| The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. The Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg is the final commissioned work of Yuri Shakov, a master in the lost art of Russian miniature painting. The rich, dark images lend themselves to questions regarding the struggle of the human spirit in trying times. If you would like your own copy of the Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg, you can buy it now! |
 | The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Page of Swords, when reversed: An impostor revealed. Illness is possible. Powerlessness in the face of stronger forces. Lack of preparation. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. King of Cups, when reversed: Artistic temperament. Double dealing. Scandal. Loss. Ruin. Injustice. A crafty person without virtue. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Judgment: Atonement. Judgment. The need to repent and forgive. The moment in which to account for the manner in which we have used our opportunities. Rejuvenation. Rebirth. Improvement. Development. Promotion. The desire for immortality. Legal judgment in one's favor. One should carefully consider how one's present actions affects other persons. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. The Hanged Man: Life in suspension. Transition. Change. Reversal of the mind and of one's way of life. Apathy and dullness. Abandonment. Renunciation. The changes of life forces. The period of respite between significant events. Sacrifice. Repentance. Readjustment. Regeneration. The approach of new life forces. |
 | The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Two of Clubs (Dominion): Mature individual. Ruler. Attainment of goals and needs. Boldness. Courage in undertakings. A dominant personality. |
 | At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. Wheel of Fortune, when reversed: Bad luck. Broken sequence. Interruption or inconsistency due to unexpected events. Outside influences not contemplated. |
 | The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Nine of Swords (Cruelty), when reversed: Suspicion. Slanderous gossip. Shame. Scruple. Timidity. Shady character. Reasonable fear. |
 | The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. Seven of Swords (Futility), when reversed: Arguments. Uncertain counsel or advice. Circumspection. Slander. Babbling. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. Page of Clubs, when reversed: Indecision. Reluctance. Instability. A gossip. Bearer of bad tidings. A heart breaker. Displeasure. |
