| 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: Creativity. Change. Success in new undertakings. "A breath of fresh air." "New blood." The sanguine temperament of the Ace promotes experiment, reform and appreciation of beauty, both of people and of nature. |
 | 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. Five of Swords (Defeat), when reversed: Entering new experiences after persuasion or seduction. Undertaking new adventures. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Staves (Oppression), when reversed: Avoidance of pain and absence of pleasure. Obscurity and domesticity. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Ace of Swords, when reversed: The brutal aspect of power. Violence. Consuming heat. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Coins (Power): Lustful or greedy pursuit of someone or something. Irrational action. Unreasonable desire for wealth. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Six of Swords (Science): A daring expedition. An excursion or trip. Courageous act. Show of bravery. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. King of Staves, when reversed: Talent turned to pomposity. Complacency. Egocentricity. Provincial attitude. Sophistry which masks lack of principle of conviction. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Strength: Strength and fortitude. Moral resolve. Triumph over base instincts. Mens sana in corpore sana (Sound mind in a sound body). |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Page of Staves, when reversed: An unstable, indecisive and perhaps malicious person. A heartbreaker, gossiper, or bringer of bad news. |
