A Ten Card Reading

Celtic Cross Tarot Spread

The Celtic Cross is the most well-known and comprehensive spread in tarot. Ten cards examine the heart of the matter, the challenge that crosses or supports it, its foundations, what is leaving, the best possible outcome, what is approaching, your own stance, the influences around you, your hopes and fears, and the likely resolution.

Your Reading

What is the Celtic Cross Tarot Spread?

The Celtic Cross is the most iconic spread in tarot — a layout that breaks any question down into past, present, future, hidden influences, and the likely outcome. Six cards form a cross showing the heart of the matter and the timeline around it; the remaining four stack into a "staff" on the right that reflects you, your surroundings, your hopes and fears, and the resolution. It's the deepest reading on Tarotena, best suited to a question you've been sitting with for a while.

Celtic Cross Positions Explained

  1. I
    Present — The heart of the matter, the situation as it stands now.
  2. II
    Challenge — What crosses, complicates, or supports the present.
  3. III
    Foundation — The deeper roots and the past that built this moment.
  4. IV
    Recent Past — What is just leaving the situation now.
  5. V
    Crown — The best possible outcome, what you're aiming toward.
  6. VI
    Near Future — What is approaching in the immediate weeks ahead.
  7. VII
    Self — Your stance, attitude, and role in the question.
  8. VIII
    Environment — The people and circumstances surrounding you.
  9. IX
    Hopes & Fears — What you long for and what quietly worries you.
  10. X
    Outcome — The likely resolution if the current course continues.

The Celtic Cross Layout

VCrown
IVPast
IPresent
IIChallenge
VIFuture
IIIFoundation
XOutcome
IXHopes & Fears
VIIIEnvironment
VIISelf
Cross · Staff