| 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. The Hierophant: The abstract, spiritual and intellectual side of the animus, or masculine nature of the soul. Spiritual authority. Religious tradition. Avuncular wisdom. The old order and the old school. |
 | 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 Staves: A renaissance man, practical and imaginative, active and contemplative, forceful and chivalrous. Appreciation of the lessons and pleasures of life. Worldliness in the best sense. An intellectual, an artist or an inventor. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Page of Coins, when reversed: An unrealistic deluded state of mind. Rationalizations. Pseudoscience. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Two of Coins (Change): Unusual turn of events. Unexpected difficulties. Untried emotions. Uncharacteristic behavior. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Empress: Feminine fertility and power. Civilization. Domestic tradition. Family and childrearing. The active, fecund aspect of the anima. The mother and the queen, on earth and in heaven. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Fame or glory blooming forth from misfortune. Cruel reality ennobled by art. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Eight of Swords (Interference): Emotional disaster. Loss of a beloved person or a valued situation. A sadness that creates a new strength and resolve. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Five of Cups (Disappointment): Serious, but not irreversible mistake. A betrayal born of lack of faith. Beauty found and lost, where ugliness was expected. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Three of Staves (Virtue): Achievement attained after a long chase. A rare and glowing prize. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Page of Swords: A Passionate young person given to seeking out the heart of the matter, even to the point of spying. Vigilance and quiet intensity. |
