The Celtic Cross Tarot Card Spread

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

The Celtic cross is one of the most useful tarot card spreads for use with divination. It provides the depth necessary to explore any question. This is probably the reason why it has been the most commonly used spread since it was published in The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, by A.E. Waite in 1910. I highly recommend that any practitioner interested in doing readings for other people learn to use this spread. The diversity of this spread and the fact that it is so widely known make it the perfect choice for commercial or even friendly use.

Card 1.) The card in the first position represents the situation as it stands today; how the questioner sees it.
Card 2.) The second card in this spread indicates additional elements surrounding the immediate situation. It could be anything from forces helping the questioner to obstacles, impulses of the questioner or even parallel situations that have an effect on the present query. This card is neither positive nor negative. It can be either depending on how it relates to the situation and the other cards in the spread.
Card 3.) This card represents something the questioner is already consciously aware of.
Card 4.) Card four works at the unconscious level; these are the hidden influences on the situation. While these factors are usually internal, sometimes they can indicate circumstances or individuals in the shadows working for or against you.
Card 5.) The fifth card in this spread looks to the past to bring the full picture into view. This card generally indicates the reason why the present situation came about in the first place.
Card 6.) Card six is your first indication of events that will come to pass. This is a very short term look into the future–usually not more than two weeks–and is likely the catalyst that sets the rest of the events into motion. I usually encourage people to act at this point in order to influence the final outcome of the reading.
Card 7.) This card reveals the way the questioner feels about the situation.
Card 8.) Card 8 is the environment surrounding the questioner or the immediate situation. It can also refer to people impacted by the question. For example, if the question is in regard to a relationship between two people, this card represents the other person.
Card 9.) The 9th card represents what the questioner hopes or fears about the situation at hand. This card gives insight into the intention of the questioner.
Card 10.) Card 10 illuminates the conclusion of the situation that is in question. This is the long-term result of the events discussed in the reading. It is important to note that the future is not written in stone and the questioner always has the ability to alter the course of events by their actions.

Unlike some of the more simple tarot card spreads we have discussed, The Celtic Cross is not meant to be read card-by-card. Instead, consider all of the elements of the reading together and formulate a narrative that incorporates all of the things learned from the reading.