| 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. Queen of Coins: A person who embodies richness and fertility, generous, opulent, gracious and noble. A cornucopia of delights. A rock of security. A brilliant crystal of insight. A rich field for new growth. |
 | 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. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Consuming fire; the flames of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc, Phaedra's misguided passion, Medea's jealousy, Lady Macbeth's ambition. Fire, if left to burn unchecked, can consume the soul. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Four of Swords (Truce), when reversed: Cautious recommencement of activity. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. King of Staves: A renaissance man, practical and imaginative, active and contemplative, forceful and chivalrous. Appreciation of the lessons and pleasures of life. Worldliness in the best sense. An intellectual, an artist or an inventor. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Five of Staves (Strife), when reversed: A cautious step ahead without the aid of others. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ten of Cups (Satiety): The union of love and the soul. Happiness in love. Balance in friendship. Joyful equanimity in oneself. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ten of Staves (Oppression): A final trial before an enduring reward. The greater the struggle, the greater the reward. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The High Priestess: The abstract, spiritual and intellectual face of the anima, which is the feminine nature of the soul. Primordial feminine wisdom. The cyclic and balancing forces of nature. The ancient underground tradition of healing arts, magic, and spiritual mystery. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Death, when reversed: Death averted. Brush with danger. Rising from a deathlike sleep. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Star: Blessedness. Tranquility. Beauty. |
