| 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. The Fool, when reversed: A false step. Impetuous beginning. Rash and irrational behavior. Childishness. Bacchic intoxication, oblivion and violence. |
 | 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. The Sun: Glory and rejoicing. The light of reason. The flower of manhood. Inspiration in poetry and music. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Lovers, when reversed: Love unrequited, star-crossed, soured, illicit, blind or foolish. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Five of Cups (Disappointment): Serious, but not irreversible mistake. A betrayal born of lack of faith. Beauty found and lost, where ugliness was expected. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ten of Swords (Ruin): Calamity. The failure of a hero, foretold in prophesy, but brought about by the hero's own choices. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Hierophant: The abstract, spiritual and intellectual side of the animus, or masculine nature of the soul. Spiritual authority. Religious tradition. Avuncular wisdom. The old order and the old school. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The High Priestess: The abstract, spiritual and intellectual face of the anima, which is the feminine nature of the soul. Primordial feminine wisdom. The cyclic and balancing forces of nature. The ancient underground tradition of healing arts, magic, and spiritual mystery. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Five of Swords (Defeat), when reversed: Entering new experiences after persuasion or seduction. Undertaking new adventures. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Nine of Cups (Happiness), when reversed: Misleading freedom. Refusal to cleave to others. |
