| 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. Five of Swords (Defeat): Stubbornness. Refusal to move into the future, to forget the past or to face pressing responsibilities. Dishonor. Stagnation. |
 | 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. Temperance: Balance. Moderation. Harmony. "Nothing in excess." Blending of opposites. Androgyny. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Knight of Coins, when reversed: Small-mindedness. Insistence on the concrete. Lack of conviction in important matters. Lack of frankness in matters of the heart. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Eight of Coins (Prudence), when reversed: Vanity. Dishonesty. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Emperor: Worldly authority. Professional success. Social power. The life of action and decision, especially in politics and business. Patriarch, clan leader, and pater familias. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Moon: Mystery. Changeability. Unseen and unknown forces of the night, and unpredictable transformations from the mutable moon. Young womanhood. Feminine beauty. Ordeal and honor of childbearing. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. King of Swords: A man of volatile temperament. A born fighter and ruler. A person in complete command. Self-mastery. Expertise. A person who prefers action to reflection - above all, dramatic, decisive action. |
