| 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 Voodoo Tarot of New Orleans is a deck rich in primal spirituality. It draws on images from the religion Santeria, which weaves Catholic and African beliefs into a vibrant tapestry. This exceptional deck is most often used to ask questions regarding the joy, fury, and spirituality in everyday life. If you would like your own copy of the Voodoo Tarot of New Orleans, you can buy it now! |
 | The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. Damballah La Flambeau (Ace of Wands), when reversed: The seed of a new crisis - perhaps as yet unseen. The start of an explosive situation threatening to consume all who get too close. The herald of birth, invention, or upheaval. An innate and primal force unleashed. May suggest a surge of vitality, creativity, or fertility that can set dangerous events in motion. |
 | 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. Legba La Flambeau (Six of Wands), when reversed: Arrogance and dangerous overconfidence as the result of a past success. Impudence and false pride in meaningless achievements. Fear of failure coupled with false hopes. Frustration over indefinite delays and motion without progress. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Oya (Three of Discs), when reversed: Delays in the commencement of business, commercial transactions, or employment. Holding back or failing to use one's abilities to their full potential. Shoddy workmanship and lack of attention to detail. Being hamstrung by convention, or failing to temper artistic fancy with an understanding of reality. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Guedeh (Three of Swords): Unsettling news leading to heartbreak or loneliness. Tactless or hurtful words. Acting without consideration for the emotions of others. Betrayal of trust or confidence. The revelation of a painful truth. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Rada Houngan (King of Swords), when reversed: The dark essence of air, such as a gray sky: A mature leader of unyielding ethics and absolute authority. An incorruptible judge, whose devotion to the letter of the law cannot be swayed by emotion, mercy, or exigent circumstances. Perfect clarity of thought, excessive use of force, and mastery of language as a tool for deception. One who, like a great tyrant, inspires not love or devotion, but fear, respect, and obedience. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Dance (The Chariot), when reversed: Ineffective use of force. Might turned against the weak or the righteous. Senseless violence and warmongering. Lack of discipline and poor direction fan the flames of a situation already out of control. Advance without consideration of the consequences for others. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Erzulie Freda Dahomey (Seven of Swords): An opportunity to withdraw from a hopeless situation and fight another day. Disengagement from a struggle you should never have been involved in. A desperate attempt to resolve a matter without conflict. The use of cleverness or outright deception to turn the tide in your favor. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ogoun Bhalin'dio (Five of Cups), when reversed: Accepting a loss. Overcoming sadness and grief to get on with your life. Realizing the value of what you still have. Dissatisfaction gives way to a new hope and understanding. May allude to a broken relationship or tragedy. May also refer to a gift, inheritance, opportunity, partnership, or marriage that has fallen below expectations. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Z'Etoile (The Star), when reversed: Lost hopes, doubt and failure. Physical health and mental outlook lost in the outer darkness. Desperation leading to blind faith in false solutions. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Eleggua (Six of Discs): A time of prosperity and profit. Success and generosity in material things. Power and influence turned to noble pursuits. Philanthropy, and the balancing of physical and spiritual life. May suggest gifts or aid to one in need. |
