| 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. The Emperor: Worldly authority. Professional success. Social power. The life of action and decision, especially in politics and business. Patriarch, clan leader, and pater familias. |
 | 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. Two of Swords (Peace), when reversed: False friendship. Misunderstanding or duplicity, particularly between mentor and student. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Knight of Swords: An enthusiastic man of action. One who confronts the world at full speed, with head held high. Sunny but fierce and leonine person. An uncompromising judge of character, like Michael the archangel. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Tower, when reversed: Disaster avoided. Dramatic rescue. False alarm. |
 | 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. The Hanged Man, when reversed: Masochism. Self-imposed confinement. Potential release from bondage. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Star: Blessedness. Tranquility. Beauty. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Ace of Cups, when reversed: Love unsatisfied or unrequited. