| 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. Three of Swords (Sorrow): Conflict of two mighty forces for the possession or mastery of something or someone. A dangerous triangle. |
 | 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. King of Coins, when reversed: If intelligent, one susceptible to the influence of the child of Saturn, Accidia, the inertia and melancholy of the philosophers. If conventional, then an avarice and greedy person preoccupied with money, with an idolatrous faith in the exploitation of the earth and a distrust of nature. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. King of Swords, when reversed: Abuse of power. Tyranny. Cruelty. The empty striving for control. A failed attempt at mastery. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Queen of Staves, when reversed: A dilettante. An impatient or jaded connoisseur. A superficial or pretentious person. A frustrated artist. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Cups (Luxury): Jealousy and envy. Suspicion of a loved one. Nagging doubts. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. King of Cups: A dignified and accomplished person, compassionate and intuitively accurate. A successful professional, humanitarian and idealistic. One who appreciates the Dionysian side of the arts and the wild, mysterious aspect of nature. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ten of Coins (Wealth): Prosperity. Tranquility. Family affection. |
 | 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. Knight of Coins: A responsible and hardworking young person, efficient and persevering. An organizer, cataloguer, and pathfinder. A person attached to the realities of life, but with a quixotic streak. A person who is serious yet quick to laugh. |