| The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. The Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg is the final commissioned work of Yuri Shakov, a master in the lost art of Russian miniature painting. The rich, dark images lend themselves to questions regarding the struggle of the human spirit in trying times. If you would like your own copy of the Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg, you can buy it now! |
 | The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Ace of Swords, when reversed: Debacle. Tyranny. Disaster. Self-destruction. Violent temper. Embarrassment. Obstacle. Infertility. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Narrow-mindedness. Maliciousness. Bigotry. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness. Prudishness. A treacherous enemy. An ill-tempered person. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. The Falling Tower, when reversed: Continued oppression. Following old way. Living in a rut. Inability to effect any worthwhile change. Entrapment in an unhappy situation. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. Two of Cups (Love): Love. Friendship beginning or renewed. Passion. Union. Engagement. Understanding. Cooperation. Partnership. Marriage. |
 | The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Seven of Cups (Temptation), when reversed: Desire. Determination. Strong willpower. A goal nearly attained. Intelligent choice. |
 | At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. Five of Cups (Disappointment), when reversed: Hopeful outlook. Favorable expectations. New alliances. Affinity. Return of an old friend. Reunion. |
 | The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Four of Cups (Luxury): Weariness. Aversion. Disgust. Disappointment. Bitter experience. Stationary period in life. |
 | The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. Page of Clubs, when reversed: Indecision. Reluctance. Instability. A gossip. Bearer of bad tidings. A heart breaker. Displeasure. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. Six of Cups (Pleasure), when reversed: The future. Opportunities ahead. Coming events. New vistas. Plans that may fail. That which will shortly arrive. |
