| The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most popular Tarot spreads, providing varied insight into many aspects of a complex situation and your role in it. The images of the Minchiate Tarot are drawn from a rare surviving 18th century deck of 97 cards - 19 more than the traditional Tarot. It is considered by many to be the single most powerful divination tool on the web, providing deep insight, rich in ancient symbolism, to any question you may pose. If you would like your own copy of the Minchiate Tarot, you can buy it now!
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 | The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. Fire, when reversed: Boundless destructive energy that cannot be restrained. A burst of passion and excitement causing you to scatter your efforts and lose sight of your goals. Wild vacillation, strife, and chaos. |
 | The card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way - it may even be something that sounds good but is not actually to your benefit. Queen of Swords: The essence of air behaving as water, such as a refreshing mist: A person gifted with both keen logic and natural intuition, giving them uncanny powers of perception and insight. One who easily sees past deception and confusion to the heart of a matter, and understands both sides of any argument. The embodiment of calm, forthrightness, and wit, in the face of even the most trying circumstances. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Nine of Wands (Strength): A pause in the current struggle to ready oneself. Preparation to meet the final conclusive onslaught. Forces assembled in anticipation of trials and tribulations. The steeling of the will to stand or fall. A line drawn in the sand. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Cups (Satiety): Fulfillment and joy in life and love. Feeling peace, tranquility, and contentment in friends and family. Taking delight in one's good fortune. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Queen of Wands, when reversed: The dark essence of fire behaving as water, such as steam: The natural embodiment of passion and sensuality, who will do anything to the be the center of attention. A seducer who calculatingly dons the guise of what others desire. A cocky and domineering person, who pushes anyone or anything aside to get what she wants. One who is vengeful and quick to take offense without good cause. May indicate infidelity and contempt for a relationship. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ace of Wands: The seed of a new venture - perhaps as yet unseen. An opportunity to be met with boldness, vigor, and enthusiasm. The herald of birth, invention, or entrepreneurship. An innate and primal force released. May suggest a surge of vitality, creativity, or fertility that can set things in motion. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Eight of Wands (Swiftness): A sudden release of raw power, cutting through confusion and indecision, and setting things in motion. Rapid progress towards a desired goal, brought about by immediate and decisive action. Boldness and daring in love, business, travel, or spiritual growth. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Knight of Swords, when reversed: The dark essence of air behaving as fire, such as a tornado: A merciless and skillful warrior, unfettered by emotion or conscience. A nihilist who can refuse not even the most insurmountable of challenges. A person who inspires fear and hate through their domineering nature and the power of their presence. Speaking without tact or tolerance, in a sarcastic manner. May portend the swift initiation or conclusion of conflict, through the calamitous invocation of force. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Time: The great equalizer - the mighty are brought low and the meek are elevated. The transience of lesser concerns brings about the healing of old wounds and the achievement of great wisdom. The perspective of eternity, and the revelation of profound and immutable truth. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Air: Absolute clarity of thought and freedom from constraint. A playground of infinite expanse in which anything can be dissected until it is understood. A knife edge of infinite sharpness that can slice through matter, energy, or emotion to reach the heart of a matter. The calm and effortless application of absolute focus to any concern. |
