What is Celtic Cross for Tarot? The Reading Method, Number 10 and More!

The method of drawing called Celtic Cross has its origin unknown, however, its study was widely disseminated from 1910, by Arthur Edward, in the book “The pictorial key to the Tarot”. This form of Tarot reading uses as a reference the symbol of the so-called Celtic Cross, which has its mystical origin of use by the peoples of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Although the idea of ​​a Cross may a priori refer to Christianity, the use of the Celtic Cross is not related to that religion, having representations from as far back as 5000 BC According to Arthur Edward, the use of the cross as a reference for Tarot drawings was given by the own celts. Still according to the author, this would be the method most used by this cultural group.

The Celtic Cross is not only a method of divination, but also a symbolic representation of great importance for the Celtic peoples. To better understand how this combination came about, read below:

The Celtic Cross, also known as the Celtic Cross, carries a vast symbology. This cross is one of the examples of esoteric solar representations, that is, it has elements that refer to solar rotation. Originally its symbol was a cross with its four points of equal length, where each one of them indicated an element of nature: fire, earth, air and water.

A detail that makes the Celtic Cross stand out from the rest is the circle present in its composition. The circle that passes through the four points of the Cross is a representation of the Sun in Celtic culture.

In this way, the Celtic Cross became a symbol that carries with it the symbolism related to prosperity and fertility, aspects that were directly linked to solar energy, for mostly agrarian peoples.

At the beginning of the 20th century (1910), the author of the book “The Illustrated Key of Tarot”, Arthur Edward Waite, made known the Tarot drawing method that had already been used by the Celtic peoples for centuries. Despite having its date of origin unknown, the Celtic Cross is presented by the author of the book as being the oldest drawing method of all.

Waite is also known for being one of the creators of the famous Rider Waite deck. The most widespread Tarot format to date, which differs from the previous ones by being one of the first decks with all 78 cards illustrated.

The author gained prominence in society at the beginning of the 20th century for his studies in various esoteric fields, including alchemy, divinatory arts and ceremonial magic.

The Celtic Cross reading technique is one of the most recommended for tarotists who wish to present, through the cards, a more detailed scenario on the issues that are addressed in the reading. This is due to the large number of cards used in this print run, which have representations of different aspects of the same issue.

The use of the Celtic Cross as a Tarot drawing method shows, both for the oraculist and for the consultant, different angles of the question. They can be represented as points of view that start from the intuitive analysis and proceed to the rational one (when the reading first presents the numeral 0 formed by the cards) or the opposite, with the number formed by the cards appearing as a regular 10.

The layout of the cards in the Celtic Cross drawing method forms the figure of the number 10, which varies in order according to the perspective being analysed, with the consultant in the normal position or in the case of the oraculist, the number appears inverted, with the 0 preceding the number 1 formed by the cards arranged in the spread.

The symbolism of the Celtic Cross translates to the Tarot drawing method that receives the same name through the connection with the solar representation. The number of cards chosen for this method, 10, is astrologically associated with the Sun.

However, the connections are not restricted to this, as the path taken by the Sun, represented by the circle of the Cross, translates into the interpretation made in this drawing method, which analyzes the possible paths to be followed.

The number 10 has a vast amount of meanings and some of them are directly connected with the symbology present in the Celtic Cross. In the Celtic Cross drawing method, 10 Tarot cards are used, considering that the major and minor arcana are shuffled.

Choosing this number of cards is not just about increasing the possibilities of interpretation. The presence of the number 10 is also related to the representation of the figure of the Goddess and the God, commonly cited within paganism, the number 1 being linked to the God and the number 0 to the Goddess.

The design of the Celtic Cross, by itself, already tells a long story about the interference of Christianity in the beliefs of pagan peoples, in addition to representing aspects relevant to life in Celtic societies.

The existence of the Celtic Cross dates back to 5,000 BC, thus prior to Christianity. Its symbology, before religious interference, was presented as a cross in which all ends had equal length and were outlined by a circle, which was located along the ends, connecting them.

