though there are numerous creative spreads that can be used for tarot readings, celtic cross is by far the most commonly used spread; especially among beginners. many develop their own spread as well, but even still this is my go-to spread, as it covers all the basis for answering any question. its interpretations differ depending on which book you read or who’s using it, but the readers modify spreads accordingly to their taste anyway. whatever works for you best.
as numbered:
card 1 is the core, the heart of this cross, the central position of the issue. the card 2 crosses it directly, which is the opposition or the obstacle that you are facing. even if it’s a positive card, it can signify challenge or something to think about carefully.
card 3, on top of the cross is often the distant future, or as some may interpret, your goal. I generally see it as a distant future, “the best you can achieve.”
card 4 is the distant past, or the foundation of the situation.
card 5 is an immediate past, something you’re just passing by.
card 6 is an immediate future, something approaching.
for card 7-10, there are many different interpretations. I note each position of the card but also see it as a general trend for the future like a long flow of river climbing up to the top. regardless, I see card 7 as your current attitude. where you are at right now. some call it the ‘fear’ position, but I’ve never actually had a fitting reading to that translation. so I use it as the current position, your inner influence. card 8 is commonly interpreted as your environment, outer influences. I see card 9 as a stepping stone or another element that plays into the situation to get to the final card, card 10, the outcome.
