How I Work With the Celtic Cross (collab with Lisa Papez)

Join me for a look at how I’ve come around to working with my own variation of the Celtic Cross spread. We’ll talk about my history with the Celtic Cross, I’ll share my version of this classic spread with you and we’ll do a sample reading together.
Then we'll pop over to Lisa's channel and see how she works with the Celtic Cross! • Celtic Cross Tarot Spr...
0:00 My Introduction to the Celtic Cross
9:53 My Modified Version
17:04 Sample Reading
26:18 Tips for Reading
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[@Lisa_Papez]

This was SO fun to do with you!!! :) Thank you for giving me a reason to wax poetic about my love for this spread! :D I love the way you've personalized it to suit you and LOVE that you're reminding others they can do the same. I think sometimes we are a little to precious with tradition and I say if you can tweak something (anything) to make it work better for you - go for it!!!! :D :D

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you for playing along with me! This was so much fun to see how we each approach the same spread. We'll have to do it again sometime. :)

[@moondustessencetarot9619]

I need you to teach a class lol so well explained. Been reading for 8 years and still have to look at my diagram to remember the positions and I could remember yours easily! Thank you.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That's fantastic, I am so glad you found it helpful. I would love to teach a class... that might "in the cards" someday. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@miriammateos3508]

Awesome walkthrough, and more importantly, resetting the expectations to work with the deck and celtic spread from an energy of empowerment and not restriction to book definitions or tradition. Especially, what others think or see about me… ‘i don’t care’ - EXACTLY.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Hehe I'm so glad that came across right, because yeah, like I don't have any control of how others see me so I'm not going to worry about that. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@thrivingselfcarerenee]

I've literally never done a Celtics Cross ever in all my time working with Tarot. Your positions make so much more sense than so many other versions I've seen. Theyve also inspired me to create my own version of the Celtics Cross. Also, the reading itself seriously resonated with me right now on a personal level. 😊💖

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That is fantastic! I am so glad you are going to create your own version, that process really unlocked the spread for me. Now I use it all the time. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@christyc625]

Same -it really resonates with me right now also!!🎯👍☺

[@sleepycalico]

Thank you! Instilling confidence in people is a wonderful, joyous gift you have.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much, that means the world to me! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@arzumardalieva3874]

I’m grateful 🙏🏻 So clear!

[@nadia_margaret_3458]

I LOVE going back to your videos. I find them so helpful! You inspire me. Thank you dear🙏🫶🩷🩷

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Aw I’m so glad you find them helpful! 🥰

[@ellenmariedrummondscurtis]

Dream collab!

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

It was so much fun! I do hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

[@ellenmariedrummondscurtis]

@@DawnMichelleTarot Treasure 🪙

[@rubyboo6430]

I really like your version of the Celtic Cross, the version I use is the one in everyday witch but honestly I haven't used it in a while. Thank you for bringing new life to the spread ❤️

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you found it helpful! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@zaiologyy]

Great remix of a classic spread 👏 Yes I'm the same way, those original ways of looking at cards 7-9 always sounded a little silly. Wonderful way to switch things up, thanks so much

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watering. 🥰

[@gayavicedubuisson7413]

Hi Dawn. Just watched both your and Lisa's Collaboration spreads. The confirmation for me was that you both had The Hermit, Judgement, 3 of Swords and the King of Cups even if they were in different positions! Well done to both of you. Your clarity in teaching was very good and reassuring to those people who might like to try the spread. I've worked with the Celtic Cross and other spreads over many years. Sometimes if a person has a query I will draw other cards to clarify. Perhaps they remark that the reading applies very much to their working life, but they can see a similarity with the cards also applying to a relationship. So I will draw a card to acknowledge and confirm their intuition. It would be up to them however, what they wanted to do next. Keep up the good work I watch both of your channels regularly.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much, I am so glad you enjoyed the videos! I didn't even catch that we had some of the same cards come up, that's so cool. 🙂 Thank you for watching and for supporting both our channels! ❤️

[@rosco-m]

Love it. I seem to be developing a CC with a similar blend but with slight differences. For card 1 I like to use a significator chosen by the querent to really focus the energy. Just how I seem to like to do it.

[@elementsoftarot]

Thank you so much for doing this and for being so thorough in your explanation! I too struggled with cards 7, 8 & 9 in the classic Celtic Cross. I will be using this spread with your modifications!

