The Celtic Cross spread is the spread I most commonly use. It’s the spread that is used in the “general readings”. It’s also the spread that most tarot readers learn from or use primarily.

The spread is laid out like this.

Card 1: Current situation. (Center of the cross)
Card 2: Modifying current situation (Laid over that central card)
Card 3: Recent Past (in the 3 o’clock position)
Card 4: More Recent Past (in the 6 o’clock position)
Card 5: Present (in the 9 o’clock position)
Card 6: Near Future (in the 12 o’clock position)
Card 7: Internal (bottom of the 4 along the side)
Card 8: Your influence on the world (Above Card 7)
Card 9: The world’s influence on you (Below card 10)
Card 10: Outcome (Above Card 9).

The cards most commonly give an overview of things which are going on in your life at the moment. The central position focuses on something which is most prevalent. If you just got fired, or were planning a move, or expecting a new baby, that would be what would come in the center of your reading.