Though the fortune telling aspect of tarot may seem extremely complex, in reality it is a very simple process of interpreting cards and associating them with their given meanings. In essence, there are no strict rules or doctrines that interpreters must follow when conducting a tarot reading. However, there are guidelines that are generally accepted by professional interpreters. A tarot reading has its foundation in the question that is asked. Different questions can be asked and interpreted in different ways depending on the reader. However, when considering asking questions, the wording of the question proves to be extremely influential. Because the wording may have a profound effect on the interpretation, it is essential for the interpreter to clarify and completely understand the question that is asked by each client. Once the interpreter has fully comprehended what question is being asked, he or she can then use the tarot cards and draw a conclusion. Usually this happens when the questioner selects different cards to be used in the reading. Once the cards are chosen, the interpreter then interprets the individual cards and rearranges the messages into a coherent conclusion/answer to the initial question.

For the purpose of this guide, we will be explaining how to conduct tarot readings according to the Celtic cross spread.

1. The tarot interpreter asks the client to ask a question. These questions can be in any format and it is up to the tarot reader to determine how he will interpret the cards once they are laid out onto the spread.
2. The tarot interpreter must start shuffling the tarot deck. The client is told to tell the tarot interpreter when to stop shuffling.
3. The tarot interpreter spreads the cards out on the table and asks the client to choose ten cards of his or her choice and order them in any manner (the order is significant), during the process, the client is not allowed to look at the cards and must keep them face down.
4. The client gives the cards back to the interpreter and then the interpreter lays the cards out (starting from the top) in the special positions for the celtic cross spread.
5. After the cards are laid out in the celtic cross spread, the first 6 cards are overturned and interpreted to the client
6. The “staff?portion of the celtic cross spread is turned over when the circle spread is finished

"Celtic Cross" About The New York Times Jan 2007
         <http://paganwiccanaboutcom/cs/tarotspreads/p/celticcrosshtm>.

Marks, Londa "Tarot Art & Tarot Psychic Readings" Londa Marks: Visual Artist 2006
        US Games Systems, Inc Jan 2007 <http://www.londaartcom/>.

"Free Tarot Reading" Facade 2007 Feb 2007 <http://www.facadecom/tarot/>.