| 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. Four of Cups (Luxury): Jealousy and envy. Suspicion of a loved one. Nagging doubts. |
 | 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 Empress, when reversed: Stifling domesticity. Bourgeois limitations. High-handed matriarchy. Junoesque jealousy. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Temperance: Balance. Moderation. Harmony. "Nothing in excess." Blending of opposites. Androgyny. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ace of Coins: Prosperity. Security. Well-being. Material riches and spiritual richness. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Wheel of Fortune: The intrusion of chance into affairs. Unlikely coincidence. "What goes up, must come down." The intercession of good fortune in life. A sudden opportunity that must be exploited deftly and promptly; according to Machiavelli, in The Prince, Fortune is "bald behind", that is, once she runs past, it will be too late to grab her, and so she must be seized as she approaches, "by the forelock". |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Lovers: Romantic passion. Amorous attachment. The stages of love: discovery, attraction, pursuit, flirtation, courtship and consummation. The gifts of Aphrodite: beauty, youth, dalliance and delight. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Death: Death. Loss. Death and rebirth. End of an old situation and the beginning of a new one. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Hierophant, when reversed: Dogmatic beliefs. Spiritual authoritarianism. Enfeebled philosophizing. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Five of Staves (Strife), when reversed: A cautious step ahead without the aid of others. |
