Tarot Spreads: Celtic Cross Layout

The Celtic Cross layout is one of the most well-known and well-used Tarot spreads. While it remains very popular, some Tarot readers feel that it is unnecessary complicated.

While it is not the easiest spread to master, it is a great way to start seeing how the cards relate to each other and the issue as well as learning Tarot spreads and learning to interpret Tarot cards.

Mysterious in origin, this spread likely originated during the 1800's. I've read claims that this spread is thousands of years old. The earliest remaining Tarot deck dates to the 1300s, so I doubt that the Celtic Cross spread is much more than a couple of hundred years old.

Perceiving patterns and connections in the Celtic Cross layout can open you to seeing the same things in life.

For this spread, you will need to select a significator . For more information on what a significator is and how to choose one, check out the Tarot Glossary page.

The Celtic Cross layout is comprised of 11 cards in total including the significator (which is chosen ahead of shuffling for the reading). For the sake of simplicity, I've numbered the significator as the first card. The cards are meant to be read in order of number. For an image on how the layout should look, click here: Celtic Cross layout

#1 Card: The Significator

#2 Card: The Issue

The general overview of the issue at hand.

#3 Card: What Crosses You

The forces the will work for or against this issue.

#4 Card: Your Unconscious Desires

The hidden beliefs or attitudes you have regarding this issue.

#5 Card: The Basis

These are the past events which have formed the basis for this issue.

#6 Card: The Near Past

This refers to influences that are now passing away that have affected this situation.

#7 Card: The Near Future

The new influences, people and upcoming events are ruled by this card.

#8 Card: Yourself

The current state of affairs as you see them. The role mood has on opportunity may appear here if you are depressed or pessimistic.

#9 Card: Your Environment

The environment that surrounds you, including your friends and family and their role in this issue. Unhelpful influence will appear here as well as some indication to how you are perceived by those around you.

#10 Card: Your Hopes and Fear

These are your hidden beliefs that may affect the outcome of the situation. Any doubts or secret wishes that you may not even have acknowledged to yourself.

#11 Card: The Likely Outcome

This card will give you the most likely outcome to your question and reveal how you may benefit. If the card in this position seems to indicate a person rather than a solid answer, a second Celtic Cross layout can be done using this card as the significator. The second layout will reveal what role this person will have on your original question.


The meanings of each Tarot card in the spread will change according to the cards next to them. The idea with the Celtic Cross layout is that it is a Tarot spread that can be used to start seeing the relationships between Tarot cards. Discovering these changed Tarot meanings means that you'll be able to get more personal answers and improve as a Tarot reader at the same time. Win freaking win baby!