Whether you’re a tarot devotee who doesn’t start the day without a quick card pull (I mean, how else are you supposed to know the vibe of the day?) or you’re just dipping your spiritual toes into the world of tarot but you’re so down for a challenge, consider adding the Celtic cross tarot spread to your regular rotation.

The Celtic cross tarot spread consists of 10 card positions representing different questions, and together they form the shape of—you guessed it—a cross, with a vertical row of four cards laid out to its right. Clarisse Monahan, an astrologer and tarot reader, says this spread allows you to go way deeper into a question than, say, a simple one- or three-card spread, in order to help find clarity and answers. And it goes way back.

The Celtic cross tarot spread is the oldest and most-classic of all the tarot spreads. “The first published reference to it was by Arthur Edward Waite, the co-creator of the popular Rider Waite Tarot Deck,” Monahan says. “His book The Pictorial Key (1910) references the spread, intimating that it had been used for many years prior across the British Isles.”

The OG tarot spread can feel overwhelming for some, especially new tarot readers, as it involves interpreting 10 tarot card meanings together in a reading. But Monahan notes that a structured tarot spread, like the Celtic cross, is actually helpful because it helps systematically frame the querent’s (aka inquirer’s) question. For instance, if you pull the moon tarot card in a position that represents the person asking the question, it will take on a different meaning than if the same card shows up in the position that relates to their environment, which can make it easier to interpret.

Keep in mind that as classic as it is, the Celtic cross spread involves many moving parts and a basic understanding of each card’s meaning, along with what each placement represents—so don’t worry if it takes a while to master. If it helps, most tarot decks are accompanied by a guide that’ll help you along the way. According to an astrologer and tarot expert, Letao Wang, you can get a grasp of its meaning by leaning on your intuition and examining the card’s illustrations, and observing what emotions come up.

Ready to give the Celtic cross tarot spread a try? Grab your deck and read on for a how-to, including an overview of each of the 10 card positions and their meanings.

How to do a Celtic cross tarot spread

1. Shuffle the cards while focusing on your question

For a Celtic cross tarot spread, Monahan suggests starting by shuffling the cards while thinking of the question you’d like to focus the tarot reading around. You can either keep the focus general or get into the nitty-gritty with a specific question. For example, Monahan says a general question could be “how do I bring more abundance into my life?” and a specific question could be “am I going to get this job I’m interviewing for?”

2. Pull 10 cards and lay them out in a Celtic cross

Once you intuitively feel that you’ve shuffled the cards enough, Monahan recommends splitting the deck in three with your left hand. Then choose one of the three piles and pull ten cards from the top of that pile as you place each of them in the order of the Celtic cross tarot spread as outlined below.

Card 1: The querent Positioned right in the middle of the Celtic cross tarot spread, the first card in the spread always represents the person asking the question, also known as the querent, Monahan says. So whatever card lands in this position, the meaning and interpretation will relate to the querent themselves.

Wang adds that in some practices, the querent card is pre-selected, based on your zodiac sign, age, and sometimes gender. “For example, an adult male Cancer client would be King of Cups, an adult female Aries client would be Queen of Wands, and a teenage male Virgo client would be Knight of Pentacles,” says Wang.

Card 2: The blockThe second card in the Celtic cross tarot spread is laid out horizontally across the first card. This card, Monahan says, represents the block that is preventing the querent from getting what they want.

You can also look at the block card as a supportive energy, too, says Wang. For example, “an upfront 10 of Cups could be the support the querent receives from family,” says Wang, while the Hierophant could represent the company, a tradition, or a structure that’s currently standing in your way.

Card 3: The root The third card in the spread goes below the center cards and symbolizes what’s causing the block, the “root of the problem or the unconscious energy grounding it,” Monahan says.

According to Wang, the root card can depict an influence from your past, or otherwise “the childhood, long-term impact, and what has been the client’s psychological foundation,” he says.

Card 4: The recent pastThis card lives to the left of the center cards and represents things that have happened recently, Monahan says.

Card 5: PossibilitiesPositioned above the center cards, Monahan says the fifth card in the Celtic cross tarot spread is all about the possibilities available to you now. Wang adds this card could also represent what’s currently occupying your mind during the time you pull your cards.

