How to lay out the Celtic Cross Tarot Cards

The Celtic Cross is one of the most popular and insightful Tarot spreads, used for gaining a comprehensive overview of any situation. Here's how to lay out and interpret the cards.

First Step: Prepare Your Space

Find a quiet area, shuffle your Tarot deck while focusing on your question or situation.

Next Step: Draw a Significator

Separate the court cards from the rest of the deck. Choose one card. This is the Significator, it represents you, the querant. (Person who is recieving the reading.) The Significator can be chosen by yourself, or by the Tarot reader. It should reflect some aspect of yourself. Place this card in the center of the table.

Layout of the Celtic Cross Spread

Draw 10 Cards: Here’s how to position them:

• Card 1 - This Covers Him - The Present Situation: Place this card in the center, on top of the significator.

• Card 2 - This Crosses Him - The Challenge: Cross this card over Card 1 horizontally.

• Card 3 - This Crowns Him -The Conscious Thoughts: Position this card to above Card 1.

• Card 4 - This is Beneath Him - Subconscious Influences: Place it below Card 1.

• Card 5 - This is Behind Him - The Past Influences: Lay this card to the left of Card 1.

• Card 6 - This is Before Him- The Future: Place this card to the right of Card 1.

• Card 7 - Himself - Attitude & Beliefs: Lay this card on the far bottom right.

• Card 8 - His House - The External Influences: Place this card above card 7.

• Card 9 - The Hopes and Fears: Place this card above card 8.

• Card 10 - The Outcome: Place this card above card 9.

Reading the Celtic Cross Spread

Here’s a quick rundown of what each card’s position reveals in this spread:

Card 1 Covers (Present Situation): This card represents your situation. It reflects the current state of affairs surrounding your inquiry. Take note of the card’s imagery and meaning.

Card 2 Crosses (Challenge): This card identifies a challenge you may be facing. It shows obstacles or issues that may be blocking progress. Consider how this challenge relates to your situation.

Card 3 Above (Conscious Thoughts): This card reflects your thoughts and ideas, I like to picture it as floating above the head. It offers insight into what you’re aware of regarding the situation. This card may reveal your current mindset.

Card 4 Below (Unconscious Influences): This card shows what is lying below the surface - old thought processes, trauma and conditioning. It suggests underlying emotions or thoughts that may not be immediately apparent. This is where hidden feelings can surface.

Card 5 (Past Influences): This card shows your recent past. It represents the past factors that have led to the present situation. This could be events, decisions, or feelings.

Card 4 (Future Influences): This card shows your near future. It indicates what’s on the horizon. Think about how this card interacts with your current situation.

Card 7 (Himself): This card is you. It provides insight into your attitude and your beliefs, and offers guidance on how to approach the situation. This is where Tarot gives you a helpful nudge.

Card 8 House (External Influences): This is your surroundings, it may be your family, friends, or work environment. Highlights factors or people outside of your control that are affecting your situation. Look at how these elements interact with others.

Card 9 (Hopes and Fears): Reveals what you are wishing for and/or what you might be afraid of. This duality can show your priorities or concerns.

Card 10 (Outcome): Suggests potential results based on the current energy. Remember, this is a possibility, not a guarantee! You hold the power to direct your own path.

As you lay out the Celtic Cross, trust your intuition to guide your interpretation. Each card adds a layer of depth and can lead to valuable insights, making it a powerful tool for understanding your circumstances.

Happy reading!

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Draw your own Free Celtic Cross Tarot Reading Here>

Historical Interpretation of the Celtic Cross Reading from A.E. Waite>

Winter Solstice Tarot Spread

The Winter Solstice is a beautiful time for reflection and renewal. This spread will help you harness the energy of the season to gain insight into your inner world and set intentions for the coming year. Here's a simple 5-card spread to guide your journey:

Card 1: What do I need to release?

This card highlights aspects of your life that no longer serve you. Reflect on how to let go of these burdens to make room for new growth.

Card 2: What light do I seek?

This card represents the clarity and understanding you crave. It illuminates your desires and ambitions, guiding you toward personal enlightenment.

