rider waite Tarot

The Celtic Cross Spread
The Celtic Cross (sometimes
called the Grand Cross) is
probably the most common spread
used to read the Tarot, though it is
not the easiest to master. It is
sometimes stated that this spread
is best suited to answering a
specific question, but in actual fact
it works very well for general
readings too. The compelling
mixture of predictive positions and
positions that explore the
motivations, consequences and
interrelations behind and between
the important factors at work make
the Celtic Cross an extremely
valuable spread. Ten cards are
selected at random then
interpreted in turn according to
their positions.

The Covering
1
The card in the
Covering position
highlights the
important events,
issues, attitudes or
influences around the
question or current
situation.

The Crossing
2
The Crossing card
deals with obstacles,
problems, conflicts or
opposition that must
be dealt with in order
to get the most from
your present
circumstances.

The Crown
3
The card in the Crown
position suggests the
best that is likely to be
achieved or attained
from your current
position, and it can
indicate the most
promising way
forward as well as
pitfalls to be avoided.

The Root
4
The Root card deals
with past events or
influences that have
played an important
part in bringing about
the current situation,
and these influences
are still likely to have
an effect now.

The Past
5
The card in the Past
position highlights
events or influences
from the more recent
past that have
influenced the present
but are now likely to
be passing away.

The Future
6
The card in the Future
position suggests
fresh influences or
events that are about
to come into play and
are likely to operate in
the near future

The Questioner
7
The card in the
Questioner position
concerns your attitude
and how you relate to
your question or
circumstances. This card
is connected with the card
in the Covering position,
but whereas the Covering
card deals more with the
underlying reality of your
situation, the Questioner
card relates more to your
views or wishes about this
situation.

The House
8
The card in the House
position is concerned
with how other people
around you affect,
influence or view your
circumstances or
concerns.

The Inside
9
The card in the Inside
position deals with
your hopes, fears or
expectations with
regard to your
question or
circumstances.

The Outcome
10
The Outcome card
suggests the eventual
outcome of events shown
by the other cards. By
taking heed of the
influences, advice and
warnings suggested by all
the cards in the reading,
you can work to ensure a
positive outcome or avoid
a less desirable one.

Simple Description of Positions
1. Describes current situation
2. describes challenges or obstacles
3. Describes what is possible given situation and
challenge
4.Describes how you got into this situation
5. Describes something you did recently about it
6. Describes what you should do next
7. The role you play in situation
8. Role others want you to play or environment
9. Describes what you want to accomplish
10. Describes outcome, given all the above

0 - The Fool
New beginnings
Risk
Rite of passage
Major transition
W/O fear
Naive
(Rev) wrong direction,
uniformed choice,
unfounded hoped, recklessness
and lack
Of motivation.

1 - The Magician
Energy
Task at hand
Focus/ Apply yourself
Practice hard
Concentration
Self-awareness
Love of new ideas
(Rev) energy wasted or
misdirected, trickery

2 - High Priestess
Intuition
Natural rhythm
Goes with flow
Knows w/o knowing
Creative, Artistic
Wants to learn
(Rev) natural cycle disrupted,
underdeveloped talents, fear of
commitment, hypocrisy, problems in
relations

3 - The Empress
Creativity/Productivity
Nurturer
Prolific person
Nature
Excellent parent
Reward for effort
Nature and health
(Rev) lack of development, failed plan, bad
weather, laziness, maternal tyranny,
destruction and waste.

4 - The Emperor
Leadership/Charisma
Control/Authority
Wealth/Power
Sure/Certain
Intellect over intuition
Rising to the top
Independence
struggle
(Rev) reversed rules, boundaries
Disputed, change in power structure,
Egocentric, need to dominate, fixed
Opinions, obsessed with fortune/fame

5 - The Hierophant
Gov’t/Society
Beliefs/Faith
Right/wrong
Good/Bad
Morals/Ethics
Adherence to religion
Conformity
Social approval
(Rev) guilt, confusion, beliefs hold you
back, someone falls from grace, delayed
Ambitions.

