| 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. 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. |
 | 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. The Chariot, when reversed: Bullying. Grandstanding. Sword rattling. A setback or defeat. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Two of Cups (Love): The flower of first love, of love at first sight. The bond between two people, invisible but formidable. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Nine of Coins (Gain), when reversed: Stormy relationships. Unstable circumstances. Unseasonable activity. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Emperor: Worldly authority. Professional success. Social power. The life of action and decision, especially in politics and business. Patriarch, clan leader, and pater familias. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Consuming fire; the flames of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc, Phaedra's misguided passion, Medea's jealousy, Lady Macbeth's ambition. Fire, if left to burn unchecked, can consume the soul. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Six of Staves (Victory): Triumph over great difficulties. A glorious victory. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ace of Staves: Creativity. Change. Success in new undertakings. "A breath of fresh air." "New blood." The sanguine temperament of the Ace promotes experiment, reform and appreciation of beauty, both of people and of nature. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Moon, when reversed: Gradual clarity. New hope. Light of dawn. |