Card 3: What is my current state of being?

This card reveals your present situation, including your emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Acknowledge where you stand to better understand your journey.

Card 4: What blessings are coming my way?

This card uncovers the gifts the universe has in store for you throughout the cold months ahead. Embrace these blessings and find joy in their arrival.

Card 5: What intentions should I set?

This card is all about focusing your energy for the year ahead. It encourages you to align your goals with your true self, ensuring you head into the new cycle with purpose and clarity.

As you lay out your cards, take time to meditate on the meanings and feelings each one evokes. May your Winter Solstice be filled with reflection and the promise of new beginnings.

Tarot Guidance for the Cold Moon

Draw a card for clarity: As the Cold Moon rises, consider drawing a card to guide your reflection. This card can illuminate what you need to release or embrace as you journey through the darker days.

• The Hermit: If you pull The Hermit, it’s a nudge to seek solitude. Take time for yourself, turn inward, and listen to your soul’s whispers. What truths are waiting to be uncovered in the quiet?

• The Moon: Drawing The Moon suggests a time of uncertainty and intuition. Trust your instincts more than ever; they may guide you through foggy paths. What dreams or fears surface during this moon?

• Ten of Cups: With the Ten of Cups, happiness and emotional fulfilment are at the forefront. Focus on what brings you joy and harmony as you gather with loved ones or find contentment in your own company.

Rituals to Embrace the Cold Moon

1. Reflective Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings about the year. What have you learned? What do you want to carry into the new year, and what needs letting go?

2. Moonlit Meditation: Spend some time outside under the glow of the Cold Moon. Meditate, visualise your intentions, or simply breathe in the crisp, cold air, allowing it to refresh your spirit.

3. Candle Lighting: Light a candle to represent your own inner light. As you watch the flame, think about what you wish to illuminate in your life or what shadows you want to release.

The Cold Moon is not just a celestial event; it’s a magical opportunity to align with the cosmos and our personal journeys. Embrace its energy, and let the vibrations guide you through the serene winter nights ahead! Remember, the cold may be biting, but the warmth of reflection and intention can ignite your spirit. 🌕✨

“Some people believe tarot cards are a form of black magic or senseless new age mysticism but for me they are a practical way of talking directly to the universe.”

— TOYAH WILLCOX

I know a lot of people understand Tarot cards to be a tool for divination. However, their magic goes beyond mere fortune-telling. Tarot can serve as a mirror, reflecting our innermost thoughts, feelings, and situations. The cards illustrate the common themes of humanity, our struggles and triumphs, our goals and desires. What we see in each card echoes our own hidden dreams, fears, and questions, inviting us to explore the depths of our own psyche.

I have heard Tarot referred to as, ”The poor man’s psychotherapy” and it really is a great tool for uncovering hidden desires and healing old wounds that may be holding us back from living our best lives. Its like having a friend to chat with. One who is objective and can be trusted with secrets. They are always available on a whim, to delve into any topic you want to explore.

Tarot reading offers self-reflection, encouraging us to delve deeper into our subconscious. By interpreting the cards, we can uncover hidden motivations, desires, and obstacles in our lives. It's not just about predicting the future; it's about understanding the present, allowing for growth and transformation.

Tarot is also a fantastic tool for boosting confidence and offering reassurance, acting as a gentle guide. You may be wondering if taking action on a specific topic is a good idea. Asking the cards offers a way to look at the situation from a new perspective. And to ask yourself questions.

If you like the message the cards offer, this may be the nudge you need to go forward with a new idea. If you don’t like the message offered, ask yourself, Why? Are you sure this something you really want? If so, then what fears or hesitation may be holding you back?

In relationships, Tarot can serve as a powerful tool to shine a light on our emotional landscapes, allowing us to step back and examine our connections more objectively. Rather than diving in headfirst without thinking or falling back into old, familiar patterns that may no longer serve us, Tarot encourages reflection and insight.

