Compiled by David C. Jones (djones@ponder.csci.unt.edu)

Copyright, 1996, David Clark Jones.  Please see the table of
contents for the location of the full listing of the copyright
notice.

1.21) The Celtic Cross

Layout:                 +-----+ - Q
           10           |+-----+ - 1
     03    09         +----------+ - 2
  06 1Q2 05           |          |
     04    08         +----------+
           07            +-----+
Note that card 1 is placed directly on top of, and therefore
concealing, the Querent card.  Also note that card 2 is placed
across (or perpendicular) and on top of card 1, as the diagram on
the right not-so-vividly demonstrates.

All comments in the 'Reading' sections will refer to this diagram. 
Ignore alterations in the dealing pattern when cross referencing
with this diagram.

1.21.1) Waite's Celtic Cross (#11, C4)
Deal:  Numerically as shown.

Reading:
Card 1 - Influences, atmosphere.
Card 2 - Obstacles
Card 3 - Often called the crowning card.  May have one or more of
         several meanings:
  3a - Highest state the querent can achieve in the matter
  3b - Highest perception the querent has in the matter
  3c - What the querent wishes to achieve
Card 4 - Often called the base card.  It represents foundations or
     possessions of the querent.  Events that have already passed.
Card 5 - Past
Card 6 - Future Influences
Card 7 - Attitude or position in the matter
Card 8 - House, Environment
Card 9 - Hopes or Fears
Card 10 - Future Events

1.21.2) Danburg's Celtic Cross (#11, C4)
Deal: Reverse Cards 3 and 4.  Reverse Cards 5 and 6.

Reading: 
(These are all lifted from the alt.tarot FAQ)

1. Where the querent is at the time of the reading.
2. What holds the querent where they are.
3. How the querent has been thinking about the question.
4. Base of the question - why it is being asked.
5. Near future
6. Recent past
7. What the querent has to bring to the situation.
8. What the situation has to offer the querent.
9. Querent's innermost hopes and/or fears.
10. Final outcome of the situation, unless deliberately changed.
 
1.21.3) Peach's Celtic Cross (#11, C4)
Deal: Card 3 is in the top position.  Card 4, left.  Card 5, down. 
          Card 6, right.

Reading:
Card 1 - What is on the Querent's mind.
Card 2 - Obstacles
Card 3 - Past
Card 4 - Immediate future
Card 5 - Far future
Card 6 - Present
Cards 7-10 - Same as Waite.

1.21.4) Lines within the Reading (C7)

This section is taken from memory, out of a book.  Unfortunately,
I can't remember where I originally saw it (sorry).  If you use the
Waite method, there are four lines, or associations of cards, that
exist in this layout.  Similar lines may be constructed from the
other Celtic Cross layouts shown here.

Cards 5, 1, 2, 6; Time:  This sequence follows an obvious pattern
                    from past to present to future
Cards 10, 3, 6; Future:  These three cards all essentially project
                    into the future.  Sharing information between
                    these cards can yield more specific details
Cards 7, 8, 4, 6; Influences:  Cards 7, 8, and 4 all represent 
                    things which influence the querent with
                    respect to the question. It is through the
                    combination of these influences that the
                    outcome shown in card 6 may be achieved or
                    avoided.
Cards 4, Q, 2, 3:  I have not seen a good qualifier to describe the
                    relationship between these cards, but it
                    generally goes like this:  The querent would
                    like to achieve (or can achieve) what is
                    depicted in card 3, but certain influences
                    (card 2) prevent him/her from doing so. 
                    However, the querent does have the proper
                    resources (card 4) to overcome the obstacle. 
                    This line can vary depending upon which
                    interpretation you use for card 4.

1.21.5) Variations and Comments.

Variation 1:  Sometimes cards 7 thru 10 are placed on the other end
(the left side) of the cross.  Again, this could alter the
interpretations of the groupings stated in 1.21.4.

Variation 2:  I have seen the Celtic Cross done locally (& it seems
to be a local variant) with 3 cards allotted to each position in
the "pillar" to the side of the central cross (i.e. positions 7 -
10).  This means that there are 12 cards to work with, as opposed
to the usual 4; it can be quite useful.  (Smith)

Comment:  I have seen a few different (and occasionally
contradicting) methods of determining whether the obstacle card
(card 2) is upright or reversed.  Use your own discretion.