The ten positions of the Celtic Cross
- 1. The present – the heart of the situation
- 2. The challenge – what crosses or blocks you
- 3. The root – the foundation or unconscious cause
- 4. The recent past – what is passing away
- 5. The best outcome – what you are aiming for
- 6. The near future – what comes next
- 7. Yourself – your attitude and position
- 8. Your environment – people and influences around you
- 9. Hopes and fears – what you hope for or worry about
- 10. The outcome – where things are heading
Cards 1–6 form the cross and describe the situation; cards 7–10 form the staff on the right and describe you and the way forward.
How to read the Celtic Cross
Start with cards 1 and 2 together: the situation and what is in the way. Then follow the timeline from the past (4) to the near future (6), and compare the best outcome (5) with the final outcome (10) – if they differ, cards 7 to 9 often explain why.
The Celtic Cross works best for bigger questions. For something quick, use a single card or three-card reading, and look up any card in the tarot meanings.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are in a Celtic Cross?
Ten: six in the cross and four in the staff beside it.
Is the Celtic Cross good for beginners?
Yes, as long as you take it position by position. The meaning of each position is shown next to every card.
Who created the Celtic Cross spread?
It was popularised by Arthur Edward Waite in 1910 in his guide to the Rider–Waite tarot deck.