| 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. King of Staves, when reversed: Talent turned to pomposity. Complacency. Egocentricity. Provincial attitude. Sophistry which masks lack of principle of conviction. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Page of Cups, when reversed: Emotional excess. Distraction. Seduction. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ace of Coins, when reversed: Wealth without happiness. Obsession with money. Avarice. Greed. Worry. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Magician: Mastery of words and of matter. Eloquence, including eloquent silence and Hermetic wisdom. Mediator, messenger, and communicator. The Magician may be a sage or just a quick talker. He is a master-manipulator of the material world, but the miracles he effects may be true physical and metaphysical transformation of mere illusion and technical tricks. With Hermes, one never knows; he is the god of orators and liars, merchants and thieves, trickery and arcane science. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Cups (Luxury), when reversed: New faith. New hope. A return to trust. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Five of Swords (Defeat): Stubbornness. Refusal to move into the future, to forget the past or to face pressing responsibilities. Dishonor. Stagnation. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Nine of Staves (Strength), when reversed: Barriers, difficulties. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Tower: Comeuppance. Setback. Disaster. Arrogance of pride cast down by Providence. Unforeseen event. Calamity. |
