A Deeper Look into The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase

Last week, I shared a review of Shannon MacLeod’s The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread:Cutting to the Chase.

I thought it might be helpful to see an example of what a reading produced from the book information would look like.

One of the spreads suggested is the three cards spread—past, present, and future.

Focusing on the week ahead, I pulled the 7 of Wands (reversed), Page of Swords (reversed), and 9 of Pentacles. The following interpretations are directly from the book.

Past:

Everyone gets rejected at some point. You just took yours a little harder than most. Fine - now get past it.

Present:

Rebel without a cause or rebel without a clue - either way, you're going against the accepted status quo.

Future:

There's no greater satisfaction than knowing that you are able to take care of yourself...a noble goal, to be sure.

Pulling this together into a more fluent reading, you may say: You've been rejected recently and took it hard, but it's time to get past the hurt feelings. You approach things from a different angle than most, going against the accepted ways. This will lead you to great things and allow you to take care of yourself, not having to rely on others for financial or material support.

Overall, I'd say a pretty good outcome. 

What do you think? Would this interpretation be satisfactory to you? Do you see the cards differently than what's presented above? Share your thoughts. Do you plan to purchase this book and give it a go?

My thoughts: Before interpreting the reading with the book, I did my own interpretation to have something to compare to. In some ways they were similar, while others slightly different. The view on the Page was the biggest difference. For me, this Page represents a cold, isolated individual who has shrouded himself from the outside world. I look upon it as the 'poor, pitiful me moment'.

A quick look at my interpretation versus 'straight from the book'.

You've had enough. You feel as if you are unable to stand up for what you believe any longer. You've given up and let go. (Results of rejection? Very possible.)

Now, in order to cope, you turn cold, tell yourself what you need to hear, and pull the sheets over your head. You are having a 'poor pitiful me moment'. (Rebel without a clue? Possibly.)

But, as you pull yourself out of the dumps, you see what really is. You find that you are okay. You can do this all on your own. You are able and capable of rising to the challenge, supporting yourself and surviving in solitude if need be. (Satisfaction of knowing you can take care of yourself? Definitely.)

As you see, the interpretations are fairly similar. 

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The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread by Shannon MacLeod

Anyone can read the tarot, but not everyone wants to take the time and energy to study the cards and develop knowledge through long hours and many practice readings.

Shannon MacLeod has put it all out there for you, making it simple to throw the cards out and quickly put words to your spread.

Her book, Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase, introduces three spreads—the Celtic Cross, Three Cards, and One Card, with positional explanations and instructions on how to use the book to translate the cards into a reading.

The remainder of the book is devoted to the 78 tarot cards. She provides the meaning of each card, upright and reversed, in each position of the Celtic Cross.

Shannon approaches the whole with a pinch of humor.

I do have some negative feelings on this whole aspect of “Painting-by-Numbers” method introduced by this book. To me, it takes away from the tarot as a whole. Tarot is meant to be explored by the individual and embraced by the intuitive connection the cards can provide. You are the artist and the Tarot becomes the tool.

With that said, I do think people will like this book. Especially someone who wants to just throw a few cards from time to time and see what happens. Not everyone wants to be a tarot reader. This book will give you the means to cast a quick reading and get a little meaning out of the cards pulled. And who knows, it may lead you down the Tarot Journey, a road you may not have taken otherwise.

Available at Schiffer Publishing in October, 2014.

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Tarot Spreads & Layouts by Jeanne Fiorini 
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Weaving the Pieces Together – Message from Spirit

Anonymous via Wikimedia Commons

We receive messages from Spirit, both while awake and during our sleep. They can come in many shapes and forms. Most are easy to miss, if you are not paying attention. Some slap you in the face, but you don’t know what to do with it. And then there are some you just can’t figure out, can’t put your finger on what it all means.

Last week, the signs and messages seemed unusually abundant, or maybe I was just in tune with what was going on around me. With so many things coming through, I wasn't sure what to do with it all. But, then it occurred to me, maybe the reason we sometimes don’t get the message is because it’s not in one single sign but a weaving of many.

Repeating Numbers

The month of August began with numerous 111 appearances. The message in this repetition is of following a new path, breaking away from old patterns, aligning with soul’s purpose. 

Last week, the numbers shifted to 333. I always pay special attention when the numbers change course. I believe this is a sign that I've received the first and am now ready for the next.

The message in repeating 3’s is of recognizing the love and protection of Angels and Spirit. They are there, waiting to assist in any way possible. All you have to do is ask. 333 appeared throughout the week.

Feathers on the Path

Early in the week, I discovered a blue feather on the ground. Then, the next day, I spotted a brown one. Feathers are a common sign from Spirit and Angels. This is, however, a very rare occasion for me. So, to find two, one right after the other, let’s just say my attention was captured. 

A blue feather can symbolize an increased connection with Spirit, a message on its way, or a reminder of the Angels being with you. A brown feather symbolizes grounding, security, and stability. In my opinion, I believe the brown feather was simply a message to pay attention to the message of the blue feather.

More on Feathers - Natalia Kuna

Elephant Dream

Dream Message: You are able to deal with any obstacle you are faced with at this time.

In my dream, the elephant is a source of worry. I don’t know what to do with it or where to put it. I have a job to do, but I can’t do it because I have to figure out what to do with the elephant. Then, the elephant shrinks to the size of a cat. But, I still don’t know what to do with it, because eventually it will regain its size and then what will I do?

The elephant is obviously an obstacle, but in the dream I can't face it, whether it is large or small. I believe part of the message of the dream is the solution will be the same no matter the size of the task.

More on Elephants - What's Your Sign 

Butterflies

The Butterfly represents transformation, change, new paths, and rebirth. The message is to prepare for the change before it’s forced upon you. It signifies a time to move into a new cycle of life. ~ Lily Therese

It's not unusual to see butterflies in my yard. I have many flowering plants. But, on these sightings, it was as if I was drawn to them and astonished by their beauty. It was as if a whisper played upon the wind, "Hey, look at me. There's a reason you are seeing me."

A Weaving of the Messages of Spirit

Angels are watching and protecting me. They are available to assist in my journey. My connection with Spirit is increasing, and it’s important to recognize such. I am able to deal with the obstacles before me, but I may need the assistance of the Angels and Spirit. A change is on the way, and I need to prepare myself for the shift. I am not alone, but surrounded by spiritual helpers. 

Affirmation: I accept the assistance of Spirit. I open myself to receive your guidance in my journey of change, obstacles, and challenges.  

Release and Renewal

A message from Spirit for the week of August 4-10:

Let go of what holds you back, allow yourself to step out of your invisible bonds and let go of past nightmares.

There’s a lot of blocked and wasted energy here.

The Hanged Man stands upright in his reversed position. Past issues have been released, yet you continue to hang on. You avoid walking away. You're wasting energies standing still like this. It’s time to move forward.

The bonds of fear of the 8 of Swords no longer hold you captive. You stay now out of obligation, maybe even because of some sort of love or habit. Your trap has been sprung. You can step away from this.

The nightmare of the 9 of Swords has dissipated in the light of day. All negative thought and worry are gone. Open your eyes to the brighter days before you.

The sum of the cards offers you a bit of advice—a clear message revealed. (12+8+9=29=11 Justice) It’s time for you to give yourself a fair chance. The verdict is in and you are free—to go, to be, to live fully.  

Have a blessed week.