Online spread · 10 cards
Celtic Cross tarot spread
The Celtic Cross is the best-known tarot spread. Arthur Edward Waite described it in his book “The Pictorial Key to the Tarot” (1910). Ten cards examine a situation in detail: its core, the obstacle, its roots, the past and the future, you yourself, your surroundings, your hopes and fears, and the outcome.
Celtic Cross spread layout
- The situation — The heart of the question, what is happening now.
- The obstacle — What crosses the situation: a difficulty or an opposing force.
- The foundation — The root of the situation, what lies at its base.
- The past — What is passing or already behind you.
- The crown — The goal, the best possible outcome, what is on your mind.
- The near future — What will happen soon.
- Yourself — Your state of mind and your position in the situation.
- Your surroundings — The people and circumstances around you.
- Hopes and fears — What you hope for or fear.
- The outcome — How it will all end.
How to interpret the spread
The Celtic Cross has two parts. On the left is a cross of six cards: in the center, the situation (1) and the obstacle card crossing it (2); below, the foundation (3); to the left, the past (4); above, the crown (5); to the right, the near future (6). On the right is the “staff” of four cards, read from bottom to top: yourself (7), your surroundings (8), hopes and fears (9) and the outcome (10).
Start with the central pair: it sets the theme for the whole spread. Then read the timeline from left to right — past, situation, near future — and the vertical line “foundation — crown”: what lies below drives the situation, and what lies above shows how far it can go.
The staff cards explain how you yourself and the people around you take part in the situation. The ninth position is especially interesting: hopes and fears are often one and the same card. Read the outcome card in connection with the others — especially cards 5 and 6.
Other spreads
- 3Three-card spreadPast, present, future — the simplest and most popular spread.
- 4Situation spreadThe heart of the matter, the obstacle, the help and the outcome — a spread for any tangled question.
- 4Near-future spreadWhat the coming weeks hold and what to pay attention to.
- 6Relationship spreadYou, your partner, the bond, the obstacle, the outlook and advice.
- 4Spread for a manHis thoughts, feelings and intentions — and advice for you.
- 13Year-ahead spreadThe theme of the year and a card for each of the twelve months.
Need a quick answer?
For a simple question, try a one-card Yes or No Tarot reading or draw your card of the day.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are in the Celtic Cross spread?
Ten: six cards form the cross, and four more make up the vertical “staff” on the right.
Why does the second card lie crosswise?
It “crosses” the situation — it shows the force that opposes or influences it. Traditionally this card isn’t read as reversed, but on our site its orientation is taken into account if reversed cards are turned on.
Is the Celtic Cross good for beginners?
Yes, if you take your time. Read the positions one by one and check them against the description on this page. For a first introduction to tarot, it’s easier to start with the Three-card spread.
Is this tarot reading free?
Yes, all spreads on the site are free, with no sign-up. Your question stays in your browser and isn’t sent anywhere.
Are reversed cards included?
Yes, by default a card can come up reversed — this makes the spread more accurate. If you’re used to reading with upright cards only, uncheck “Include reversed cards” before you lay out the spread.