The Celtic Cross spread is one of the best known, and probably one of the most popular spreads. While I tend to prefer smaller spreads, this one is a must to learn. I often use this spread for special occasions (i.e. my personal birthday spread or New Year's Day spread).  I generally stick with the old, traditional meanings and that is what I'll focus on here, but I do use a couple of different position meanings. A good place to read in greater detail about this spread is on Joan Bunning's site. I doubt I could do this spread the justice she has already done. This will be a very basic overview.

Some people use significators (a card to represent the querant) underneath the first card. I have never done that, but if a card the querant feels is their significator or even a personality or soul card comes up, I may give it additional weight in the spread, but not always. If you choose to use a significator, you certainly can... there is no one right way. While I'm on that topic, it should be noted that many readers use a different card order than I do, or different position meanings. Again, there is no one right way, but I feel it's helpful to develop a personal routine that you use again and again. As you gain comfort with the spread and use your head less, the spread will speak to you more.

Card 1: What covers you - that is the traditional title and it's what sticks in my mind. I think of it as addressing the heart of the matter or the situation... sometimes the card will represent the querant themselves.

Card 2: What crosses you - I think of this card as what is blocking the person or the situation. The thing that keeps you stuck. These first two cards represent the heart of this spread. In many cases, you would need to look no farther than these two. Many readers look at this card as either blocking you OR helping you. There is nothing wrong with departing from a position meaning, especially if you find the cards make more sense. We all tend to be creatures of habit, but there is a time to depart from position meanings altogether and go with your gut. This is something I am still learning.

Card 3: What is below you - The foundation that underlies the situation. The basis or root cause. Sometimes this card is about what we hide from ourselves, or are afraid to look at. The unconcious influences.

Card 4: What is behind you - The recent past. Influences that are receding from your life right now. I think of the cards as representing energies that move in and out of our lives. Everything is cyclical. When something leaves, another form of energy will arrive. It is neither good nor bad, it just simply IS.

Card 5: What is above you - What you strive to do, what you wish to be, your dreams and aspirations, your concious self, guidance from above, strength of character.

Card 6: What is before you - The near future. Influences coming into your situation. Look at card 4 and card 10. These three cards are like a PPF (Past, Present, Future) within the Celtic Cross.

Card 7: You as you see yourself - You in the situation cards 1 and 2 have alluded to. Your self-image. I usually compare this card with the next one for additional meaning.

Card 8: You as others see you - This probably isn't the traditional meaning of this position. I have found it very useful to interpret the card in this way. It can give you guidance as to why you aren't making progress in your situation, or why you are having turmoil in your relationships.

Card 9: Hopes and Fears - This card is an interesting one. It can be viewed as either positive and negative. And keep in mind that a hope isn't always positive. Sometimes we pull that 7 of Cups and dream on, losing our focus. Fears aren't always negative either... some fears are extremely healthy. There are many shades of meaning with this position.

Card 10: The outcome - General outcome. A look a little farther into the future than Card 6. Plan for the energies coming your way. The gift of free will makes our futures very mutable, so I don't always consider this card to be specific events and never events in stone. Even if the card appears negative, start thinking about how to turn things to your advantage... consider what of this card you may need to incorporate into yourself to move on and grow...