| 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. Ace of Staves: Creativity. Change. Success in new undertakings. "A breath of fresh air." "New blood." The sanguine temperament of the Ace promotes experiment, reform and appreciation of beauty, both of people and of nature. |
 | 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. The Devil: Wickedness and danger. Darkness and licentiousness. Slavery to the senses. Imprisonment by baser instincts. Temptation. Selfishness. |
 | 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 Coins, when reversed: An unrealistic deluded state of mind. Rationalizations. Pseudoscience. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Hanged Man, when reversed: Masochism. Self-imposed confinement. Potential release from bondage. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Three of Swords (Sorrow), when reversed: Balance of forces in conflict. Rest from struggle. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Six of Staves (Victory): Triumph over great difficulties. A glorious victory. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Hierophant, when reversed: Dogmatic beliefs. Spiritual authoritarianism. Enfeebled philosophizing. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Page of Swords: A Passionate young person given to seeking out the heart of the matter, even to the point of spying. Vigilance and quiet intensity. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
