The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase

Shannon MacLeod

Illustrations by Beth Seilonen

Schiffer Books

Paperback, 208 pages

$19.99 USD

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a book you could reference for every tarot card’s meaning in every position of the Celtic Cross where it may appear? For beginner Tarot readers such a book, I believe, would make learning Tarot much easier. For advanced readers such a book would help in presenting ideas on how to tak readings in a whole new direction.

Such a book exists! The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase, by Shannon MacLeod is a breakdown of every single Tarot and what it would mean in every position of the 10-card Celtic Cross Tarot spread. The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase begins with a typical introduction to Tarot cards with a section entitled “How To Use This Book,” in addition to sections on how to use the Celtic Cross, plus a one-card and three-card spread.

Starting with The Fool and traveling on through the entire78-card deck, each card is discussed in detail. Upright and reversed meanings are provided for one card at a time for every position within the Celtic Cross spread. The Celtic Cross Spread: Cutting to the Chase is charmingly llustrated by Tarot artist Beth Seilonen (the artist behind Tarot Leaves (Schiffer, 2011), Dream Raven Tarot and Bleu Cat Tarot (both Schiffer, 2013).

The image of each card is presented as a simple black and white line drawing that breaks each card down into its most elemental symbolic elements. The images make for a useful tool for people new to Tarot who may find many of the decks available today overly cluttered with symbolism. Beth Seilonen’s illustrations are simple, straight forward, and easy to understand, even for someone brand new to Tarot.

An example as to how the book is to be used is as follows. Let’s say you’re asking whether a business proposition you have been offered is a good idea. The outcome card to your Celtic Cross spread is the Chariot, reversed. Refering to The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase, you would turn to the section on the Chariot, which is on pages 38 – 40. The Chariot appears reversed in the outcome position of the Celtic Cross spread for your reading so you would turn to page 40, look for the meaning of Chariot, reversed under the heading of Card Position 10, and there you would find the following interpretation:

Without a major change in priorities, you are doomed to fail. Re-examine what it is you think you want to see if it is something you really need.

 That’s not the best outcome in the world, but at least you would have your answer. This is just an example to show you how simple it is to use this book.

The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase is a handy guide; however, I would like to conclude with a word of caution. When you read Tarot cards always rely first on your intuition. I teach my students to examine the image and to go within to discover what emotions the card image conjures up for them. Then attempt to interpret the card. Never rely on a book for all the card meanings. The Celtic Cross Spread: Cutting to the Chase is a helpful guide to anyone learning the Tarot or wishing to gain a more thorough understanding of the Celtic Cross spread, but our intuition is the most powerful tool we have at our disposal. Don’t be afraid to use it.

Wishing you many blessings!

Nefer Khepri, PhD, R. M-T.

Author of The Egyptian Lenormand (Schiffer Books, 2015)

Spells/Enchantments, Readings & Visionary Art

Egyptian Lenormand signed & activated copies

The Turtle Lenormand, self-published

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