| 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. Three of Staves (Virtue), when reversed: Dishonesty and conflict in affairs. |
 | 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. Nine of Coins (Gain): Balance. Compromise. Security. The cycle of nature. The protection of family. A season of dormancy which makes later fertility possible. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Empress: Feminine fertility and power. Civilization. Domestic tradition. Family and childrearing. The active, fecund aspect of the anima. The mother and the queen, on earth and in heaven. |
 | 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. Ten of Staves (Oppression): A final trial before an enduring reward. The greater the struggle, the greater the reward. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The High Priestess, when reversed: Obfuscation. Mumbo jumbo. Heresy. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Knight of Cups, when reversed: Fraudulent emotion. A charming, but irresponsible person. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Page of Staves: A young person of faithful countenance who, even unintentionally, helps others. An unofficial Hermes: a carrier of important news, an envoy, a guide, a pleasant stranger. A suave, bring and noble soul. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Page of Cups: A young person of sensitive and meditative nature, capable of deep loyalty and profound affection. A conscientious worker. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Eight of Coins (Prudence), when reversed: Vanity. Dishonesty. |
