How to Use a 10 Card Tarot Spread

One of the wonderful things about the art of Tarot is that there are so many different ways to interpret and read the cards. You have the freedom to use any layouts you like or invent your own. Although there are so many different spreads to choose from, some Tarot spreads are more common or popular than others. There are simpler spreads like the 3-Card Past/Present/Future spread or more elaborate spreads that use 10 cards. These larger spreads allow for a much deeper reading and may be beneficial when you are looking for more in-depth answers. The following is a guide for using the Celtic Cross for your Tarot readings.

The Celtic Cross

This 10 card Tarot spread, the Celtic Cross is one of the most common Tarot spreads. Although it is a more in depth reading than one that uses fewer cards, it’s a straightforward layout it is great for beginners.

Card 1: The Present – This is the card that represents the querent and their current state of being. It may also reveal what is currently on the querent’s mind.
Card 2: The Challenge – This card is placed directly over the first one because it represents the immediate challenges the querent is facing. This challenge could be any obstacles the seeker needs to overcome.
Card 3: The Immediate Past – This card presents the events that led up to the present situation. It is placed to the left because it is the events or situations that are behind the querent.
Card 4: The Immediate Future – This shows what is likely to come in the near future, this may be in the coming days, weeks, or months. This card is placed to the right to show that the querent is looking toward what’s coming.
Card 5: The Best Outcome – This card reflects the querent’s goals or the best possible outcome to the situation. It is placed above because it represents what the querent is reaching for.
Card 6: Foundation – This card delves deeper into the root of the querent’s current situation. This card may reveal hidden insights that the querent wasn’t aware of.
Card 7: Emotions – This card reveals the querent’s inner feelings that may be affecting the situation. It can reveal the querent’s inner attitude and disposition.
Card 8: External Influences – This card represents outside influences (people, events, energies, surroundings, etc.) that will affect the outcome of the situation. These are the forces that are beyond the querent’s control.
Card 9: Hopes and/or Fears – This card signifies the querent’s hopes and fears. This is one of the hardest cards to interpret because people’s hopes and fears are so closely intertwined. Sometimes it’s useful to draw a second here card for clarity, but only after the whole spread has been laid out.
Card 10: Final Outcome – This is a of course, the card that represents the outcome of the situation. Since the future is not set in stone, this is usually interpreted to represent what will happen if the querent continues on their current path. In this way, if the querent is dissatisfied with the outcome being predicted, they have the power to change the course of the situation.

Choosing a Celtic Cross Layout That’s Right for You

If you’re unfamiliar with the Celtic Cross, you might notice that you’ll come across some variations as you do research on the spread. This can be confusing and make you wonder whether or not you’re using the “right” version of the layout. Rest assured, that there is no such thing as the “right” version of the Celtic Cross.

There are two main ways in which the Celtic Cross layout can vary. The order of the cards and the definition of the positions can vary depending on the reader’s preference. As you look up variations of the Celtic Cross, you’ll notice that people like to place cards 3-6 in different places. People might also define the cards differently or use different names for them.

The key to picking the right Celtic Cross layout for you is to do some research and find one that you feel comfortable with. As you experiment with different Celtic Cross layouts, it’s a good idea to let people know which positions and definitions you’re using. This makes it easier for you and the querent to understand the reading.

As a Tarot reader with over 37 years of experience, I know that a 10-card reading like the Celtic Cross can be intense and laborious. If you would like to receive a simpler, yet thorough reading, request your free 3-card reading from me today. This personal, no strings attached reading will shed insights on your past, present, and future.

Request your free 3-card Tarot reading here today.

Sophia Loren