Card 6: Where you’re headedThe sixth card, located to the right of the center cards, represents your future and where you’re headed. Monahan says this card can also reveal the best and most efficient way to achieve your desired outcome.

Cards 7: How you view yourself right nowThe sixth card position completes the cross shape in the Celtic cross tarot spread. Cards seven through 10, Monahan says, are read together and form a vertical line to the right of the cross, with the seventh card at the bottom and 10th at the top. Card seven, she adds, focuses on how you are viewing yourself, whether in a positive or negative light.

Card 8: Your environmentPositioned right above the seventh card, Monahan says this card represents your environment, which encompasses the people around you, such as friends and family, who are either helping or hindering the situation.

Card 9: Hopes and fearsThe card in the ninth position of the Celtic cross tarot spread, just about the eighth card, reveals how the querent is feeling, their hopes and their fears around the situation. “It does not represent what actually will happen but more our outlook on it,” Monahan says.

Card 10: The outcome Placed above the ninth card, the final card of the Celtic cross tarot spread shows the “outcome.” However, Monahan notes, “This is not a hard and fast prediction but more to show where the energy is heading.” We all have free will, and the beauty of tarot, she adds, is that you can change your approach and energy in any given situation, and, in turn, achieve a different outcome.

3. Make the Celtic tarot cross spread your own

Once you’ve laid out all 10 of your cards, you can begin interpreting their meanings based on where they’re positioned in the spread. Although going by the traditional structure and layout of the Celtic cross tarot spread is helpful, Monahan suggests trying out other variations to find one you resonate with. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. “Play around with what each card represents until you find something that feels right,” she says. “If you don’t vibe with the traditional meaning of the card, give it your own take. Tarot is all about being creative and tapping into our intuitive flow.”

For Wang, he adds his own flare to the Celtic cross spread by pulling extra cards on top of card 10 for more insight into the situation. “I call them ‘the crown’. These three cards work as an insight into the outcomes card 10 details,” says Wang. It’s an unconventional way to use this classic 10-card spread, but it’s an example of how to add your own style and get a better understanding of how the cards work in unison.

4. Pay attention to patterns or repetition

As you’re reading the cards, Monahan advises paying attention to patterns or repetition. For example, she says, repeated cards with the number seven can signify stress and challenges that must be overcome in order to achieve something. Or, if many pentacles cards come up in a spread, that could mean there is an emphasis on security and money.

5. Consider key positions in the Celtic cross Spread

While all of the positions in the 10-card Celtic cross spread are equally important in foretelling the full picture of your question, there are a handful of positions that Wang suggests spending extra time examining. For one, the first card (the querent) is a key position as it represents your current situation as it stands, and “it tells me what the client is feeling now and how their mind is working for/against them,” says Wang.

The second card (the block) is also one you want to look out for, since it shows your primary obstacle or conflict, “which can highlight what may need to be overcome,” in order for a resolution to come through. Without it, you’ll remain stagnant—and who wants that?

Wang argues that the third card (the root) is crucial because it reveals the deeper wounds that peek through in your current situation. “Were there unresolved problems from family or old relationships? The card carries a lot of weight in terms of what is shaping the querent’s psychology, historically and habitually speaking,” says Wang.

The outcome of the situation, or the tenth card, represents what’s to come based on the actions you take and the guidance your cards are offering. It’s essentially the culmination of energies of the entire spread and the resolution to your question. For that reason, Wang says this is an important card to consider, but he notes: “It could change based on the immediate action and attitude of the querent after the session.”

6. Use your intuition

Aside from the traditional meanings of each card and the positions,your intuition is queen when it comes to deciphering a tarot spread’s messages. If the classic interpretation of a card doesn’t resonate with you, like say, thesun tarot card meaning of positivity and optimism, that’s okay too. For these reasons, Monahan suggests using your inner wisdom to help you decide what cards to zone in on. “The most important card does not always have to be the outcome card, you may be really drawn to a card in another position,” she says. “Trust what you are drawn to and then using the structure of each particular position; piece together the story the cards are trying to convey.”

And lastly, give yourself time with a Celtic cross reading. Monahan says writing out your first impressions and then coming back to it later can be helpful.