| The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. The Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg is the final commissioned work of Yuri Shakov, a master in the lost art of Russian miniature painting. The rich, dark images lend themselves to questions regarding the struggle of the human spirit in trying times. If you would like your own copy of the Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg, you can buy it now! |
 | The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Queen of Cups, when reversed: Dishonesty. Unreliability. Vice. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Page of Cups: A studious and intent person. Reflective. Meditative. Loyal. Willingness to offer services and efforts toward a specific goal. A helpful person. A trustworthy worker. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. The Sun, when reversed: Unhappiness. Loneliness. Possibly a broken engagement or marriage. Canceled plans. Triumph delayed although not necessarily completely lost. Clouded future. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. Nine of Cups (Happiness): Success. Material attainment. Advantage. Well-being. Abundance. Good health. Difficulties surmounted. |
 | The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. The Hermit, when reversed: Imprudence. Hastiness. Rashness. Prematurity. Incorrect advice. Failure caused by dullness. Over-prudence causes unnecessary delays. |
 | At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. Ten of Clubs (Oppression): Pressure. Problems soon to be resolved. Striving to meet a goal or to maintain a certain level or position. Possibly using power for selfish ends. |
 | The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Five of Swords (Defeat): Conquest. Defeat. Destruction of others. Degradation. Adversary may arise. Revocation. Infamy. Dishonor. |
 | The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. Eight of Clubs (Swiftness), when reversed: Thorns of dispute. Jealousy. Harassment. Stagnation. Domestic quarrels. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. The Chariot: Adversity, possible already overcome. Conflicting influences. Turmoil. Vengeance. Success. Possibly a voyage or journey. Escape. Rushing to a decision. Need to pay attention to details. Urgency to gain control of one's emotions. |
