The Celtic Cross spread is the most commonly used today. It was developed in the early 1900's by a member of the Golden Dawn. It is not ancient and it is not Celtic either for that matter. But it is a convenient way to get information on something that is bothering you.

The cards are layed out in two groups. The first six are the Cross and the last four are the Sceptre hence the name Crown and Sceptre sometimes. Let's take a look at this spread position by position. Please note that you will find varying meanings for the position by readers. This is how I read it and does not mean that it is more right than another reader's version.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~5~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~10

~~~~~~~~4~~~1 (2)~~~6~~~~~~~~09

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~08

~~~~~~~~~~~~~3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~07

Our first card is the situation now. What shows up here will speak to the current feelings you are having about the problem or it may point out issues that you already knew.

Second reflects influences surrounding the situation. It is often called the Crossing card or the Prevailing Winds card. This is what is around you that is helping or hindering the Situational card.

Third is underneath these two and represents deep past. I generally read this as anywhere from one to two years ago. What shows here will be something or someone who may be still affecting the situation as it stands. Or it is something that you still feel very strongly about.

The fourth card falls to the left showing recent past which to me is 6 months to yesterday. Again, you may see someone here who ws influential in bringing about the issue you are facing. Pay attention to these cards from the past. Like Scrooge's ghost, they have a message for you.

The fifth card sits on top which I see as something the Querant is reaching for as in goals and dreams. Some call it the crown or the aspiration. It is a hope you have that the situation is either furthering or hindering.

Card six sits to the right of the first two showing what is in the imminent future. This card takes place tomorrow to six months away. Remember that the cards are not set in stone. You can see my "How Do The Tarot Cards Work" Guide for more on that if you like.

The row of four to the right of the Cross is sometimes referred to as the Scepter.

At the bottom of this row is card number seven which is how others see the Querent. It may not be how the you see yourself, but remember that this is a mirror card. You are looking into a mirror of yourself through others' eyes.

Eight reflects the hopes and/or fears of you have about this issue. This card can be VERY important since fears can prevent you from suceeding and hope can make you overly ambitious. Use this to balance yourself.

Card nine is the obstacle that has to be surmounted to get to card ten. I talk to my clients about hurdles here. You have to deal with this on some level in order to resolve the issue at hand.

And card ten is the final outcome if the path followed remains constant. Remember that the hurdle must be overcome to reach this outcome.

Happy reading!

Blessing from Tarot By Arwen

Arwenn61