We may discover meanings behind the cards that represent our feelings, needs, and potential outcomes, we can gain clarity on what truly matters, fostering healthier interactions and helping us make choices that align with our highest selves. This playful exploration into our lives and romantic dynamics can transform uncertainty into understanding, guiding us towards more fulfilling relationships.

The cards may gently illuminate our current circumstances, guiding us to confront the truth of our experiences. This playful dance between card and reader reveals not only what lies beneath the surface but also the paths we might take. In this way, Tarot becomes a trusty confidant, helping us make sense of our emotional landscapes and offering insights that might otherwise remain shrouded in shadow.

Wheel of Fortune and The Lovers

Find comfort and encouragement in the cards.

Drawing daily cards can offer a moment to pause, reflect, and simply behold the messages the Tarot has to offer. Each card channels wisdom and insight, guiding you through the ups and downs of life. Tarot should be a positive experience. Let the cards be your gentle companions, they can to lead you towards clarity. Embrace your own intuitive journey with Tarot and allow the cards to nudge you towards your path. Be open to receiving the spark of inspiration or to discovering the encouragement you seek.

The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that sometimes the best action is to surrender to our circumstances and go with the flow of life. The Lovers, gives hope for relationships, and connections with others. The Fool, standing at the edge of a precipice, encourages a spirit of adventure. The Sun offers feelings of joy and freedom.

The Hermit reminds us that it’s OK to step back and spend some time in quiet solitude.

Tarot an enchanting journey into the self. Each card whispers secrets of your past, present, and potential future, providing unique insights that can illuminate your path. With its roots steeped in mysticism, Tarot serves as a mirror reflecting your innermost thoughts and feelings, guiding you through the twists and turns of life.

It is a practice of seeking knowledge or insights into the future or the unknown, through symbolic means. In the context of tarot readings, divination employs a deck of cards as a tool to tap into the subconscious and reveal deeper truths about your life, emotions, and circumstances.

Each card with its own unique symbolism and meaning, can be interpreted in relation to your own questions or situations. This mystical process allows you to gain clarity, guidance, and newfound perspectives on your journey. In this way, the cards become a powerful conduit for self-discovery and personal growth.

Through the art of interpretation, Tarot helps you connect with your intuition and the energies around you. Incorporating symbols, numerology, and elemental correspondences, each card becomes a portal to understanding. The imagery tells stories that resonate on profound levels, inviting you to engage with archetypes that speak to the human experience. Whether it's a daily draw to set intentions or a deeper spread to explore complex questions, Tarot offers a playful yet powerful way to navigate your reality.

The journey of divination is not just about predicting fate; it's about empowering you to take control and make choices that resonate with your true self. So, shuffle that deck and let the cards guide you on a whimsical adventure of self-discovery!

Intuitive Tarot

If you’ve heard the term “Intuitive Tarot” you may be wondering what exactly this means and how it differs from traditional card reading, which involves learning the meaning of the card, memorizing it and applying it to the reading at hand.

Intuitive Tarot reading is a bit different:

• It Relies on Personal Intuition: Intuitive reading relies heavily on the reader's intuition and inner wisdom to interpret the cards, instead of strictly adhering to traditional meanings.

• More Creative Interpretations: Intuitive readers are more likely to interpret the cards creatively, drawing connections between the imagery, symbolism, and their own intuition to provide a unique reading experience.

• Emphasis on Personal Connection: Intuitive Tarot readings focus on building a personal connection with the cards and the querent, tapping into emotions and energies to provide deeper insights.

• Fluidity and Flexibility: Unlike traditional Tarot readings, which may follow set spreads and interpretations, intuitive readings offer more fluidity and flexibility in how the cards are read and understood.

• Holistic Approach: Intuitive Tarot reading often takes a more holistic approach, considering not just the individual card meanings but also the overall energy, intuition, and feelings surrounding the reading.

Incorporating intuition into Tarot reading allows for a more personalized and insightful experience, encouraging readers to trust their inner guidance and creativity when interpreting the cards.

It is also the quickest way to get started reading Tarot, because it doesn’t require memorizing the card meanings. Reading intuitively is a great way to get to know the cards naturally. You can build upon your Tarot knowledge as you go.

