| 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. Five of Swords (Defeat): Stubbornness. Refusal to move into the future, to forget the past or to face pressing responsibilities. Dishonor. Stagnation. |
 | 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. Six of Cups (Pleasure), when reversed: Renunciation of the past. New resolve to face the future. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Judgment, when reversed: Delay. Procrastination. Mediocrity. Indecision. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Lovers: Romantic passion. Amorous attachment. The stages of love: discovery, attraction, pursuit, flirtation, courtship and consummation. The gifts of Aphrodite: beauty, youth, dalliance and delight. |
 | 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. Nine of Coins (Gain): Balance. Compromise. Security. The cycle of nature. The protection of family. A season of dormancy which makes later fertility possible. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Knight of Cups, when reversed: Fraudulent emotion. A charming, but irresponsible person. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Three of Staves (Virtue), when reversed: Dishonesty and conflict in affairs. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. King of Staves: A renaissance man, practical and imaginative, active and contemplative, forceful and chivalrous. Appreciation of the lessons and pleasures of life. Worldliness in the best sense. An intellectual, an artist or an inventor. |
