Interpreting the Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross layout is one of the most detailed and complex spreads. You can use it when you have a specific question that needs to be answered. It takes you, step by step, through all the different aspects of the situation. There are slight differences in the layout numbering and meaning and the following is one of the ways it can be interpreted.

Layout

The Cross

The first six cards are arranged in a cross shape that represent a current issue, how it came to be and where it may lead.

The Pillar

Four cards are placed from bottom to top beside the cross and provide some insight as to what influences the situation. The cards in the pillar can help the querent better understand the situation and their control over it.

Card Positions

1. Situation – theme of the reading

Where are you now? This card reveals the theme or issue of the reading. Sometimes, especially if this card is a court card or Major Arcana figure, this card can represent the querent’s unique position within the current situation.

2. Challenge – key obstacle

This card crosses the central card. It shows a key obstacle to the goals or desires.

3. Subconscious – below

The card placed beneath the Situation and Challenge cards represents the subconscious or what is below. It reveals the shadow side of the querent. What subconscious aspect is most influencing their current behavior?

4. Recently – recent past

What are you leaving behind? Placed to the left of the Situation/Challenge cards, this card shows recent past events that are influencing the present situation.

5. Possibilities – above

What are your conscious drives? What is the querent actively trying to manifest in the world? This card represents the greatest potential within the current situation. Depending on the card, this could serve the querent or not.

6. Upcoming – near Future

Placed to the right of the Situation/Challenge cards, this card reveals upcoming events that may happen in the near future. At the time of the reading, these events are already coming into being.

7. Power – suggested approach

This is the first card of the pillar structure. It also represents the querent, specifically the power they have over the situation. They can own this power to influence events. For this reason, this position is often seen as an advice card or a suggested approach.

8. Environment – external influences

The card in the environment position reveals external influences or perceptions outside of the querent’s control. This could come from family, friends, or work peers. It can also reflect obstacles or supports that cannot be changed, like relevant health concerns or societal ills.

9. Hopes and/or fears

What we hope for often contains what we fear so this card can provide insight into the hopes and/or the fears of the querent. How is your outlook is influencing the future?

10. Outcomes – potential future

While this is the most probable outcome given all of the factors, it is not fate. It represents the potential future or what is likely to happen if nothing about the situation changes. The querent has some control over the outcome.