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

How wonderful, I do hope it works out for you! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@susurroangelical444]

I love how you read the celtic cross, this is a spread that I use every week to look my week energies ahead but I will spend time using this journaling system, pretty curious that the read you do is pretty accurate with a situation that Im coming trough so thank you for the unexpected reading. lol

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I love it when that happens! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@michelleheart3635]

This is the first time I have heard someone explain the celtic cross like this. This is a comprehensive way of using it that actually makes sense! I rarely used this spread before and now I use it all the time, thanks to you. Thank you for sharing this with us. ❤

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad that you found it helpful! It's actually one of my favorite spreads now. 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@hashtagtarot9137]

The Celtic Cross has never been a favourite of mine because, as you said, it simple didn't make any sense. Loved how you changed the meanings of the positions. I will certainly be using your method now - so much clearer.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am glad it resonated with you, let me know how you like it. While I appreciate the traditional Celtic Cross, this version makes so much more sense to me as well. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@zzzzzz3006]

Very insightful. Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@carriesmysticalmusings]

I like your layout for the celtic cross. I stopped using this spread years ago because it just didn't resonate with me but I love your fresh take and will definitely try it out.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

How wonderful, do let me know how it works out for you! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@ladysmall9853]

I had to start taking notes. This spread has always been card soup to me. Your version and the explanations makes more sense.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That is wonderful, I'm so glad you found a new way to approach the Celtic Cross. I do have to admit, I love this version I made and I work with it quite a bit now. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@helenaclaudiaandrade5799]

Loved it, thank you.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@janetcording9183]

This is amazingly excellent! I have avoided the Celtic Cross because it never resonated but really love your explanation! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

How wonderful, I am so glad it resonated with you. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@MichelleMontemayor]

I like this Celtic cross, it makes sense to me too. Thanks for the video.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you found it helpful! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@Desireebaa]

Best tutorial ever!!!! Tysfm

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🥰

[@nataliewinters6735]

Great advice! I jumped over from your latest video - so glad i did. I will definitely be reviewing my celtic cross.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

How wonderful, I'm so glad it resonated with you. 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@lisastevens2607]

Excellent! I am now intrigued in doing a reading. Your spread makes a lot of sense. Thank you 😊

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That's wonderful, I am so glad you found it helpful! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@cherrycato1940]

I have been reading Tarot cards for a long time, agree with you C X. can be overwhelming. This is great for beginners to know even seasoned readers will love this video. Thank you and I enjoy your videos... thank you for sharing....😍🔮⭐️🍒

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it and found it helpful! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@sanelaimamovic2621]

You're explaining Celtic Cross position very clear and well. Thank you. Could you pls tell some words about 9 of swords at position 9/advice! Pretty confusing tho.

[@floressence2212]

Hello , thanks for your very clear, helpful and interesting explanations, it helps me to finally appropriate this spread. Gratitude for your sharing. From France 😊

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That is wonderful, I do hope you enjoy working with it as much as I do. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@yourwildlifecoaching429]

What a helpful video! I'd rewritten the celtic cross for myself just like you did for the cross part, but it hadn't occurred to me to make the staff part be a "how-to" focus for the cross part of the reading.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you found it helpful, let me know how it works out for you if you do the same! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@sandyioffermann4090]

Love your exploring ! I am 56 been throwing cards for many many many moons and I never connected with the Celtic . Started exploring and I navigated my own ways .

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That is so wonderful! I love that you find your own ways with the Tarot, I do that as well. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@christyc625]

Thank you so much for this! Very helpful for me to understand this spread and great idea to journal it and what it all means to each situation. All of your videos have been so helpful and I'm enjoying them so much:) Thanks again for sharing all your ideas and knowledge!! Keep up the good work:)👍😉💗

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you are enjoying them and finding them helpful! 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@truthinshadowdeed925]

I love your version it is clear cut and has everything I read in it. I can finally start using the Celtic cross. 💗

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That is fantastic, let me know how it works out for you! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@truthinshadowdeed925]

@@DawnMichelleTarot I tried this last night after watching both yours and Lisa's video tried both with 2 different questions both your version and hers were phenomenal . They are my go to spreads now💗

[@srahsunshine6708]

I'm going to try this layout today after lunch time thank you for explaining it better

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you found it helpful, I do hope you enjoy working the spread! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@srahsunshine6708]

I will most definitely 😁

[@ailsaek477]

I was wondering why I felt the need for a litany with it. Eden Grey was my first tarot book.

[@scarletmooncreations]

Let me tell you how I didn't consciously realize people changed the position meaning in the Celtic cross until watching this. I only own one tarot book and did not learn formally. So every time I'd look up this spread tog give it another try I'd get confused all over again. But now I'm realizing I kind of gaslit myself assuming I just remembered incorrectly. So getting frustrated again I'd give up and go another couple of years not using it.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I think that happens to a lot of people all the time, there are lots of different versions of it. I say find one you like and give it a try!🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@hannaturi5416]

This makes a lot more sense to me! I always used Rachaels Celtic cross and the hopes/fears placement never resonated (although I’ve used it for a loooooong time). Thank you for the clarity and the new Celtic cross 🧡👌🏼

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you enjoyed it. Let me know how it works out for you! 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@abbythingsforboys]

I'm taking on the CC this weekend. I find your interpretation of the staff as a roadmap great for a beginner like me. I wanted to point out that you were looking at Benebell's book wrong (because I did the same thing and it was confusing the heck out of me). Page 706 has the heading for The Celtic Cross (Gray), then shows the layout and THEN the table for the cards is on the next page. I hope that makes sense. I've drawn arrows and separating lines all through the appendix in my book to make it clear. Thank you!

