| 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. Knight of Staves: A traveler. A journey. The call of far away places. The arrival or return of a pilgrim or wanderer. A person of far-ranging interests and restless curiosity who is desirous of change and transformation. Inventive and artistic, but sometimes absent-minded person. Having one's "head in the clouds." |
 | 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. 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 Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. King of Cups, when reversed: An ineffectual, unsteady person, talented but emotionally at sea. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 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. Five of Staves (Strife), when reversed: A cautious step ahead without the aid of others. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Two of Staves (Dominion): A decisive, perhaps early, accomplishment. Confirmation of boldness and courage. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Nine of Staves (Strength), when reversed: Barriers, difficulties. |
