| 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. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Fame or glory blooming forth from misfortune. Cruel reality ennobled by art. |
 | 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. Knight of Swords: An enthusiastic man of action. One who confronts the world at full speed, with head held high. Sunny but fierce and leonine person. An uncompromising judge of character, like Michael the archangel. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. King of Staves, when reversed: Talent turned to pomposity. Complacency. Egocentricity. Provincial attitude. Sophistry which masks lack of principle of conviction. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Nine of Cups (Happiness), when reversed: Misleading freedom. Refusal to cleave to others. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Coins (Gain), when reversed: Stormy relationships. Unstable circumstances. Unseasonable activity. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. 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. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. King of Coins: A master of the material world. A man of affairs who is successful, expert and pragmatic. One who extracts wealth from its hiding places. A builder. A pillar of family, clan and community. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Seven of Coins (Assessment): A step forward, accomplished with grace and skill. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Three of Staves (Virtue), when reversed: Dishonesty and conflict in affairs. |
