| 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. Knight of Swords, when reversed: Opinionated person who is too quick to condemn others. Bigotry. Action without forethought. |
 | 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. Eight of Cups (Indolence): A moment of surrender to external forces. Capitulation to inner promptings. Giving in to temptation. Giving oneself over to oblivion, to intoxication, to sleep. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Knight of Cups, when reversed: Fraudulent emotion. A charming, but irresponsible person. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Strength, when reversed: Weakness. Unresolved conflict. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Star, when reversed: Fleeting peace. Melancholy. Pensiveness. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. King of Coins, when reversed: If intelligent, one susceptible to the influence of the child of Saturn, Accidia, the inertia and melancholy of the philosophers. If conventional, then an avarice and greedy person preoccupied with money, with an idolatrous faith in the exploitation of the earth and a distrust of nature. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Three of Swords (Sorrow): Conflict of two mighty forces for the possession or mastery of something or someone. A dangerous triangle. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Chariot, when reversed: Bullying. Grandstanding. Sword rattling. A setback or defeat. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. King of Staves: A renaissance man, practical and imaginative, active and contemplative, forceful and chivalrous. Appreciation of the lessons and pleasures of life. Worldliness in the best sense. An intellectual, an artist or an inventor. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Four of Coins (Power), when reversed: Equanimity. Suspension of conflict. Balance of power. |
