| The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. The Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg is the final commissioned work of Yuri Shakov, a master in the lost art of Russian miniature painting. The rich, dark images lend themselves to questions regarding the struggle of the human spirit in trying times. If you would like your own copy of the Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg, you can buy it now! |
 | The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. The Empress, when reversed: Vacillation. Inaction. Lack of interest. Lack of concentration. Indecision. Delay. Anxiety. Infertility. Infidelity. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Seven of Swords (Futility), when reversed: Arguments. Uncertain counsel or advice. Circumspection. Slander. Babbling. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Judgment: Atonement. Judgment. The need to repent and forgive. The moment in which to account for the manner in which we have used our opportunities. Rejuvenation. Rebirth. Improvement. Development. Promotion. The desire for immortality. Legal judgment in one's favor. One should carefully consider how one's present actions affects other persons. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. Knight of Coins: A mature and responsible person. Reliable. Methodical. Patient. Persistent. Ability to conclude a task. Laborious. Organized. |
 | The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Ace of Swords, when reversed: Debacle. Tyranny. Disaster. Self-destruction. Violent temper. Embarrassment. Obstacle. Infertility. |
 | At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. The World, when reversed: Imperfection. Failure to complete the task that one starts. Lack of vision. Disappointment. |
 | The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Three of Coins (Works), when reversed: Sloppiness. Mediocrity. Money problems. Commonplace ideas. Lack of skill. Preoccupation. |
 | The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. The Hierophant: Ritualism. Mercy. Kindness. Forgiveness. Inspiration. Compassion. Servitude. Inactivity. Timidity. Captivity to ones own ideas. Tendency to cling to outdated ideas and principles. Conformity. A religious or spiritual leader. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. The Hermit, when reversed: Imprudence. Hastiness. Rashness. Prematurity. Incorrect advice. Failure caused by dullness. Over-prudence causes unnecessary delays. |
