| 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. Wheel of Fortune: The intrusion of chance into affairs. Unlikely coincidence. "What goes up, must come down." The intercession of good fortune in life. A sudden opportunity that must be exploited deftly and promptly; according to Machiavelli, in The Prince, Fortune is "bald behind", that is, once she runs past, it will be too late to grab her, and so she must be seized as she approaches, "by the forelock". |
 | 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. King of Cups: A dignified and accomplished person, compassionate and intuitively accurate. A successful professional, humanitarian and idealistic. One who appreciates the Dionysian side of the arts and the wild, mysterious aspect of nature. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Empress, when reversed: Stifling domesticity. Bourgeois limitations. High-handed matriarchy. Junoesque jealousy. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Devil: Wickedness and danger. Darkness and licentiousness. Slavery to the senses. Imprisonment by baser instincts. Temptation. Selfishness. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Seven of Cups (Temptation), when reversed: Determination and resolve. Independent resolution to move ahead with eyes open. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Seven of Swords (Futility), when reversed: Uncertainty. Disagreements. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Nine of Swords (Cruelty), when reversed: Slander. Suspicion. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Knight of Coins: A responsible and hardworking young person, efficient and persevering. An organizer, cataloguer, and pathfinder. A person attached to the realities of life, but with a quixotic streak. A person who is serious yet quick to laugh. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Nine of Coins (Gain): Balance. Compromise. Security. The cycle of nature. The protection of family. A season of dormancy which makes later fertility possible. |
