| 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. Eight of Staves (Swiftness), when reversed: Bewilderment. Awe. Temporary immobility. |
 | 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. 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 at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Five of Cups (Disappointment), when reversed: New friends and renewal of old friendships. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Fame or glory blooming forth from misfortune. Cruel reality ennobled by art. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Emperor, when reversed: Tyranny. Pomposity. Jove-like self-indulgence. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Seven of Coins (Assessment): A step forward, accomplished with grace and skill. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Hanged Man: Sacrifice. Vigilance. Martyrlike forbearance. Suspension or paralysis of the soul. A mind divided and undecided. Stasis and constraint. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Queen of Swords: A person of sharp insight, persuasive, powerful and thorough. If extroverted, an administrator, an organizer, a firebrand, splendid as a summer's day - and sometimes as overwhelming. If introverted, a person of deep sentiment, susceptible to flights of ecstasy, of the flames of inner torment. |
 | 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), when reversed: A cautious step ahead without the aid of others. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. King of Swords, when reversed: Abuse of power. Tyranny. Cruelty. The empty striving for control. A failed attempt at mastery. |