How to Read Tarot Intuitively

Lets get started with a sample intuitive reading. Today I am using The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne, a beautiful deck that is easy to interpret intuitively, but also closely follows the RWS Tarot.

The Cards I have drawn are 2 of Pentacles, 8 of Swords, Page of Wands, 3 of Swords.

The Light Seer’s Tarot

Start by looking at the imagery and observing how you feel. Does the image feel positive and hopeful, like the Page of Wands? Or full of fear and despair, like the 3 of Swords.

2 of Pentacles

What do you see?

Ask yourself some questions - Where is she? What is she doing?

How do you relate to the girl in the picture?

When I look at this card, I see someone standing her ground in a strong wind. She has strong balance, the wind will not knock her down.

In one hand she is holding a purse, the other is attached to a halo of energy or light. I see these symbolizing the physical realms and the spiritual. She has a firm grasp on both.

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8 of Swords

What do the birds symbolize for you?

The cords, the blindfold?

What does this image make you think about?

I see someone entangled, or caught up, in their own thoughts, or their own perception of themselves.

She appears stuck, yet this is only a reflection of herself, not reality. I would suggest she needs to step away from this image and look around at reality instead. She needs to gain a fresh perspective.

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Page of Wands

What is she doing? How does her posture feel?

What do you think the wand symbolizes?

How do the colors feel?

When do you feel this way?

This image feels very positive to me. A bit like the energy of The Magician. She is in control. Creating her own reality. Feeling very positive. Free and uninhibited. Full of creative energy.

Maybe she is starting out on a fresh journey, or creating something new. It feels exciting.

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3 of Swords

What situation does this card brings to mind?

Have you ever felt this way?

How can you move towards healing this pain?

Can you alchemize this pain into personal growth?

This one is heartbreaking to me. The Dark Knight of the Soul.

Something very dear to her has been lost. Something important.

It feels like a part of her is shattered.

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Create a story.

After considering the cards individually, look at them as elements of a story. What is the narrative playing out? What is this story saying to you? Is there an overall message, or a progression of events? Remember, this is based on personal insight and intuition. There is no right or wrong answer in an intuitive reading. You may find your intuitive insight is different from the traditional meaning, or very closely aligned.

Trust in your inner wisdom while also learning the established symbols and interpretations. This harmony will enhance the insight and guidance you provide during your readings.

Once you are able to blend your own intuition with the traditional meanings of the Tarot cards, your readings will gain even greater depth.

Embrace the blend of intuition and knowledge to unlock the full potential of your Tarot readings.

As always, have a beautiful day.

What is my purpose Tarot Spread.

To me, finding purpose is epitomized by the Eight of Pentacles.

The Eight of Pentacles represents a focus on honing your skills and craftsmanship. It signifies a period where you are dedicated to mastering your craft and finding fulfillment through daily work and diligence.

This card encourages you to embrace the learning process of life and to dedicate yourself to a chosen path. It reminds you that true purpose is found not in results, but in the enjoyment of the process, and in the journey of continuous improvement and growth.

Finding purpose in life is a journey, not a destination.

Eight of Pentacles from Radiant Wise Spirit and Light Seer’s Tarot

Many people believe they need to discover some great important purpose in life in order to feel fulfilled or for others to recognize them, or for their life to have meaning or significance. Some of us embark on helping others, or take on tasks that are imposed on us, believing this is the best path, but it often begins to feel like work and leaves us feeling drained or unfulfilled.

We may look upon others who have found their purpose and feel left out, as if we are missing the mark.

But once we discover a way to weave our own desires and passion into our daily life, then every moment becomes meaningful and purposeful.

The best way to discover your purpose is through play and exploration. Consider the things you love to do, the things you could work on all day long if possible. What energizes you? What inspires you? What excites you? What is it that you never tire of doing? Let your passion become your obsession in a positive way. Then joy and growth and prosperity must follow.

What is my purpose? Tarot Spread

If you are searching for your purpose try this Tarot spread to gain some insight into your own path forward. This reading will not tell you your purpose, but will help you on the path to discover it for yourself.

