| 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. Page of Swords, when reversed: An impostor revealed. Illness is possible. Powerlessness in the face of stronger forces. Lack of preparation. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Seven of Cups (Temptation): Fantasy. Imagination. Daydreams. Foolish whims. Wishful thinking. Illusionary success. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Eight of Cups (Indolence), when reversed: Effort continued until full success is attained. Festivity. Gaiety. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. The Sun, when reversed: Unhappiness. Loneliness. Possibly a broken engagement or marriage. Canceled plans. Triumph delayed although not necessarily completely lost. Clouded future. |
 | 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. The Lovers: Love. Beauty. Perfection. Harmony. Trust. Beginning of a romance. Deep feeling. Optimism. Freedom of emotion. The necessity of testing or subjecting to trial. Struggle between sacred and profane love. A meaningful affair. |
 | 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. Seven of Clubs (Valor): Success. Gain. Overwhelming odds surmounted. Advantage. Victory. |
 | 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. 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 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. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Narrow-mindedness. Maliciousness. Bigotry. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness. Prudishness. A treacherous enemy. An ill-tempered person. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. Five of Swords (Defeat), when reversed: Uncertain outlook. Chance of loss or defeat. Weakness. Possible misfortune misfalling a friend. Seduction. Burial. |
