| 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. 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 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. Four of Coins (Power), when reversed: Equanimity. Suspension of conflict. Balance of power. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Fool: The personality in the primal state, the willful child in all of us. Instinct. Innocence. Impulsive actions. Setting off in a new direction in life. Liberation of the impulses. Insight and wit from instinct rather than instruction. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Three of Staves (Virtue), when reversed: Dishonesty and conflict in affairs. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Three of Coins (Works), when reversed: Imbalance. Imperfection. Mediocrity. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Two of Cups (Love), when reversed: Separation. Dissolution. Unhappy love. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Chariot: Victory. Triumph over opposition. New order. Change by force. The chariot of the soul pulled to one side by the force of vigilance and restraint, or drawn to the other side by the force of passions. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Emperor: Worldly authority. Professional success. Social power. The life of action and decision, especially in politics and business. Patriarch, clan leader, and pater familias. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Lovers: Romantic passion. Amorous attachment. The stages of love: discovery, attraction, pursuit, flirtation, courtship and consummation. The gifts of Aphrodite: beauty, youth, dalliance and delight. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Queen of Cups, when reversed: A melodramatic scene stealer. A sentimental hypochondriac. A person prey to wild and shifting emotional fancies. |
