| 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. Death, when reversed: Death averted. Brush with danger. Rising from a deathlike sleep. |
 | 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. Five of Staves (Strife), when reversed: A cautious step ahead without the aid of others. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Seven of Cups (Temptation): Living in a world of fantasy and illusion. Unrealistic and vain hopes. Dependence on external and even supernatural aid. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Four of Swords (Truce), when reversed: Cautious recommencement of activity. |
 | 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. Eight of Swords (Interference): Emotional disaster. Loss of a beloved person or a valued situation. A sadness that creates a new strength and resolve. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Consuming fire; the flames of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc, Phaedra's misguided passion, Medea's jealousy, Lady Macbeth's ambition. Fire, if left to burn unchecked, can consume the soul. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Queen of Coins, when reversed: A cornucopia emptied. A heart of stone. Crystalline coldness. A field barren and gone to seed. Preoccupation of wealth and security that stifles enjoyment of both. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Wheel of Fortune, when reversed: Inauspicious atmosphere. Strange omens. Dark auguries. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Hierophant, when reversed: Dogmatic beliefs. Spiritual authoritarianism. Enfeebled philosophizing. |
