10 cards · intermediate
Celtic Cross
The most famous tarot spread. Comprehensive, layered, and revealing — the Swiss Army knife of tarot. Ten cards arranged as a cross with a four-card staff.
The positions
- 01
Present / Heart of the Matter
The current situation at its core; the central energy.
- 02
Challenge / The Crossing
What crosses you — the obstacle, the opposition, the dynamic tension. Read this card as if upright regardless of its orientation.
- 03
Foundation / The Beneath
The unconscious or subconscious foundation; root causes; what is beneath the surface.
- 04
Recent Past / Behind You
What is leaving the situation; recent influences receding.
- 05
Crown / Above You
Conscious thoughts, hopes, fears; what you bring to the situation; the best possible outcome you imagine.
- 06
Near Future / Before You
What is approaching; the next turn of events.
- 07
Yourself
Your stance, your role, your current self in this situation.
- 08
Environment
External influences, others' attitudes, the social/cultural context.
- 09
Hopes and Fears
What you most hope for and most fear (often the same thing dressed differently).
- 10
Outcome
The resolution if current trajectory holds; the synthesis of all preceding cards.
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