| 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 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 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. Seven of Staves (Valor): Splendid award or valuable prize earned by one's wits, and by tricks and counter moves. |
 | 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 Staves, when reversed: An unstable, indecisive and perhaps malicious person. A heartbreaker, gossiper, or bringer of bad news. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Staves (Victory), when reversed: Fear of failure and fear of success. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Five of Coins (Worry): Impoverishment and barrenness. Yearning for one absent. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Wheel of Fortune: The intrusion of chance into affairs. Unlikely coincidence. "What goes up, must come down." The intercession of good fortune in life. A sudden opportunity that must be exploited deftly and promptly; according to Machiavelli, in The Prince, Fortune is "bald behind", that is, once she runs past, it will be too late to grab her, and so she must be seized as she approaches, "by the forelock". |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Two of Staves (Dominion): A decisive, perhaps early, accomplishment. Confirmation of boldness and courage. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Star, when reversed: Fleeting peace. Melancholy. Pensiveness. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Six of Coins (Success), when reversed: Refusal to help others. Pomposity. Stinginess. |