I’m using the Light Seers Tarot today, it just feels best for this reading, which is very loose and introspective. This is an intuitive reading, so it is not important to be an expert at tarot. Just look at the cards and consider how they speak to you.

Shuffle the deck and draw 4 cards. The cards drawn will reveal to you the different aspects of your purpose and give clues to align your actions and stay focused on your goals, or what matters to you most. You may find all 4 cards point to 1 single aspect, or you may discover 2 or more different aspects. Look at the symbols on each card.

Here is my card draw as an example:

For my reading, the first 2 cards represent family and relationships, the last 2 represent growth, ideas and perseverance relating to my creative business. For me, this reading is an affirmation of my direction, my focus, the path I am following.

Try it out for yourself. Look at the imagery on the cards, what are they saying to you? What symbols leap out as a focus or theme? There is no right or wrong way to interpret these cards, read them your way, have fun and don’t overthink things. Any idea that arises which sparks excitement, love, joy, delight or inspiration is a clue that your purpose lies in that direction. So follow it. One tiny step at a time.

In today’s connected world with so many people and opportunities, there is room for almost anything to become your purpose.

You know your purpose deep down and if you allow yourself the room to follow it you will. Naturally. Like letting go of a cork you have been holding under water. Let go of any resistance and it will naturally float to the surface.

Once you have an idea, just begin by taking steps towards it. Be patient. Remember, everything we focus on grows. So consider where are you placing your thoughts? Avoid wasting time on useless activities, pleasing others, lack and difficulty. Focus instead on growing your ideas, building loving connections, tapping into the available abundance, and finding solutions.

Reading your own Tarot is a great tool for self-reflection.

No one can ever understand you, or your situation, you as deeply as you know yourself. Instead of seeking answers from outside, try a fresh approach and look within to discover the guidance you seek.

Drawing a self reading can spark deep insights into our own thoughts and emotions, prompting us to consider aspects of our lives that we may not have otherwise. The images on the cards often act as mirrors, reflecting back to us our innermost concerns and desires. Through reading our own Tarot, we can gain a new perspective on situations, allowing us to approach challenges with fresh eyes and renewed clarity.

While having someone else read your cards is a fun and enlightening process that can offer a fresh perspective and lead to exciting new revelations, you can also read your own cards. A self-reading can be equally as rewarding.

It is a quiet and meditative process that allows you to delve into your own psyche and consider your emotions, dreams, desires, and to work on carving out a direction for yourself, amid the chaos of juggling daily life.

How to do a Tarot reading for yourself.

1. Set the Mood: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus without distractions. You may want to light a candle, burn incense, or play soft music to create a relaxing atmosphere.

2. Shuffle the Cards: Shuffle the Tarot deck while focusing on the question or area of your life you seek guidance on. Once you feel ready, stop shuffling and cut the deck into three piles.

3. Draw Your Cards: Start pulling cards from the top of the deck. You can choose a simple three-card spread for past, present, and future insights, or go with a more elaborate spread like the Celtic Cross. My favorite self reading is mind, body spirit. I ask the cards for insight each of these 3 aspects of my self.

4. Interpret the Cards: Take a moment to look at each card you've drawn. Notice the symbols, colours, and emotions they evoke. Use your intuition to decipher the message they hold for you. You can refer to Tarot guidebooks or online resources for additional insights.

5. Reflect and Act: Reflect on how the cards relate to your question or situation. Consider the advice they offer and how you can apply it to your life. Whether it's a confirmation of your feelings or a gentle nudge in a new direction, trust the wisdom of the Tarot.

6. Journal Your Reading: Record your card spread, interpretations, and any thoughts or feelings that arise during the reading. Tracking your readings over time can help you see patterns, track progress, and gain a deeper understanding of the Tarot's messages.

Trust your intuition, have fun exploring the cards, and use the insights gained to empower yourself on your journey. Whether seeking guidance on a specific issue or simply looking to delve deeper into our own psyche, Tarot has the power to help us navigate our own experience with a sense of playfulness and wonder.