6 - The Lovers
Physical union
True love
Affair of the heart
involved
Intuition over intellect
Love vs. attraction
Love vs. career
(Rev) someone seems distant,
loneliness, separation, emotional drift,
interference from others.

7 - The Chariot
Victory
Opposing forces
Conflict and
resolution
Peace and balance
Rescuer expected
Struggle and triumph
Unexpected news
(Rev) tensions strained, stakes high,
truce only temporary, control physical
Passion, vanity, collapse of plans.

8 - Justice
Reaching decisions
Legal/logical/analytical
Law abiding, uphold or
enforcement
Case and verdict
Fairness/balance/truth
Consequences
(Rev) decisions postponed or
reversed. Hung Jury.

9 - The Hermit
Withdrawal to
reconsider
Enlightenment/Inner
self
Seek truth
Wise advice
Loner/Recluse
(Rev) message not what you wanted to
hear, blown off by someone, stranded,
close minded, perfectionist, reluctance
to grow up.

10 - The Wheel Of Fortune
Faith opportunity
Risk/Luck/Fate/Change
Chances
Odds in your favor
Wisdom gained
Creative breakthrough
(Rev) lucky streak ends, odds oppose
your wishes, materialism, failed
enterprise, difficult change

And the World Card XXI

11 - Strength
Courage
Animal instincts
Calm
Communicate w/o
talking
Spirit over material
Love over hate
Pos. over neg.
(Rev) signals crossed, mixed messages,
blank mind, meek

12 - The Hanging Dragon (Hanged Man)
Delay/Suspended activity
Transition/Turning points
Rite of passage
Cross roads/Past actions
Contemplating next move
and improvement
Test of bravery
Answers within
(Rev) someone passes test, sacrifice pays
off. Ridicule and humiliation go away.
Selfishness, responsibility.

13 - Death
Permanent change
Past buried/clean
slate
Inevitable occurs
New chapter
More positive
influences gained
(Rev) grieving over past, season of
difficulty passes in proper time,
fear of change.

14 - Temperance
Dynamics/inventing
Reflection and maturity
Making something out of
nothing
Creativity/Personal
growth
Miracle/Harmony/Magic
Addiction
Elemental mixing
(Rev) ecological balance messed up,
lack of magical feeling

15 - The Devil
Entrapment, lost
Helpless/Oppressed
Legal bind
Carnal/Sensual/Humor
Beliefs limiting you
Promise binds you
(Rev) get out while you still can,
relationship redefined for better, escape
In nick of time. Liberation and healing.

16 - The Tower
Need for foundation
Electric impulse
Fits of inspiration
Mental lapses/Visions
Witness shocking
events
Sudden idea
Shattered illusions
(Rev) someone tries to anger, get
shocked, the selfish have their downfall.

17 - The Star
Cosmic
consciousness
Live up to potential
Great hopes
Suited to environment
Optimism
Good health
Insight
(Rev) possibility of burnout, wasting
limited energy, pessimism, lack of
self-esteem procrastination.

18 - The Moon
Endless cycles
Dreams/Instincts
Ocean/Magic/Music
Interesting people
Schedules/Time
Impulsive
Psychic
(Rev) era, epic, or period ends.
Routine interrupted, emotional crisis.

19 - The Sun
Personal freedom
Innocence/Free spirit
Growth/Harmony/Nature
Independence/test wings
Success/Happiness
Free reign
(Rev) draw back. Settle down. Need for
self knowledge, lack of confidence.

20 - Judgment
Resolution/Destiny
Reward/End of
struggle
Pressure, final critical
decision
Matter of life or death
(Rev) news doesn’t come or isn’t what
you wanted to hear. Something lost in
shuffle. Dead remembered. Bitterness,
loss.

21 - The World
Rebirth/Reincarnation
Celebrate start of new
life
Spiritual/Emotional
rebirth
Triumphant conclusion
Lesson learned
Material and spiritual
success
(Rev) going somewhere else to start
Over. Karmic debts to pay before rebirth.
Lack of personal development and vision.

