| 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. Nine of Swords (Cruelty), when reversed: Mental anguish or ill health endured and overcome. Refusal to be dragged down by the dishonor of others. Attempting to avert a shameful or regrettable act. Faithfulness, patience and unselfishness. May indicate the narrow avoidance of a death or other catastrophic loss. |
 | 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. Hope: Refusal to surrender to the inevitable. Unwavering courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The will to create a miracle if one is not forthcoming. An unprecedented turn of good fortune. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Queen of Cups: The essence of water, such as a deep and placid lake: Spirituality, maturity, and grace. A natural counselor and healer, One whose relaxed presence seems to embody deep love and spirituality. A tranquil poet who reflects the nature of the observer. The embrace of all things dreamlike and receptive, such as perfect and unconditional love. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Page of Wands, when reversed: The dark essence of fire behaving as earth, such as dry wood: The surprising appearance of a new passion or inflammatory news. A trickster who can unexpectedly ignite a dangerous situation. The intensity and childish imagination that can send even the most stable venture spinning wildly out of control. Can represent a person outwardly timid, but harboring unexpected inner fury. May indicate the birth of a child. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Faith: Acting with certainty and confidence. Unfaltering loyalty and resolve. Diverse efforts brought to a single focus. Remaining true to your beliefs, even in the face of setbacks and crushing opposition. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Air, when reversed: Blindness to the concerns of the real world. Losing yourself in idle theorizing divorced from fact. Inability to recognize the circumstances, emotions, and motivations of others as real and important factors in a decision. The effortless application of excessive and inappropriate force to a situation. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Pisces, when reversed: Escapism and blind idealism. Being crippled by your own beliefs. Vagueness and secrecy. Weakness of will. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Seven of Cups (Temptation), when reversed: Daydreams and fantasies brought into realistic focus. The contemplation of many options leading to a conclusive choice. Inner clarity that dissipates illusions and false choices. Remaining connected to reality in the face of intoxication, delirium, or hallucination. Under rare and extreme circumstances, may indicate the failure to recognize a transcendental spiritual truth. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Eastern Emperor: Faith in tradition and the old school. A justified and ancient source of power. Being supportive, sympathetic and loyal. Receiving instructions, learning, guidance or inspiration. The ability to hear a higher or inner voice. May also indicate a religious ritual, such as a marriage or an initiation. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Seven of Coins (Assessment), when reversed: Labors abandoned before completion. Impatience, lack of effort, and the wasting of time. Idle and unprofitable speculation. |
