| Tarot card spreads, also called layouts, can range | | | | progressively follow, until the divination is complete. |
| from 1 card to more than a single deck. Each different | | | | Next comes the crossing, which is laid horizontally atop |
| type of spread carries it own special characteristics | | | | the significator; this is the conflict indicator for the |
| and divination powers. While there are many | | | | reading. The third one, called the basis, is placed |
| standardized Tarot card spreads, it is not uncommon | | | | vertically below the cross, and is closest to the reader. |
| for readers to develop special layouts for their own | | | | The fourth stands for the past, and is placed as the |
| use. These are adjustments that readers make to | | | | left "arm" of the cross. Centered above the cross is |
| better attune themselves to their readings. We can't | | | | the fifth, which discloses the alternate possibilities of |
| possibly look at all Tarot card spreads, but we can use | | | | the question. Balancing the past, at the left of our |
| a common one to understand layouts better. To | | | | cross, card number six represents the near future, and |
| become familiar with Tarot card spreads, we will look | | | | completes the right side of a plus (+) symbol, and |
| at the Celtic Cross. | | | | demonstrating where this tarot card spread gets its |
| One of the most popular Tarot card spreads, the | | | | name. |
| Celtic Cross is most commonly described as having | | | | The last four in this particular Tarot card spread are |
| ten cards. Six form the cross, directly in front of the | | | | laid vertically on the right of the first six, starting |
| reader, while the remaining four are laid out vertically at | | | | nearest the reader, and moving away from them. The |
| the reader's right hand. Other versions use as many as | | | | seventh is the barrier, or obstacle, and is followed by |
| thirteen, and the layout varies slightly from reader to | | | | the indicator of influence on the situation. The ninth one |
| reader. For our purposes, the most common layout will | | | | stands for the fears regarding the situation, and the |
| be do fine. | | | | tenth and last reveals the final outcome of the |
| The first card, usually called the significator, is laid | | | | question of the reading. |
| long-ways in the center of the cross, and the others | | | | |