This is my adaptation of the Celtic Cross spread.

The cross card, #2, has for its bottom whichever way the significator is facing (when using reversals). After laying the central cards, I then go to beneath, then crown. My determination for behind and before depends on which way the main figure in the significator is facing. This page loads with the layout for a sig facing to the right of the card. Click the buttons on the top of the page to change the configuration.

For me, the positions are like extensions of the sig, reflecting the body.

1) situation--where you're at, heart of the matter

2) cross--hurdle or bridge, or what holds the situation in place

3) beneath--where you stand (or sit) (root, unconscious)

4) crown--where your head's at (conscious)--thoughts or aspirations

5) behind--receding influence, or something to move away from

6) before--what you're facing, or something to move toward

So the vertical is, IMO, all about you, whereas the horizontal can be internal or external factors . . . as can the next two cards. And I think positions 7 and 8, more than any other, depend on previous cards.

7) self--in reality or presentation, personality

8) extern--some say that this can be either outside influences, or how you appear to others. Of course, how others perceive you affects how they interact with you, so that would actually be a "sub-influence."

9) intern--deep-down, still, small voice (a.k.a. "conscience"); guidance or "push"

10) outcome--can't say it any better than that

With this adaptation, it makes it really interesting to see how the cards interact, i.e. how the extern affects where you stand, or how "personality" and "where your head's at" leads into the outcome, &c.

Joan Bunning has a great section on Celtic Cross and its positions on her web site.

(Btw, I created this spread, so if you publish it somewhere, please be considerate enough to include this URL. Thanks.)

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http://www.moonchild.ch/Tarot/topics/Acorns/CelticSquare.html