| 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. Ten of Cups (Satiety): The union of love and the soul. Happiness in love. Balance in friendship. Joyful equanimity in oneself. |
 | 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. 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 at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Emperor, when reversed: Tyranny. Pomposity. Jove-like self-indulgence. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Staves (Victory): Triumph over great difficulties. A glorious victory. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Star, when reversed: Fleeting peace. Melancholy. Pensiveness. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Sun, when reversed: Poignance of dusk. Twilight shadows. Nostalgia. Haunting memories. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Justice, when reversed: Justice miscarried or delayed. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Fool, when reversed: A false step. Impetuous beginning. Rash and irrational behavior. Childishness. Bacchic intoxication, oblivion and violence. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
