| 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. Five of Staves (Strife): A project or adventure abandoned or cut short because of the departure or disappearance of a necessary colleague, partner, friend or lieutenant. |
 | 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. The Fool, when reversed: A false step. Impetuous beginning. Rash and irrational behavior. Childishness. Bacchic intoxication, oblivion and violence. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Three of Coins (Works), when reversed: Imbalance. Imperfection. Mediocrity. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Six of Coins (Success): Generosity. Philanthropy. Charity. A wise and compassionate decision. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Four of Coins (Power): Lustful or greedy pursuit of someone or something. Irrational action. Unreasonable desire for wealth. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Magician: Mastery of words and of matter. Eloquence, including eloquent silence and Hermetic wisdom. Mediator, messenger, and communicator. The Magician may be a sage or just a quick talker. He is a master-manipulator of the material world, but the miracles he effects may be true physical and metaphysical transformation of mere illusion and technical tricks. With Hermes, one never knows; he is the god of orators and liars, merchants and thieves, trickery and arcane science. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. King of Coins: A master of the material world. A man of affairs who is successful, expert and pragmatic. One who extracts wealth from its hiding places. A builder. A pillar of family, clan and community. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Six of Cups (Pleasure), when reversed: Renunciation of the past. New resolve to face the future. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Page of Staves: A young person of faithful countenance who, even unintentionally, helps others. An unofficial Hermes: a carrier of important news, an envoy, a guide, a pleasant stranger. A suave, bring and noble soul. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Five of Swords (Defeat), when reversed: Entering new experiences after persuasion or seduction. Undertaking new adventures. |
