| 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. Queen of Staves, when reversed: A dilettante. An impatient or jaded connoisseur. A superficial or pretentious person. A frustrated artist. |
 | 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 Cups (Happiness), when reversed: Misleading freedom. Refusal to cleave to others. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Two of Coins (Change): Unusual turn of events. Unexpected difficulties. Untried emotions. Uncharacteristic behavior. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Consuming fire; the flames of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc, Phaedra's misguided passion, Medea's jealousy, Lady Macbeth's ambition. Fire, if left to burn unchecked, can consume the soul. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Three of Cups (Abundance): Rescue from difficulty. Comfort in apprehension. A strange but beautiful occurrence. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Five of Staves (Strife): A project or adventure abandoned or cut short because of the departure or disappearance of a necessary colleague, partner, friend or lieutenant. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The High Priestess: The abstract, spiritual and intellectual face of the anima, which is the feminine nature of the soul. Primordial feminine wisdom. The cyclic and balancing forces of nature. The ancient underground tradition of healing arts, magic, and spiritual mystery. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Eight of Coins (Prudence), when reversed: Vanity. Dishonesty. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Sun: Glory and rejoicing. The light of reason. The flower of manhood. Inspiration in poetry and music. |
