| 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 Cups, when reversed: Fraudulent emotion. A charming, but irresponsible person. |
 | 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 Lovers, when reversed: Love unrequited, star-crossed, soured, illicit, blind or foolish. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Hermit: Introspection. Retreat. Pilgrimage. Spiritual quest. The search in oneself and in the world for the "Honest Man" of Diogenes the philosopher. Meditation on the passage of time and the dissolution of matter. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Eight of Swords (Interference), when reversed: The lingering presence of a betrayal. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Tower: Comeuppance. Setback. Disaster. Arrogance of pride cast down by Providence. Unforeseen event. Calamity. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Six of Cups (Pleasure): Regret and nostalgia for a time past or a love lost. Disillusionment. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Ace of Cups: The free reign of the heart in overflowing joy and abundant love. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Three of Swords (Sorrow): Conflict of two mighty forces for the possession or mastery of something or someone. A dangerous triangle. |