The Minor Arcana
Cups – (Water) The Creative World –Hearts
Relationships, Subconscious, Instincts, Emotional
Development, Love, Creativity, Worldly Happiness, Dreams.
Wands – (Fire) Pure Ideas – Clubs
Career, Renewal, Growth, Strength, Expansion,
Adversity.
Swords – (Air) Forces Behind Physical World –
Spades
Mind, Thought, Strategy, mental and spiritual
development, Power, Aggression.
Coins/Pentacles – (Earth) Material World –
Diamonds
Finances, Money Matters

Ace of Cups
Emotional fulfillment
Blessings
Joy/Love/Kindness
(Rev) relationship
needs development

2 of Cups
Commitment
New stage of
relationship
(Rev) relationship not
as permanent as
believed

3 of Cups
Reuniting
Shared experiences
Friends
(Rev) someone
moving or leaving
Growing apart

4 of Cups
Trusted relationship
Distraction
Temptation
(Rev) alternatives
dismissed

5 of Cups
Deep regrets
Self-reliance
Confession/Apology
(Rev) someone hiding
something but it’s
insignificant

6 of Cups
Sentimental value
Sharing
Lesson in giving and
receiving
(Rev) you want to live
in past, good old days
remembered.

7 of Cups
Dreams
Hopes
Choices
Priorities
Focus on one idea
(Rev) disillusionment

8 of Cups
Retreating
Change of mind
Looking for more
meaning
(rev) someone gone
now returns

9 of Cups
Contentment
Satisfaction
Physical well-being
Assured future
(Rev) remain in good
spirits

10 of Cups
Happy endings
Lasting happiness
Emotional
commitment/fulfillmen
t
(Rev) anticipate a pot of
gold at the end of the
rainbow

Page of Cups
Greetings
Youthful and gentle
New reference point
(Rev) note or message
bears only half of the
truth.

Knight of Cups
Emotional sensitive
male
Deliberate behavior
(Rev) traveling in circles
Possibly a parade or
military destination
involved

Queen of Cups
Emotional sensitive
woman
Wisdom
Foresight
(Rev) changes in wind,
waves, or currents

King of Cups
Emotionally mature
man
Strong
Demands respect
Keeping afloat
(Rev) sink or swim

Ace of Wands
Opportunity
Productivity
Ambition
Growth
(Rev) you’ll be on your
own with your ideas

2 of Wands
Good advice
Support needed
Creative
Mature
(Rev) support doesn’t
come in time

3 of Wands
Taking the lead
Products and
manufacturing
(Rev) industry suffering,
delayed plans

4 of Wands
Celebration
Cooperation
Social
(Rev) bad service,
arrangements fail

5 of Wands
Competition
Prove yourself
(Rev) the best man can
loose
Internal conflicts

6 of Wands
Victory through
intelligence
(Rev) impossible
mission, bad win with
too high a price to pay

7 of Wands
Cut down problems
Gain allies
Protect and defend
yourself
(Rev) you are
outnumbered

8 of Wands
Waiting for outcome
Life speeding up
(Rev) backfire
Aiming too high

9 of Wands
Duties, obligations
Allow support from others
Take responsibilities
seriously
(Rev) you have let down
your defenses, someone
may trick you

10 of Wands
Burdens to bear
Yours and others
(Rev) enjoy what you do

Page of Wands
Communication
Instinctive learning
Travel
(Rev) message delayed

Knight of Wands
Dynamic male
Be more aggressive
Impulsive
(Rev) hero turns out to
be more talk than
actions.
Disappointment.

Queen of Wands
Woman of great
resolve
Patience
Survival
(Rev) salvage what you
can

King of Wands
Male leadership
Being in charge
Request granted
Loyal
(Rev) you are out of line
in situation

Ace of Swords
Success/Victory
Nobility
Breakthrough
(Rev) make peace

2 of Swords
Indecision
Balanced forces
(Rev) standoff,
stalemate, both win
the fight but lose the
prize. A standstill.

