| The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. The Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg is the final commissioned work of Yuri Shakov, a master in the lost art of Russian miniature painting. The rich, dark images lend themselves to questions regarding the struggle of the human spirit in trying times. If you would like your own copy of the Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg, you can buy it now! |
 | The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Knight of Coins: A mature and responsible person. Reliable. Methodical. Patient. Persistent. Ability to conclude a task. Laborious. Organized. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Four of Cups (Luxury), when reversed: New possibilities. New relationships. New approaches to old problems. New knowledge. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. The Star: Hope. Faith. Inspiration. Bright prospects. Mixing of the past and present. Optimism. Insight. Good omen. Spiritual love. Astrological influence. Fulfillment. Pleasure. The proper balance of desire and work, hope and effort, love and expression. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Narrow-mindedness. Maliciousness. Bigotry. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness. Prudishness. A treacherous enemy. An ill-tempered person. |
 | The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Justice, when reversed: Bias. False accusations. Bigotry. Severity in judgment. Intolerance. Unfairness. Abuse. |
 | At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. Eight of Swords (Interference): Crisis. Conflict. Domination. Imprisonment. Turmoil. Bad news. Criticism. Sickness. Calumny. |
 | The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Ace of Clubs: Creation. Beginning. Invention. Start of an undertaking. Fortune. Enterprise. Gain. Inheritance. Birth of a child. Beginning of a meaningful experience. An adventure. Escapade. |
 | The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. The Chariot, when reversed: Failure. To lose at the last minute something otherwise in your grasp. Sudden collapse of plans. Overwhelmed. Failure to face reality. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. The Devil: Ravage. Bondage. Malevolence. Subservience. Downfall. Weird experience. Bad outside influence or advice. Black magic. Unexpected failure. Inability to realize goals. Violence. Shock. Fatality. Self-punishment. Temptation to evil. Self-destruction. |
