| 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. Five of Swords (Defeat): Stubbornness. Refusal to move into the future, to forget the past or to face pressing responsibilities. Dishonor. Stagnation. |
 | 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. Justice, when reversed: Justice miscarried or delayed. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Lovers, when reversed: Love unrequited, star-crossed, soured, illicit, blind or foolish. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Eight of Cups (Indolence): A moment of surrender to external forces. Capitulation to inner promptings. Giving in to temptation. Giving oneself over to oblivion, to intoxication, to sleep. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Queen of Cups, when reversed: A melodramatic scene stealer. A sentimental hypochondriac. A person prey to wild and shifting emotional fancies. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Hanged Man: Sacrifice. Vigilance. Martyrlike forbearance. Suspension or paralysis of the soul. A mind divided and undecided. Stasis and constraint. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ace of Cups, when reversed: Love unsatisfied or unrequited. Love trickling away, eroded by time, thoughtlessness and selfishness. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Nine of Cups (Happiness): Difficulties overcome. Favorable agreement. Reconciliation. A new beginning. Renewal of trust. Bestowal of forgiveness. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The World: Completion and perfection. Focus. Synthesis. Interweaving. The vast design of nature. The interconnecting patterns of experience. Fulfillment and success. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Four of Coins (Power), when reversed: Equanimity. Suspension of conflict. Balance of power. |
