| 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. The Hanged Man: Sacrifice. Vigilance. Martyrlike forbearance. Suspension or paralysis of the soul. A mind divided and undecided. Stasis and constraint. |
 | 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. Wheel of Fortune: The intrusion of chance into affairs. Unlikely coincidence. "What goes up, must come down." The intercession of good fortune in life. A sudden opportunity that must be exploited deftly and promptly; according to Machiavelli, in The Prince, Fortune is "bald behind", that is, once she runs past, it will be too late to grab her, and so she must be seized as she approaches, "by the forelock". |
 | 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 Coins (Wealth), when reversed: Risk. Future in doubt. Gambling with one's well being. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Seven of Swords (Futility): Favorable turn of events. Hope for sustained success. Vigilance and strength. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Four of Swords (Truce): Retreat from the battlefield of life. A rest from the conflicts with colleagues or competitors. Calm in the storm. Self-imposed exile. |
 | 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. Five of Coins (Worry), when reversed: Reversal of a difficult situation. Gradual improvement. Encouraging news. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Eight of Cups (Indolence), when reversed: Awareness. Perseverance. Optimism. |
 | 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. King of Swords, when reversed: Abuse of power. Tyranny. Cruelty. The empty striving for control. A failed attempt at mastery. |
