| 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. Seven of Swords (Futility), when reversed: Uncertainty. Disagreements. |
 | 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 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Six of Staves (Victory): Triumph over great difficulties. A glorious victory. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Four of Staves (Completion): Calm, pleasurable and perhaps amorous interlude. A playful balance of opposites, like the exchange made by Herakles and Queen Omphale. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Ace of Swords: In the realm of events, the card signifies triumphant power. Whether for good or ill. For the life of the mind it represents the active, passionate impulses. It declares the dominance of the will and zealous, even fanatical, political or religious convictions. It is the sword of righteousness. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ten of Staves (Oppression), when reversed: Avoidance of pain and absence of pleasure. Obscurity and domesticity. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Page of Cups: A young person of sensitive and meditative nature, capable of deep loyalty and profound affection. A conscientious worker. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Six of Swords (Science), when reversed: A bluff. Deceptive show of force. A desperate attempt to impress. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Eight of Staves (Swiftness): An explosion of movement and activity. A dramatic event. An unusual manifestation. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Page of Coins, when reversed: An unrealistic deluded state of mind. Rationalizations. Pseudoscience. |
