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Deep Spreads · 10 cards

Celtic Cross

The classic ten-card spread, for one question that really matters

History

The Celtic Cross is the most famous spread in tarot history. A. E. Waite published it in The Pictorial Key to the Tarot in 1910 as "an ancient Celtic method of divination" that he had used privately for years. Ten cards form a cross and a column, the staff: the cross reads the matter itself, the staff reads you, your surroundings, hopes and fears, and the outcome.

What to ask

One question that truly matters and deserves a deep look. Ask one thing at a time.

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The positions

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  1. 1The PresentWhere you stand and the heart of the matter; it sets the tone.
  2. 2The ChallengeLaid across card 1, the force against you, sometimes the push to grow.
  3. 3The RootThe deep cause, past experience or hidden motive.
  4. 4The Recent PastWhat is leaving but still has influence.
  5. 5The CrownWhat you consciously aim for, or the best outcome you can imagine.
  6. 6The Near FutureWhat comes soon; not yet the final outcome.
  7. 7YourselfHow you see your own part in this.
  8. 8Your SurroundingsPeople and circumstances acting on you from outside.
  9. 9Hopes and FearsWhat you most want and most dread, often linked.
  10. 10The OutcomeWhere things go if nothing changes.

Example questions

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