The Celtic Cross is the most well-known tarot spread and also the largest layouts available here, involving ten tiles. This layout begins with a pair of crossing tiles at the center of the issue, essentially being two significators. When two significators are involved, they may strengthen or oppose each other, which speaks of the nature of the situation. Above and below the initial cross, we have two tiles which are symbolic of the intellectual (top) and emotional (bottom) basis of the issue. The Before and After tiles show the past and immediate future.
At the right, four tiles are laid out, going upward. At the bottom you have a tile representing yourself, and the next tile shows how others may affect the situation. Tile #9 indicates what you may be hoping for, or possibly, what you hope will not happen. Finally at the top is the outcome, meaning the distant or ultimate future.
The Crown |
The Outcome  Wan 3
External Forces  Wan 2
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The Recent Past  Circles 8 |
The Crossing Tile
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The Future  Circles 6 |
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Circles 2
The Pine Tree symbolises firmness, strength, and resolve. It sometimes foretells of a powerful man with diplomatic talents, someone who knows exactly what he wants.
West Wind
The West Wind tile signifies some kind of obstacle blocking your path that must be overcome before you can make true progress.
White, autumn, metal, tiger
Bamboo
The Bamboo tile symbolises school and times of learning. You may benefit from learning a new skill. This tile suggests that now is the ideal time for writing or teaching.
Wan 9
The Heaven tile signifies achievement, completion, and fulfilment. It suggests perfect contentment and a time you can be free to kick back and feast upon the fruits of your labours.
Circles 8
The White Tiger is a masculine symbol of power, bravery, and authority. It often speaks of a man who is not afraid to stand up for himself or to assert himself.
Circles 6
The Peach stands for feminine beauty, extravagance, and unfortunately indolence. It means femininity in general, and more specifically suggests that a particular woman is a factor in this reading.
Wan 8
The Knot tile stands for both tying and setting loose. If this tile appears in the reading with the Sword tile (2 Wan), it suggests that the time to sever your connection to someone or something has arrived. However, if the Duck tile (2 Bamboo) is in this reading, this indicates the strengthening of an existing bond.
Wan 2
The Sword stands for an important decision you will need to make. You must be careful to use balance as you weigh your decision, or risk damage to yourself if not others.
South Wind
The South Wind tile is a particularly favourable sign. It foretells an end to problems allowing for new progress.
Red, summer, fire, phoenix
Wan 3
The Earth tile signifies land and stability, a solid base that can be built upon. Or perhaps this base is already built and in fact thriving. In any case it represents security and self-sufficiency.