| 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 Cups (Indolence): A moment of surrender to external forces. Capitulation to inner promptings. Giving in to temptation. Giving oneself over to oblivion, to intoxication, to sleep. |
 | 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. 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 at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Page of Swords: A Passionate young person given to seeking out the heart of the matter, even to the point of spying. Vigilance and quiet intensity. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Death, when reversed: Death averted. Brush with danger. Rising from a deathlike sleep. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Swords (Truce): Retreat from the battlefield of life. A rest from the conflicts with colleagues or competitors. Calm in the storm. Self-imposed exile. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ace of Staves, when reversed: A beginning that is faulty from lack of conviction or from an excess of complacency. |
 | 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. King of Cups, when reversed: An ineffectual, unsteady person, talented but emotionally at sea. |
