Tea-break Tarot School

Carmen shared a post in the group the other day about tarot spreads which got me thinking about the Celtic Cross. This spread seems to be European in origin and is first mentioned in Arthur Edward Waite’s book A Pictorial History of the Tarot (you can read more about it here).

This is perhaps the most famous tarot spread there is, yet it can also be one that readers shy away from. Many readers I know (myself included) enjoy the three-card spread format, as it gives clear guidance and is adaptable to many questions and topics.

But what if you’re looking for something deeper? My personal opinion is that there is nothing better than the Celtic Cross. On the left of the spread in the cross (some suggest with its circular appearance that this represents feminine energies) we get an oversight of our current situation, and on the right of the spread, in the line (or arrow? – possibly representing masculine, linear energies) we get a sense of movement into next steps.

When I started using this spread I used to worry that I would “get it wrong”. As time passed, however, I began to realise that, just like tarot itself, there was no right or wrong, I could take what helped me and leave anything else behind.

Below you will find two versions of this spread (they’re included in my book too *winks*).

I adapted the questions or prompts to suit me while seeking to keep the essence of the spread; I hope you will feel free to do the same.

Version 1:

1. The heart of the matter.
2. What challenges or crosses this?
3. What is the undercurrent or subconscious desire?
4. What is in the past that can help?
5. What is the overarching energy of the situation?
6. What is coming next?
7. Inner life.
8. Outer life.
9. Something to be dealt with.
10. The possible outcome.

Version 2 (using key words only):

• Key
• Block
• Underneath
• Past
• Above
• Future
• Self
• Others
• Hopes
• Outcome

I hope you enjoy these, if you’d like to share them, come and join the Tea Break Tarot group 🙂 and if you’d like to work with me to learn more about tarot you can check out my offerings here.