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Oh wonderful, thank you for letting me know. I will make note that of that! I hope your CC brings you lots of good insights! 🥰

[@Christina_Charity_Grace]

I really like your version. Really it is straight forward. Like you I don't give a rat's ass what anyone thinks of me. Very Insightful! I will be using your version. 🙏💖👑🙏

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

How wonderful, do let me know how it works out for you! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@chonelcarroll3275]

This is a great video 💜 Thank you for sharing your process and going back to the basics with us. Like you Dawn, I struggled to connect with the Celtics cross for the longest time simply becos I didn't resonate with the categories. I too didn't resonate with the 'how others see me' position, and so i'd read it as 'how others are influencing the situation' instead. Understanding what others are trying to achieve, particularly if it is challenging me, helps me to better understand the ways that I can work with others to see how we might both get our needs met and resolve unacknowledged conflict, if there is any. Though I do struggle with the hopes and fears placement, I have persevered with it. Mostly becos I can often have a motive that isn't always what I think it is on the surface, as a result of something I might be having alot of anxiety about. So I use this position to check myself. Am I in denial when deep down I secretly do hope for a particular outcome? Or, am I using unnecessary and unhelpful energy trying to avoid certain things becos I don't think I'm capable of dealing with a situation...or maybe its becos I'm worried it will cause painful loss and I'm not ready to let go yet. These questions I guess help to keep me honest, so I can stop the projecting. It's crazy how easy it is to fool myself. And I think that's why I struggle with the cards in this position. The mind suddenly goes into confusion when truth is emerging. And emotions can start taking over. True to form, I find it hardest to read for myself when I'm getting too close to the truth lol. This video has made me want to find something to do a celtic cross reading about hahaha.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I think those positions are great and I love how you have adjusted them to fit your own reading style. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@AstariaSen]

Yours is easier than a lot I've seen. I have not been brave enough to even try the Celtics cross. It's one a lot of cards then mix in positions etc... its intimidating lol. Thank you. I'll head over to Lisa's and watch hers too.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! It is a lot of cards and can certainly be overwhelming. I think to just take my time with it and take it one card at a time. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@1985bjaycat]

I love the Celtic Cross I use it all the time in spreads.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

It is a really solid spread and I guess that's the reason it's been around so long. I am really enjoying it now too now that I've found a version that makes more sense to me. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@1985bjaycat]

@@DawnMichelleTarot you did a really great job on the video. I like your modifications.

[@loisreynolds326]

Lois Reynolds 💛 💟

[@in80sblues]

I learned to read using the Celtic but the version of the Osho zen tarot guidebook.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That's the same one Lisa learned from! If you haven't yet, check out her video, you might find it really interesting. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@in80sblues]

@@DawnMichelleTarot yes, I saw it. And love how she explains it. I feel there is a flow to the reading. Love the way you adapted the spread for your readings as well. ♥️

[@Desireebaa]

Dude Idc 😂😂😂 love you girl!!!!! Becuz same I only read for me and am still debating whether I ever would read for others

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Lots of value in reading for yourself for sure! And definitely a worthy pursuit on its own. 🥰

[@rainbell2817]

Loved this and the way you adapted it, seems more relevant to me than some of the other meanings. You cut through the confusion also, so I feel less intimidated by it now. Thank you, and will be listening to Lisa next!

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

How wonderful, I am so glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@Namri]

Hahaha is your deck telling you that you need to think up a question with that hermit card? xD Great rendition of the cross spread! Your videos are always so thorough and I appreciate it! I second classes!

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Hehe maybe so! I am so glad you enjoyed it. I hope to do some sort of class or something at some point. Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@nancymills1884]

I recently bought Pollack’s book and have found it interesting. The Celtic Cross is so iconic, and the first I learned. But it was difficult for a new reader. I still use the Cross but I have modified it and it feels better to me. There are so many wonderful spreads, yet I see the Cross as what is every deck shows in a layout. Bell’s book is a weighty amount of information. I have the book, but as I read it I often wonder if I will ever want that much in depth information. Your order is very similar to the one I created. I think it gives a very in-depth, journey oriented reading.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I think it's wonderful that we can take it adjust it to fit to how we read, I think that's one of the things that makes it a staple spread. 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@Desireebaa]

This makes so much sense to me! Tysm for the learning curve. I am having the hardest time currently with transitioning from understanding individual cards and understanding card combos but have started feeling that my spread selection may be off or that there is something abt the Celtic cross that just gets me turned around on myself in there. You are great! What spread would you use for general messages for daily reads for the self?