3 of Swords
Disappointment
Heartbreak
Need for
communication
Hurt
(Rev) moved to tears,
hurt on purpose

4 of Swords
Preparation
Temporary exile
Lifting of tension
(Rev) take command of
problem or let it go

5 of Swords
Self-defense
Parting of ways
Empty victory
(Rev) victory is only
temporary

6 of Swords
Fleeing to safety
Leaving negativity
(Rev) temporary move,
you can run but you
can’t hide

7 of Swords
Sacrifice made
Escaping undetected
Theft w/o guilt
(Rev) plots turn sour
overnight, sentimental
objects turn up
missing

8 of Swords
Lack of confidence
Being captured
Frustration
(Rev) timely rescue,
overcome the odds

9 of Swords
Mental anguish
Isolation
Suffering
(Rev) warnings in
dreams
Worry too much

10 of Swords
Betrayal
Listening to others
causes you pain
(Rev) be careful who
you trust, go easy on
yourself

Page of Swords
Early warnings
Understanding
Look at what your
getting into
(Rev) no warning or
misinformation

Knight of Swords
A man in a battle
Aggressive behavior
Fearless
(Rev) left behind
Up against a wall.

Queen of Swords
Determined woman
Dominance
Barrier
Sharp whit
(Rev) appointment
made, okay given on
unspoken request.

King of Swords
Endurance
Won the war now win
the peace
Wise advice
(Rev) monumental
barrier in your way,
cold shoulder given.

Ace of Coins
New doorway opens
at work
$, gift or funding
(Rev) $ taken, debts
paid, credit limit rises

2 of Coins
Balanced accounts
Care needed in
scheduling time and
energy
(Rev) need to earn
more $

3 of Coins
Intellectual property
Develop new abilities
Reward for new
abilities
(Rev) critics, lack of
understanding

4 of Coins
Ownership
Stingy
(Rev) unwittingly gave
money, swindled,
pawned.

5 of Coins
Poverty
Loneliness
Hardship
Unforeseen expenses
(Rev) belief helps you
get by, strength

6 of Coins
Charity
Generosity
(Rev) public assistance
needed, don’t be
greedy

7 of Coins
Patience and effort
bring $
Return on an
investment
(Rev) be patient, don’t
count your chickens
before they hatch

8 of Coins
Craftsmanship and
knowledge bring $
(rev) catch up, back
work, overtime

9 of Coins
Value of money
Gain recognition
Solitude to enjoy
(Rev) $ spent frivolously

10 of Coins
Joint finances
Family security
Material wealth
(rev) others envy you,
jealousy

Page of Coins
Opinionated
Break free of
limitations
Visions
(Rev) future cloudy and
uncertain

Knight of Coins
Male to develop his
work side
Defense
Diligence
(Rev) bluff called, cards
folded

Queen of Coins
Woman develops
work side
Elegance
Environment
(Rev) bad weather

King of Coins
Life at the top
Established
Successful
Down to earth
(Rev) corruption
involved, false
success or attainment

Once Card Spread
The simplest spread possible is
the One Card Spread, and it is
useful for an immediate response
to a question or for a simple look
at the day, week or month ahead.
Its simplicity is also its weakness,
though, and for a more thorough
look at the issues involved in a
particular situation or at how some
concern may develop over time,
the larger spreads should be used.
The Covering
The card in the Covering position
highlights the important events,
issues, attitudes or influences
around the question or current
situation.

Cover/Cross 2 Card Spread For
Concentrated Situations
I – X Trumps – Individuals
1-10 Wands – Work
1-10 Cups – Relationships
1-10 Coins – Money
1-10 Swords – Strategy
Kings and Queens – Places
Pages and Nights - Messages
Use these cards for specific situations in any spread. First 10 Trumps can be
used for cover card. It is purely up to preference and intuition what cards you use.

3 Card Spread
The Simple Spread is a relatively quick and
easy way to get an overview of the
important issues surrounding a particular
question or the questioner's current
situation. While there are quite a number of
variations of three-card spreads, perhaps
the most common deals with the past, the
present and the future. For the Simple
Spread, three cards are selected at random;
the first dealing with past influences that
have shaped the present, the second
covering the current situation, and the third
highlighting fresh influences that may come
into play in the future.
The Root (Left)
The Root card deals with past events or
influences that have played an important
part in bringing about the current situation,
and these influences are still likely to have
an effect now.
The Covering (Center)
The card in the Covering position highlights
the important events, issues, attitudes or
influences around the question or current
situation.
The Future (Right)
The card in the Future position suggests
fresh influences or events that are about to
come into play and are likely to operate in
the near future.

