| 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. Six of Cups (Pleasure), when reversed: Renunciation of the past. New resolve to face the future. |
 | 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. Ten of Staves (Oppression): A final trial before an enduring reward. The greater the struggle, the greater the reward. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Six of Swords (Science), when reversed: A bluff. Deceptive show of force. A desperate attempt to impress. |
 | 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. Death: Death. Loss. Death and rebirth. End of an old situation and the beginning of a new one. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Page of Staves: A young person of faithful countenance who, even unintentionally, helps others. An unofficial Hermes: a carrier of important news, an envoy, a guide, a pleasant stranger. A suave, bring and noble soul. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Eight of Staves (Swiftness), when reversed: Bewilderment. Awe. Temporary immobility. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Seven of Cups (Temptation): Living in a world of fantasy and illusion. Unrealistic and vain hopes. Dependence on external and even supernatural aid. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Queen of Swords: A person of sharp insight, persuasive, powerful and thorough. If extroverted, an administrator, an organizer, a firebrand, splendid as a summer's day - and sometimes as overwhelming. If introverted, a person of deep sentiment, susceptible to flights of ecstasy, of the flames of inner torment. |
