| The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most popular Tarot spreads, providing varied insight into many aspects of a complex situation and your role in it. The Renaissance Tarot is a modern deck, with symbolism drawn from the heroic age and rendered in renaissance style. This deck is an excellent choice for exploring questions of passion, mastery, and the inner workings of human reason. If you would like your own copy of the Renaissance Tarot, you can buy it now! |
 | The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. Two of Swords (Peace), when reversed: False friendship. Misunderstanding or duplicity, particularly between mentor and student. |
 | The card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way - it may even be something that sounds good but is not actually to your benefit. Seven of Cups (Temptation), when reversed: Determination and resolve. Independent resolution to move ahead with eyes open. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Knight of Swords, when reversed: Opinionated person who is too quick to condemn others. Bigotry. Action without forethought. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Magician: Mastery of words and of matter. Eloquence, including eloquent silence and Hermetic wisdom. Mediator, messenger, and communicator. The Magician may be a sage or just a quick talker. He is a master-manipulator of the material world, but the miracles he effects may be true physical and metaphysical transformation of mere illusion and technical tricks. With Hermes, one never knows; he is the god of orators and liars, merchants and thieves, trickery and arcane science. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Ace of Swords: In the realm of events, the card signifies triumphant power. Whether for good or ill. For the life of the mind it represents the active, passionate impulses. It declares the dominance of the will and zealous, even fanatical, political or religious convictions. It is the sword of righteousness. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ten of Cups (Satiety): The union of love and the soul. Happiness in love. Balance in friendship. Joyful equanimity in oneself. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Six of Staves (Victory): Triumph over great difficulties. A glorious victory. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Consuming fire; the flames of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc, Phaedra's misguided passion, Medea's jealousy, Lady Macbeth's ambition. Fire, if left to burn unchecked, can consume the soul. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Hermit, when reversed: Barrenness. Loneliness. Cynicism. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Five of Cups (Disappointment): Serious, but not irreversible mistake. A betrayal born of lack of faith. Beauty found and lost, where ugliness was expected. |
