| 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. Six of Staves (Victory): Triumph over great difficulties. A glorious victory. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." |
 | 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 Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Four of Swords (Truce), when reversed: Cautious recommencement of activity. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Eight of Coins (Prudence), when reversed: Vanity. Dishonesty. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Devil: Wickedness and danger. Darkness and licentiousness. Slavery to the senses. Imprisonment by baser instincts. Temptation. Selfishness. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Six of Coins (Success), when reversed: Refusal to help others. Pomposity. Stinginess. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Star, when reversed: Fleeting peace. Melancholy. Pensiveness. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
