| 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. Queen of Staves: A person of sunny disposition, accomplished, graceful and gracious. A patroness or adept of the fine arts and sciences. A wedding of intelligence and creativity, giving flower in fruitfulness. |
 | 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. Nine of Swords (Cruelty), when reversed: Slander. Suspicion. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Fame or glory blooming forth from misfortune. Cruel reality ennobled by art. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Death, when reversed: Death averted. Brush with danger. Rising from a deathlike sleep. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Temperance: Balance. Moderation. Harmony. "Nothing in excess." Blending of opposites. Androgyny. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Hierophant, when reversed: Dogmatic beliefs. Spiritual authoritarianism. Enfeebled philosophizing. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ace of Cups: The free reign of the heart in overflowing joy and abundant love. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Four of Coins (Power), when reversed: Equanimity. Suspension of conflict. Balance of power. |
