| 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 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 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. Page of Swords, when reversed: An impostor or unmasked agent. Misguided search. Voyeurism. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Empress: Feminine fertility and power. Civilization. Domestic tradition. Family and childrearing. The active, fecund aspect of the anima. The mother and the queen, on earth and in heaven. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Staves (Strength), when reversed: Barriers, difficulties. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Wheel of Fortune, when reversed: Inauspicious atmosphere. Strange omens. Dark auguries. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Fool: The personality in the primal state, the willful child in all of us. Instinct. Innocence. Impulsive actions. Setting off in a new direction in life. Liberation of the impulses. Insight and wit from instinct rather than instruction. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Fame or glory blooming forth from misfortune. Cruel reality ennobled by art. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Eight of Cups (Indolence), when reversed: Awareness. Perseverance. Optimism. |
