The Celtic Cross – A Ten Card Classic
The Celtic Cross Tarot spread is the most popular 10-card reading layout in modern tarot. This comprehensive guide walks you through every position, card meaning, and how to interpret a full Celtic Cross ten-card reading – with a free online tool at the end.
The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread arguably ranks as the most popular Tarot spread today. Readers use this “Swiss Army Knife” layout to gain comprehensive insight into a person’s spiritual, emotional, and mental state—or their situation.
Origins of The Celtic Cross
Many readers credit this Tarot spread to my absolute Tarot hero, Paul Foster Case. I’m not sure this is actually the case, though I do love performing this reading with the Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.) Tarot Deck where Mr Foster Case appears as the Hierophant
The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread consists of ten cards laid out in a cross pattern with the last four cards ascending to the right of the initial cross.
Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: 10-Card Reading Guide (Free Layout)
- The first card laid is the significator card, which represents the person consulting the deck.
- The Crossing card represents the immediate challenge facing the questioner.
- The past, events leading up to the current situation.
- Subconscious influence, rot of the matter
- Conscious influence
- Approaching future influence
- Questioners current state of being
- Energies & people surrounding that may impact the outcome
- What is expected / not expected
- The outcome, not set in stone, the questioner can influence how the future pans out depending on actions taken in the present.
Major Arcana in the Celtic Cross
Tarot cards feature symbolic images originally created for card games and later adapted for fortune-telling. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that embody core archetypes of human experience, so when they appear in the Celtic Cross Spread, give them extra weight and significance.
Minor Arcana in the Celtic Cross
The Minor Arcana are the suits of cards that most people are not quite so familiar with in the Tarot deck. Each suit is comprised of 14 cards. The ten number or ‘pip’ cards & then the ‘Court’ cards. The Page, Knight, Queen & King. The Minor Arcana suits are: Wands (also known as the Suit of Rods) – Swords (also known as the Suit of Blades) – Cups (also known as the Suit of Chalices) – Pentacles (also known as the Suit of Disks). Readers give these cards less weight and significance in the Celtic Cross Spread, where they typically represent everyday aspects of the questioner’s life.
Your Celtic Cross Tarot Reading
If you have decided that the Celtic Cross is the spread you fancy you can either perform the spread yourself if you feel confident enough, or you can seek out the best Tarot reader for you. Tarot reading is a practice that has been around for centuries. It is a form of divination that involves the use of a deck of cards. Tarot readings can be performed for oneself or with the purpose of providing guidance to others.
There are many different types of decks that you can use to read, but there is one that stands out as the best for beginners & that is the classic Rider-Waite deck. It is undoubtedly the most common and popular deck for beginners. It has been around for over a century and it’s easy to learn because it’s so clear in its imagery & symbolism.
Choosing a Tarot reader
If you would rather have a professional interpret your spread you need to do some research & look out for recommendations. In my opinion, trust your gut and choose the reader you instinctively feel drawn to. My best psychic readers are shown on my available psychics page. They have all given countless readings & are in my opinion the very best readers available online today.
Check out my free tarot readings page to consult this spread & many more. A good tarot reading can be a great way to learn more about yourself and the future. The Celtic Cross lets you glimpse your future while asking specific questions and receiving accurate answers.
Recap:
What Is the Celtic Cross Tarot Spread?
The Celtic Cross Tarot spread is a classic 10-card reading that gives a 360-degree view of any situation. Invented in the early 20th century by A.E. Waite, it remains the go-to layout for both beginners and professional readers.Step-by-Step: How to Lay Out a Celtic Cross Ten-Card Reading
- Shuffle while focusing on your question.
- Draw 10 cards in the traditional cross-and-staff pattern (see diagram).
- Interpret each position using the meanings below.
Celtic Cross Card Positions & Meanings
| Position | Name | Core Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Present | The heart of the matter right now. |
| 2 | Challenge | What crosses you – obstacle or helper. |
| 3 | Past | Events that shaped the situation. |
| 4 | Future | Short-term outcome (weeks–months). |
| 5 | Above | Goal or best possible outcome. |
| 6 | Below | Subconscious influences. |
| 7 | Advice | Action you should take. |
| 8 | External influences | People or environment affecting you. |
| 9 | Hopes & fears | What you desire vs. what you dread. |
| 10 | Outcome | Final result if current path continues. |
Simple Celtic Cross Ten-Card Reading This version has been live on my site for 20+ years, goodness knows how many readings it has given 🙂 Still a favourite.
The Interactive Celtic Cross Tarot Spread has had a glow up but still uses the tried & tested formula.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Celtic Cross Tarot Spread
How many cards are in a Celtic Cross Tarot spread?
The Celtic Cross is a 10-card reading. It uses a cross of 6 cards plus a staff of 4 cards on the right.
Can I use the Celtic Cross for yes/no questions?
No. The layout is designed for in-depth analysis, not binary answers. Use a single-card or 3-card spread for yes/no.
Which way should the cards face in a Celtic Cross?
Most readers keep all cards upright for clarity. Reversals can be added once you’re comfortable with upright meanings.
How long does a Celtic Cross ten-card reading take?
10–20 minutes for a beginner, 5–10 minutes for an experienced reader.
Is the Celtic Cross the same as a 10-card spread?
Yes – “Celtic Cross” and “ten-card reading” refer to the same layout.
Where can I get a free Celtic Cross Tarot reading online?
Right here! Use the links earlier I this post or visit our dedicated free Tarot reading page.
