How to Do a Celtic Cross Tarot Spread

No need to be a fortune teller or gypsy to work with the tarot. If you can get past the mystical hubbub, you'll see the tarot is simply a tool for spiritual growth. Tarot cards can offer a new perspective to situations and problems in your life. Learning to read the tarot cards is easiest by the way of spreads, where each card holds a particular meaningful position. The Celtic cross tarot spread is an easy and straightforward spread, perfect for both beginners and experts.

Things You'll Need

• Tarot cards

Instructions

1. Shuffle the deck while focusing on your question. You'll get a better answer if you ask how and why questions, rather than yes or no questions. For instance, "How can I become more financially successful in my career?" will give more insight than "Will he marry me?" Keep shuffling until you feel that your question is clear. Put down the deck and fan it out. You're ready to select your cards.

2. 

   Understand that the "inner" cross of the spread represents your mental, psychological and emotional world. Take your time and pick each of the six “inner” cards one by one. The first card is the indicator card, representing you and the tone of the question. Place it face-up in the center of your spread area. The second card signifies the problem or situation that is affecting your question. Place it horizontally over the indicator card. The third card represents the foundation or the fears, hopes and inner influences affecting the situation. Place the card below the indicator and obstacle card. The fourth card shows the immediate past and represents the influences that brought you to your current situation. Place it to the left of the first card. The fifth card reveals your goals and dreams. Place it above the first card, to "crown” the inner cross. The sixth and last card of the "inner" cross represents the next step on the journey.

3. Know that the last four cards of the spread represent the "outer" sword, or how the situation looks in your outer world. The seventh card shows how you approach the current situation. Place it to the right of the third card. You will then place the remaining cards in a row above it. The eighth card shows your immediate surroundings, and how it is affecting what you want. The ninth card represents any warnings or positive effects of the outside world on your situation. The last card, the tenth, represents the outcome of the situation.

4. Now that your spread is laid out, begin to read each card. Pay attention to the symbolism in each card, and read the meanings of each card. Weave a story together. Read the "inner" cross first, to see your attitude and way of being. Then read the “outer” cards. Since your inner world creates the outer, you'll be able to see what changes need to be made, if any. Note that nothing is permanent. The spread offers a glimpse into the situation as it is now, but everything can change. Use it as a tool for growth, not to predict the future. The future is up to you, not the cards.

Resources

• Learn Tarot website for more information