The full picture
Celtic Cross
For complex situations involving history, hidden influences, external factors, fears, thoughts, and several possible directions of development. Best used for a broad picture rather than a narrow yes/no question.
When to use this spread
For complex situations involving history, hidden influences, external factors, fears, thoughts, and several possible directions of development. Best used for a broad picture rather than a narrow yes/no question.
Why this spread
A complex situation does not fit in three cards, because it has a past, influences you cannot see, surroundings and hopes pulling in different directions. The ten positions of the Celtic Cross give each of them a place, which is why it is the spread for a wide picture rather than an answer to "will it happen". Big, but worth it when the question is big.
The positions and what each one means
- 1
Present situation
The heart of the matter - 2
What crosses
The challenge or opposing force - 3
Root
The foundation beneath the situation - 4
Past
What has happened and still influences the present - 5
Consciousness & potential
What you are aware of, aiming toward, or imagining as possible - 6
Near future
What is approaching next - 7
Your position
How you are standing in relation to the situation - 8
Environment
External influences and people around you - 9
Hopes & fears
What attracts you and what frightens you — often two sides of the same card - 10
Possible direction
Where the current pattern may lead
What sets it apart
Traditions differ in the ordering of root, past, and potential. AGAT's version stays within the commonly used family of Celtic Cross layouts.
Example questions
What is the broader picture of my professional situation and where may it develop?
Open with this questionWhat is important for me to understand about my relationship right now?
Open with this questionMore spreads in "The full picture"
- 3×3 Square9 cardsNine cards in a grid. They are read not only individually but also across rows, columns, and diagonals, creating relationships a linear spread cannot show.
- Twelve Houses12 cardsOne card for each life area according to the astrological houses — a broad overview of the whole map rather than one focused question.