View Full Version : Spreads, help
I`ve been struggling with the celtic cross spread. I`ve been reading cards for about a year but still consider myself an absolute beginner. Basically the celtic cross spread just seems to confuse me. The positions have so many different meanings, I don`t know whether to stick to the traditional meanings or mix and match. Can any of you point me in the right direction or even suggest any different spreads which are suitable for more in depth readings than a 3 card spread?
Blessings
Crystalmynx xx
hi !
here is a lot of information for you: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6205
and apart from that: I think it´s ok if you just take the spread that seems to fit you most. the only thing you should not do, is changing the card´s meaning after you have begun with your reading ;)
jamesriouxctm
19-08-2002, 07:17
Crystalmynx,
Actually it's possible to do an "in-depth" reading with three cards, or even one card. Heck, not only is it possible, the results are often far clearer than the results of a large spread.
A spread like the Celtic Cross is like an overload of information, and it all gets smeared together to the point that you can't really tell what's going on - at least, this is what I find. Small readings don't have a lot going on besides the core message.
Think of it this way. If you were just learning a new language, and had to read something in that language to get directions, would you rather read a pamphlet or a newspaper? I think you would take the former - it's less irrelevant information to wade through. And the same principle applies to the Tarot.
As long as you're still learning the core meanings of the cards it's probably best to stick to something simple, and then work your way up to larger spreads once you're comfortable with the cards in smaller arrangements.
i agree with all of the above !
I agree with the others in that it's best to work with spreads that you enjoy and are comfortable with. At the same time, it is nice to explore. If you would still like to work with the Celtic Cross, then Joan Bunning (www.learntarot.com) gives a pretty good explanation. However, she does give about 3 possible meanings for each position. It will take some experimentation to figure out which set of definitions works best for you. If you're sure that the Celtic Cross will never be a good spread for you, then it's probably not worth it for you to experiment with it.
As far as finding other spreads, there are plenty of pages on the web with varying numbers of cards. There are also plenty of threads here with favorite spreads. For books, I recommend Power Tarot for sheer number and variety of spreads.
I'm still looking for the "perfect" spread. I think it's something akin to searching for the Holy Grail. ;) Good luck finding some that work well for you!
:) Kes
Rhiannon
19-08-2002, 10:46
You can always make your own!
R :)
Hi crystalminx,
If you type 'tarot spreads' into a search engine like google, you'll find there are quite a few, and then you'll probably find spreads you can change to suit your questions.
http://www.tarotspreads.com
is a good one but there are others :)
emily2otters
19-08-2002, 19:26
for specific questions, there are tons of great spreads out there. for times when you have no specific question, and just want a picture of what's going on in your life, may i recommend a spread kirali posted recently:
http://www.tarotpassages.com/2002aprilsprd.htm
Thanks for all of the replies, I think that my main gripe with the celtic cross is as Keslyn says most authors give about 3 different meanings for each position. Are you supposed to pick one set, say tradiional and stick to that or can you mix and match? I think that when using the celtic cross I should do just that, at least until I`m completely confident with that spread.
Emily thanks for that link, the moon spread looks like just the sort of thing I`ve been looking for, I`ll definately try it out.
Blessings
Crystalmynx xx
My advice.
Begin at the beginning
Begin with three card spreads. Begin doing 3 card readings (for others). Do them for-ever. Do a lot of them.
Buy a spiral notebook. Use it as a Journal (very important). Write down every reading (both cards and your interpretation).
Only read for yourself no more than once a week.
Three card readings are versatile, and accurate. More cards do not always mean better readings (but they look good on tv).
At the beginning, you should be doing smaller spreads…three cards (That’s why folks who invented numbers place the number three, before seven which comes before 10)…(LOL).
Read books (but remember they are a reference tool, not a reverence tool) (I recommend “Tarot Reversals” by Mary Greer. 3 card spreads? Page 215.
Read old posts on this site.
also, for spreads: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/basics/index.html
After you have done tons of 3-card spreads then go to 5 and then 7.
I have been reading for 30 years and still never do a Celtic Cross.
i am just chiming in here to agree with james and umbrea. there is nothing better then a three-card-spread.
but the secret lies in devoting as much time (if not more) to those three cards as you would the 10 cards in a celtic cross spread.
give yourself the same kind of time you would like someone reading for you giving.
i am just working my way up to sometimes, if i have to, do 7 card spreads. but if i get to choose i will always pick a simple three card spread and specify the positions and questions for just that moment and that specific client. but, often my clients wants me to do big spreads. they are in fact often disappointed that i do not use the whole deck.
and sometimes when i have friends who think they would need a reading FAST, i only give them one card. and that is often all that is needed.
oh and i want to give you this link:
http://www.queenofpentacles.com/lessons/spreads/three.html
i used to have a bookmark to the FTN on 3 card spreads but unfortunatly i lost it in the crash. so this will have to do.
Thankyou James, Jemma and Umbrae. I do use mostly single card and 3 card spreads, it just seems that every book I pick up - Mary Greer`s `Tarot for Yourself` and Joan Bunnings book both have huge sections devoted to the Celtic cross. It makes you feel as if this is THE spread which everyone should use. I`m going to take the advice you have all given me and stick to 3 cards for now. Thanks for the link Jemma, I`ve added it to my favorites list.
Crystalmynx xx