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 5
External Forces  Winter
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The Recent Past  Green Dragon |
The Crossing Tile
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The Future  White Dragon |
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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 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 7
The Seven Stars tile indicates imagination, creativity, and inspiration. This is the time to apply your creativity, to let your imagination run wild. You are the creator of your own future.
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.
Green Dragon
The Green Dragon symbolises a commencement or beginning of a new project. Perhaps this will take your life in a whole new direction. You can choose to look upon this with anticipation or anxiety.
White Dragon
The White Dragon represents the unknown mysterious influences of the universe at work. Unknown factors may come into play, so be prepared for potential surprises.
Wan 1
The Entering tile suggests that although doors may be closed to you at the moment, they will soon begin to open. You will soon overcome the ideas that have been blocking you. Opportunities are coming, so be prepared to take advantage of them.
Winter
The Scholar represents the cultured mind, prudence, and spiritual development. Some think of this tile more specifically as Confucius. This is the sign of refinement of the intellect and the mastery of intellectually oriented tasks.
Spring
The Fisherman symbolises common sense and the rewards that come with patience. Do not simply sit back and expect things to fall into your lap. Instead, this tile suggests that you bait the hook and cast your line before sitting back. Have a beer if you like.
Wan 5
The House stands not for the family, but for the place of dwelling itself, its architecture and character. Depending upon your past, the house can represent a place of love and shelter or a place of confinement and torment.