| 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. Ace of Coins: Perfection. Attainment. Prosperity. Felicity. Bliss. Gold. Valuable coins or artifacts. Treasures. The combination of material and spiritual riches. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Nine of Coins (Gain), when reversed: Roguery. Danger. Storms. Bad faith. Possible loss of a valued friendship or a treasured possession. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. The Falling Tower: Complete and sudden change. Breakdown of old beliefs. Abandonment of past relationships. Severing of a friendship. Changing one's opinion. Unexpected events. Bankruptcy. Downfall. Loss of stability. Loss of security. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. 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 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. Page of Swords, when reversed: An impostor revealed. Illness is possible. Powerlessness in the face of stronger forces. Lack of preparation. |
 | 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. Queen of Clubs: A sympathetic and understanding person. Friendly. Loving. Chaste. Practical. Charm and grace. Hospitality. Sincere interest in others. |
 | 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. Page of Coins: Deep concentration and application. Scholarship. Reflection. Desire for new ideas. A do-gooder. Bearer of news. |
 | 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. Wheel of Fortune, when reversed: Bad luck. Broken sequence. Interruption or inconsistency due to unexpected events. Outside influences not contemplated. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. The Hierophant: Ritualism. Mercy. Kindness. Forgiveness. Inspiration. Compassion. Servitude. Inactivity. Timidity. Captivity to ones own ideas. Tendency to cling to outdated ideas and principles. Conformity. A religious or spiritual leader. |
