| 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. Ace of Staves, when reversed: A beginning that is faulty from lack of conviction or from an excess of complacency. |
 | 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 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Six of Coins (Success), when reversed: Refusal to help others. Pomposity. Stinginess. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Nine of Cups (Happiness): Difficulties overcome. Favorable agreement. Reconciliation. A new beginning. Renewal of trust. Bestowal of forgiveness. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Swords (Truce), when reversed: Cautious recommencement of activity. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The High Priestess, when reversed: Obfuscation. Mumbo jumbo. Heresy. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Queen of Swords: A person of sharp insight, persuasive, powerful and thorough. If extroverted, an administrator, an organizer, a firebrand, splendid as a summer's day - and sometimes as overwhelming. If introverted, a person of deep sentiment, susceptible to flights of ecstasy, of the flames of inner torment. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Five of Coins (Worry), when reversed: Reversal of a difficult situation. Gradual improvement. Encouraging news. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Strength, when reversed: Weakness. Unresolved conflict. |
