Celtic cross Tarot spread
The Celtic Cross is the most common of Tarot spreads. It is popular because it is easy to remember, and it can be used to read for a large range of questions.
This spread is actually two readings in one. The first reading is displayed within the cross pattern of cards one through six. The second half in the vertical line of cards seven through ten.
The first section illustrates the events and energies that surround the question, and seperates them into understandable aspects.
Position 1: Represents the questioner in the present. It sits in the center of the cross, surrounded by the other energies.
Position 2: Represents the energies, obstacles, and conflicts that are affecting the questioner. This card crosses the questioner as represented by Position 1.
Position 3: Depicts the destiny or goal of the questioner; ambitions. This card crowns the questioner.
Position 4: Shows the energies and/or events of the passt that are affecting the present circumstances. This card rests behind the questioner.
Position 5: Depicts the influential energies and/or events of the recent past which are affecting the present. This card lays beneath the questioner.
Position 6: Illustrates the energies that will manifest themselves into the present but are yet aspects of the future. This card lays in front of the questioner
The second part of this spread provides insight of thoughts, emotions, and the general internal information of the people involved (but focus mainly on the questioner).
Position 7: Shows the questioner's state of mind after the first part of the reading. This card sits under the rest in the vertical line.
Position 8: Illustrates the effects the questioner has on other people or the effects others have on the questioner; the social environment. This card is just above the questioner as represented by Position 7.
Position 9: Represents the questioner's worst fears or greatest hopes. Which choice depends on the nature of the card, obviously accomplishment and fulfillment of Love is not going to be the greatest fear.
Position 10: Fortells the overall outcome of the situation. This card rises above all others in the spread. Remember, the outcome shows the most probable conclusion as defined by the present energies, not the absolute definite outcome.
Untill I can get some other spreads up, you are encouraged to make your own spreads. Spreads are easy to design with a little time and thought, and can be created to more accurately focus on a given type of question (i.e. outcome of a conflict involving two parties of multiple people.) Spreads can be as simple as one card or as complex as the entire deck. The reasoned pattern of the Celtic Cross is an excellent example.
For an example of a reasoning behind creating a spread:
You must know the intended focus of the spread. For this example, you want to know the energies within the past, present, and future, that surround you.
From the intent, form a logical pattern of cards. Here we will use three in a row, from left to right.
Past-Present-Future
That's it. The spread is designed, layout the cards and do the reading. One problem with simple spreads, such as this one, is that they don't provide the details or reasons for the predicted events. More complex ones, like the Celtic Cross, provide information such as worst fears, and allow a better understanding of Why, not just What.
As an end note, in any spread you are doing, even a simple one card, you can draw a 'clairafication" card to tell you more about the card in question. Good Luck:)
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