| 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 Coins: Deep concentration and application. Scholarship. Reflection. Desire for new ideas. A do-gooder. Bearer of news. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. The Lovers, when reversed: Failure to meet the test. Unreliability. Separation. Frustration in love and marriage. Interference. Fickleness. Unwise plans. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Two of Clubs (Dominion), when reversed: Sadness. Trouble. Restraint caused by others. Loss of faith. Surprise. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. The Hanged Man, when reversed: Lack of sacrifice. Unwillingness to make the necessary effort. Failure to give of oneself. Egotism. False prophecy. Useless sacrifice. |
 | 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. Ace of Swords: Great determination. Initiative. Strength. Force. Activity. Excessiveness. Triumph. Power. Success. Fertility. Prosperity. Deep emotional feeling. Love. Championship. Conquest. |
 | 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. The Hierophant: Ritualism. Mercy. Kindness. Forgiveness. Inspiration. Compassion. Servitude. Inactivity. Timidity. Captivity to ones own ideas. Tendency to cling to outdated ideas and principles. Conformity. A religious or spiritual leader. |
 | 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. Eight of Coins (Prudence): Apprenticeship. Craftsmanship. Quickness to learn. Candor. Modesty. Handiwork. Personal effort. |
 | 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. Nine of Cups (Happiness), when reversed: Mistakes. Material loss. Imperfections. Misplaced trust. False freedom. Opposition. Differences. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. Ace of Clubs: Creation. Beginning. Invention. Start of an undertaking. Fortune. Enterprise. Gain. Inheritance. Birth of a child. Beginning of a meaningful experience. An adventure. Escapade. |
