| 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. Five of Staves (Strife): A project or adventure abandoned or cut short because of the departure or disappearance of a necessary colleague, partner, friend or lieutenant. |
 | 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 Devil: Wickedness and danger. Darkness and licentiousness. Slavery to the senses. Imprisonment by baser instincts. Temptation. Selfishness. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Ace of Cups, when reversed: Love unsatisfied or unrequited. Love trickling away, eroded by time, thoughtlessness and selfishness. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Page of Swords, when reversed: An impostor or unmasked agent. Misguided search. Voyeurism. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. King of Cups: A dignified and accomplished person, compassionate and intuitively accurate. A successful professional, humanitarian and idealistic. One who appreciates the Dionysian side of the arts and the wild, mysterious aspect of nature. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. King of Swords: A man of volatile temperament. A born fighter and ruler. A person in complete command. Self-mastery. Expertise. A person who prefers action to reflection - above all, dramatic, decisive action. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Two of Cups (Love): The flower of first love, of love at first sight. The bond between two people, invisible but formidable. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Four of Swords (Truce), when reversed: Cautious recommencement of activity. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Six of Coins (Success), when reversed: Refusal to help others. Pomposity. Stinginess. |
