| 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: A person of sunny disposition, accomplished, graceful and gracious. A patroness or adept of the fine arts and sciences. A wedding of intelligence and creativity, giving flower in fruitfulness. |
 | 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. Four of Swords (Truce): Retreat from the battlefield of life. A rest from the conflicts with colleagues or competitors. Calm in the storm. Self-imposed exile. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Lovers: Romantic passion. Amorous attachment. The stages of love: discovery, attraction, pursuit, flirtation, courtship and consummation. The gifts of Aphrodite: beauty, youth, dalliance and delight. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Page of Staves, when reversed: An unstable, indecisive and perhaps malicious person. A heartbreaker, gossiper, or bringer of bad news. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Hanged Man: Sacrifice. Vigilance. Martyrlike forbearance. Suspension or paralysis of the soul. A mind divided and undecided. Stasis and constraint. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Hierophant: The abstract, spiritual and intellectual side of the animus, or masculine nature of the soul. Spiritual authority. Religious tradition. Avuncular wisdom. The old order and the old school. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The World: Completion and perfection. Focus. Synthesis. Interweaving. The vast design of nature. The interconnecting patterns of experience. Fulfillment and success. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Seven of Cups (Temptation), when reversed: Determination and resolve. Independent resolution to move ahead with eyes open. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 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. |
