| 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. Seven of Staves (Valor), when reversed: Embarrassment. Missed opportunities. Hesitation resulting in predicament. |
 | 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. Three of Staves (Virtue): Achievement attained after a long chase. A rare and glowing prize. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Eight of Coins (Prudence), when reversed: Vanity. Dishonesty. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Nine of Staves (Strength), when reversed: Barriers, difficulties. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Hermit: Introspection. Retreat. Pilgrimage. Spiritual quest. The search in oneself and in the world for the "Honest Man" of Diogenes the philosopher. Meditation on the passage of time and the dissolution of matter. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Page of Staves, when reversed: An unstable, indecisive and perhaps malicious person. A heartbreaker, gossiper, or bringer of bad news. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Ten of Swords (Ruin): Calamity. The failure of a hero, foretold in prophesy, but brought about by the hero's own choices. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Ten of Staves (Oppression): A final trial before an enduring reward. The greater the struggle, the greater the reward. |
