| 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. Six of Staves (Victory), when reversed: Fear of failure and fear of success. |
 | 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. Five of Staves (Strife), when reversed: A cautious step ahead without the aid of others. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The World: Completion and perfection. Focus. Synthesis. Interweaving. The vast design of nature. The interconnecting patterns of experience. Fulfillment and success. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Cups (Satiety), when reversed: Emotional turbulence. Unrequited love. Family disagreements. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Eight of Coins (Prudence): Frankness, honesty and innocence. Candid confrontation of circumstances. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Coins (Gain): Balance. Compromise. Security. The cycle of nature. The protection of family. A season of dormancy which makes later fertility possible. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Five of Coins (Worry), when reversed: Reversal of a difficult situation. Gradual improvement. Encouraging news. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Hermit: Introspection. Retreat. Pilgrimage. Spiritual quest. The search in oneself and in the world for the "Honest Man" of Diogenes the philosopher. Meditation on the passage of time and the dissolution of matter. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Ace of Swords: In the realm of events, the card signifies triumphant power. Whether for good or ill. For the life of the mind it represents the active, passionate impulses. It declares the dominance of the will and zealous, even fanatical, political or religious convictions. It is the sword of righteousness. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Magician: Mastery of words and of matter. Eloquence, including eloquent silence and Hermetic wisdom. Mediator, messenger, and communicator. The Magician may be a sage or just a quick talker. He is a master-manipulator of the material world, but the miracles he effects may be true physical and metaphysical transformation of mere illusion and technical tricks. With Hermes, one never knows; he is the god of orators and liars, merchants and thieves, trickery and arcane science. |