In that period, the Celtic Cross carried the same symbolism that is attributed to it today: the 4 elements of nature being represented by the ends of the Cross (water, air, earth and fire) and the journey traveled by the Sun, symbolized by the circle. With the interference of Christianity in pagan practices, the Celtic Cross began to have one of the longest points, as a way of connecting to Christian symbolism.

During a tarot reading, the cards and their positions are of great importance, as the interpretation takes place based on the meanings present in each of the cards and the order in which they are presented. Understand how this works in the Celtic Cross here:

The first card drawn is called, in the Celtic Cross method, the Significator. This letter receives the name that is, in a way, self-explanatory, as it is responsible for giving meaning to the situation that is presented, showing the moment in which the querent is, as well as the theme that has greater importance in the moment lived.

Precisely because it is the card that introduces the situation and the moment experienced, The Significator is the first to be turned over and interpreted, as it works as a starting point for the entire analysis of the development of the situation in question.

The second card is called the Crossed Card due to its placement, lying on top of the first. This arcane has the role of representing, within the method of drawing the Celtic Cross, the issue that is “crossing” the moment experienced by the person in question. Its reading is directly linked to the interpretation of card 1, The Significator.

Whether or not it has a negative meaning, the second card shows what are the obstacles present at the moment, the issues that prevent the fluidity of life at this moment. As it represents the blockade linked to the Significator card, the Cruzada Card plays a crucial role in understanding the situation and seeking to dissolve the problem.

In the Celtic Cross drawing method, the presence of 10 cards allows an interpretation of the different layers and related areas in the situation being analyzed. With that in mind, the reading of the third letter, the Letter from the Head, has the role of presenting the most superficial view of the situation, or the theme that hovers over the moment, it is the first impression.

The analysis of the Head Card can add to the less in-depth interpretation of the situation, being related to the consultant’s consciousness. Once you have an idea of ​​what are the aspects and details seen by the person as the main reasons for the problem, you can go deeper, leaving the surface.

Departing towards the investigation of the concrete origin of the issue raised in the drawing of the Celtic Cross method, there is the fourth letter, called the Base of the Question. This arcane has the function of translating in a representative way the origin of the question that is hidden, that is, it resides in the individual’s unconscious.

The Base of the question can even present itself as an opposite idea to that shown by the previous card, the Head Card. This happens because many times superficial illusions are created as reasons for problems exactly to escape the necessary contact with the internal universe and the questions that may inhabit it.

The fifth arcana to be analyzed in the method of drawing the Celtic Cross is called Influences from the Past, or Recent Past. This letter presents the issues and situations experienced by the individual in a period that has already ended, but in up to 6 months. Your analysis shows behaviors, emotions or traumas experienced.

These experiences that took place within the period of up to 6 months presented by the fifth letter require a certain amount of overcoming and detachment. Because, when presenting how the situation was in the recent past, questions also arise that need to be left aside or overcome, to make way for the new.

The arcane that resides in position 6 is called the Future, or Near Future, in the Celtic Cross method. Its interpretation presents questions that can be experienced or trends to be expected in a period of up to 6 months, starting from the moment of the Tarot reading in which the question was asked to the oraculist.

The same letter also addresses aspects related to social and family relationships, as well as plans and aspirations for the near future that may be present in the consultant’s life during the period. They can function as a prediction or a personal analysis of one’s desires for the future, relating to the print run issue.

Following the traditional drawing order of the Celtic Cross method, the seventh card is presented, which represents the Current Position and can also be called Client or Consultant. The interpretation of the message transmitted in this arcanum is directly related to Card 1, the Significator, as its reading shows aspects to be developed in the individual.

The seventh card presents both the client’s or consultant’s mental and emotional state at the current moment and relates to the central issue brought to the circulation, showing the individual perspective. Your interpretation should focus on seeing the aspects that represent behavioral, emotional or psychic weaknesses that must be improved.