| 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 Cups (Disappointment), when reversed: New friends and renewal of old friendships. |
 | 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 Hermit: Introspection. Retreat. Pilgrimage. Spiritual quest. The search in oneself and in the world for the "Honest Man" of Diogenes the philosopher. Meditation on the passage of time and the dissolution of matter. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Five of Swords (Defeat), when reversed: Entering new experiences after persuasion or seduction. Undertaking new adventures. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Queen of Staves: A person of sunny disposition, accomplished, graceful and gracious. A patroness or adept of the fine arts and sciences. A wedding of intelligence and creativity, giving flower in fruitfulness. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The World: Completion and perfection. Focus. Synthesis. Interweaving. The vast design of nature. The interconnecting patterns of experience. Fulfillment and success. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Cups (Happiness): Difficulties overcome. Favorable agreement. Reconciliation. A new beginning. Renewal of trust. Bestowal of forgiveness. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Four of Swords (Truce), when reversed: Cautious recommencement of activity. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Queen of Coins, when reversed: A cornucopia emptied. A heart of stone. Crystalline coldness. A field barren and gone to seed. Preoccupation of wealth and security that stifles enjoyment of both. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Three of Swords (Sorrow): Conflict of two mighty forces for the possession or mastery of something or someone. A dangerous triangle. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
