Celtic Cross Tarot Spread
What is the Celtic Cross Spread
The Celtic Cross is one of the most well known and widely used tarot spreads. It gives you a full overview of a situation by diving into the different layers that surround it. Think of it like taking a snapshot of your energy and your circumstances from every angle. It shows where you are right now, what challenges or supports you, what you’re aware of, what’s going on behind the scenes, what’s coming next, and how things might unfold. It’s a great spread to use when you want a deep reading that covers all bases.
The History of the Celtic Cross
Despite the name, the Celtic Cross tarot spread doesn’t actually come from ancient Celtic times. It was made popular by Arthur Edward Waite who co-created the Rider Waite Tarot deck in the early 1900s. He introduced it in his book as a structured way to get layered insight during a reading. The name likely comes from the layout of the cards which form a cross in the center and a vertical line off to the side — visually similar to the Celtic Cross symbol. So while it sounds ancient and mystical, it’s more of a modern invention that’s become a timeless favourite.
The 10 Cards and What They Show
Here’s a breakdown of each card in the Celtic Cross and what it’s showing you:
Current energy: Where you are right now or the main energy of the situation
Crossing energy: What’s helping or challenging you at the moment
Unconscious: What’s under the surface influencing things without you realising
Recent past: What has just happened or what you’re moving away from
Conscious: What’s on your mind or what you’re actively aware of
Near future: What’s coming in next or the next chapter ahead
You: Your inner world or personal influence on the situation
Environment: How other people or the world around you are affecting things
Hopes and fears: What you’re wishing for but also what’s making you hesitant
Potential outcome: The likely direction things are heading if the energy stays the same
How to Use the Celtic Cross
The best thing about the Celtic Cross is that it can be used for pretty much anything. Love life, career decisions, spiritual questions or just a check in with your life path. You can ask a specific question or leave it open for a general overview. It’s especially helpful when things feel complicated or layered and you want more than just a surface level message.
For example:
Love: Use it to look at where you and your person stand, what energies are at play, and what direction things are moving in
Career: It can show you where you are in your work journey, what’s helping or holding you back, and what’s next on your path
General: If you just want to tune into life overall, it gives you a multi-layered look at how you’re feeling, what’s shifting and where you’re headed
It’s a great go-to spread if you want real insight and clarity on any situation — and once you get the hang of it, it becomes like a trusted old friend.