Byzant's Triskele Spread
Just as the figure from which
this spread gets its name
consists of three branches
radiating from a common
center, so Byzant's Triskele
Spread shows present
concerns at the focal point of
past, future and ultimate
influences. This compact yet
powerful spread is well-suited
to addressing specific issues
and for more general readings.
Five cards are selected at
random then interpreted in turn
according to their positions.
Card Positions Explained on Next 5 Slides

1. The Covering Card
The card in the
Covering position
highlights the
important events,
issues, attitudes or
influences around the
question or current
situation.

2. The Crossing Card
The Crossing card
deals with obstacles,
problems, conflicts or
opposition that must
be dealt with in order
to get the most from
your present
circumstances.

3. The Root Card
The Root card deals
with past events or
influences that have
played an important
part in bringing about
the current situation,
and these influences
are still likely to have
an effect now.

4. The Future Card
The card in the Future
position suggests
fresh influences or
events that are about
to come into play and
are likely to operate in
the near future.

5. The Outcome Card
The Outcome card
suggests the eventual
outcome of events shown
by the other cards. By
taking heed of the
influences, advice and
warnings suggested by all
the cards in the reading,
you can work to ensure a
positive outcome or avoid
a less desirable one.

Horseshoe Spread
The Horseshoe is a spread of
seven cards arranged,
unsurprisingly, something like
a horseshoe. While it has a
little less depth than the Celtic
Cross, the Horseshoe has a
similar mix of predictive and
exploratory cards, making it
invaluable for both specific and
more general readings. Seven
cards are selected at random
then interpreted in turn
according to their positions.

Horseshoe Spread
New Positions Explained
Deal Cards From left to
right.
1. Root
2.Cover
3. Inside
4. Crossing
5. House
6.Future
7. Outcome
3. The Inside
The card in the Inside position deals
with your hopes, fears or
expectations with regard to your
question or circumstances.
5. The House
The card in the House position is
concerned with how other people
around you affect, influence or view
your circumstances or concerns.
All other cards are same as last spread.

Simple Calendar Spread
The Simple Calendar Spread
is an easy way of obtaining a
fixed-period forecast using the
Tarot. A single card is selected
at random for every day, week
or month covered by the
reading, along with a final
card, in center position, that
sums everything up. Each card
indicates the important events,
issues, attitudes or influences
surrounding the day, week or
month in question, and the
final card encapsulates the
overall influences and outcome
of the entire period.

Full Calendar Spread
The Full Calendar Spread is a
great way of obtaining a fixed-
period forecast using the Tarot. A
pair of cards is selected at random
for every day, week or month
under consideration, along with a
final card, positioned in center,
that sums up the whole reading.
The first and most important card
of each pair indicates the main
events, issues, attitudes or
influences surrounding the time in
question. The second highlights
potential obstacles, problems,
conflicts and opposition that may
be encountered. The final card
sums up the overall influences and
outcome of the complete period.

Final Thoughts
Use your own intuition to discover the meaning of readings.
Use card definitions only as a reference point.
Put cards into a sentence or thought by interconnecting the
meanings of each card as well as their position in the spread
using your inner forces to guide you.
Ask Questions which give insight or meaning:
Can you give me insight into ...
What do I need to understand about ...
What is the meaning of ...
What is the lesson or purpose of ...
What are the circumstances underlying ...
How can I improve my chances of ...
How might I ...
Try not to ask questions that deflect responsibility such as:
Yes/no or Should I…

Info:
There are many spreads for different readings and
situations.
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/spreads/
For more tarot and other information:
http://www.byzant.com/Mystical/Tarot/
http://www.bewitchingways.com/tarot/cups/eight.htm

Bibliography
Tarot in Ten minutes by R.T. Kaser
The Dragon Tarot by Terry Donaldson
Tarot Decoder by Kathleen McCormick
http://www.byzant.com/Mystical/Tarot/
http://tarotcard-meanings.blogspot.com/2007/09/taro
Dragon Tarot Deck and Rider-Waite Deck Used