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

My favorite daily spread is a three card, what to focus on (middle card), what to release (left card) and what to embrace (right card). I hope that helps! 🥰

[@cynthiacairns9209]

Interesting approach to this spread. How would you interpret a "negative" card, like the 3 of Swords, in the #10 spot? I can't imagine that card being an outcome to work towards. Thank you!

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I don't see any card as being inherently positive or negative, for me that's determined by the context of the reading. But in that example, I generally see the three of swords as growth (the number three) of the mind (air/sword) and so I would probably see that a lesson being learned that would expand my way of thinking, but again it would largely depend on the other cards in the spread. I'm not sure if that helps for not. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@05revidal]

Otimas explicações. Ajudou muito. Depois de comprar e ler variados livros sobre Tarô, estou conseguindo destravar e colocar em prática leituras mais dinâmicas e interativas. Muito obrigada. Falo do Brasil.

[@kathygeorge8878]

I shelved the idea of using the Celtic Cross a long time ago but the way you explain it is definitely inspiring and I definitely want to try it out again. Thanks Dawn.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

How wonderful, I am so glad that you enjoyed my version of it! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@joeliza9334]

OMG thankyou Dawn Michelle. I also found the different CCs confusing but I don't have the experience to realise you could move things. Yours makes so much more sense.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you found it helpful! Let me know what you think if you give it a try. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@alicedurfee3910]

I have only the tarot books that came with the cards I have. what book would you recommend I get first.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I really like Rachael Pollack's books. Her newer Tarot Wisdom is really good because it shows the different interpretations of cards across systems and history. The first real book I read was her 78 Degrees of Wisdom so I highly recommend that one too. I hope that helps. 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@alicedurfee3910]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!@@DawnMichelleTarot

[@coreandarlionstarot]

Shuffling my new deck cause it’s relaxing for these sorts of videos. And wouldn’t ya know.. out falls the page of wands and the hermit. I don’t think I can appreciate my deck just calling me out like that as soon as the hermit and judgement cards got turned over.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I'm always tempted to just shove jumpers back into the deck. 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@coreandarlionstarot]

@@DawnMichelleTarot do you use jumpers at all in your readings? Everyone has their own way of things between jumpers, shuffling and drawing. What works best for you?

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I don't often use jumpers unless the cards like fly out of my hand and across the room, then I'll include them. But just in normal readings, I usually riffle shuffle, then overhand a couple of times, split the deck and draw my cards one after the other from the split. It's not fancy, but it works. 🙂

[@ravynstormrider7677]

Hey hun are you still working with the Celtic Cross in this format ? How has it been working for you? Blessings!

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I have actually and I love it! It's really great for helping me get clarity on really specific questions or situations and I've been using it frequently for that. It's actually my go-to spread when I need answers. I hope that helps! 🙂 Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@ellenmariedrummondscurtis]

I think it's worth noting that the King of Pentacles is the only King not in this spread... Maybe more grounding would be beneficial.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I think I always need more grounding! 🙂 That's a great observation. Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@ellensentanglementtheory]

@@DawnMichelleTarot Same! And you're so welcome ☺️

[@marie-francemercier7800]

One of the best resources out there as far as the Celtic Cross goes is the book : How to channel from the Akashic records while reading tarot (by Rozalia Hovarth Balaszi) Honestly, this is one of the better books out there and I’m surprised it isn’t more known or used. This books explains at length and thoroughly how all positions and cards interact with each other as well as a deep meaning of the interactions in various positions (both with Majors and minors) and major arcana as well. This is a substantial reference. This changed everything for me in my practice (both personal and with clients).

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am actually really excited to hear that because that book is sitting on my desk in my next to read pile! I'm excited to dive into that and then hopefully share it with everyone here. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@marie-francemercier7800]

@@DawnMichelleTarot lol! More reason to get reading! Light and love to you. I enjoy watching your videos, namely the mod ones!

[@dmytrom297]

Hello. I`m a newbe to tarot. This spring when I was starting out divination (I decided to start with oracles), I had an idea to ask the cards about how some of my friends I`ve lost contact with are doing, instead the cards just told me about the state of my relationships with them.(Or to not dwell in the past and move on in a couple cases). Now I`ve got around to learning tarot. Can use the celtic cross to get that info? or will it also start with six of cups or something along those lines?

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I think you can use the Celtic Cross for any type of question, that's one of the really great things about this type of spread. It's really versatile and works for just about anything. I hope that helps! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️