enough in the first email, the Sun is the crossing card. Card 1 is Strength and Card 2 is the Sun. Is the positivity of the Sun, then causing problems, you mentioned above that Card 2 is the challenge. What does it mean when the Sun is the challenge? The strength is the present, I am undergoing trying times but is the challenge to embrace the positivity of the Sun or is the challenge to not be too optimistic, sometimes things just don’t work out the way you want them to. The Sun is a wonderful card but when it is in position 2 is it more of a warning? Many thanks Annabel
My apologies, Annabel! Ah ok, so now we have you as a strong, confident individual facing a challenge that is impacting your positive outlook and optimistic nature. If there is indeed an issue that is making you wonder if you are too positive, then come back to the Strength card and the qualities this represents within. You know that you are strong from within, so look internally to assess whether you are indeed being too positive. My gut feel is that you’re not – it’s more that you’re facing a challenge or a test of faith, so to speak.
Also, take a look at the other cards in this reading, particularly around your fears (Card 9) and advice (Card 7) as these may give you further clues on what the real situation is.
Hope this helps!
Biddy
Thankyou Biddy, that helps a lot. Although because my Card 9 is Wheel of Fortune, I’m not sure whether I’m working with bad luck or good luck in disguise. But my Card 7 is the 10 of Pentacles, so I should focus on the practical and making myself a more secure base. Everything else I will just have to accept (and sometimes dodge) with good grace.
Thank you for helping me work this through. Have a wonderful new year.
Annabel
Namaste, Thanks for your explanation of differences in the outer circle of the Celtic Cross. Personally I have placed my three card of past events card below the two centered cards, as I use. Thinking on your suggested positions, I like your order. I will use both of them and see which works for me. Thanks
Dear Biddy,
I started learning tarot. I learned how to do the Celtic cross from this site.I get great results too.
Thanks for your guidance
XX
Wonderful! I am so glad I could help
Dear Biddy,
I use only the major arcana. I did a Celtic cross spread regarding my education. Card 7 was The Devil. What does it mean? Plz help!
Hi Biddy,
Just one question, does it matter if we change the positions of 3, 4, 5 and 6?
Example your 6 will be my 3 and your 3 will be my 4 because I will be placing the cards in a clockwise position.
Appreciate your advice!
Ayu, it’s fine to change around the positions. In fact, there are many versions of the celtic cross. Read more here – http://www.biddytarot.com/blog/what-is-the-correct-version-of-the-celtic-cross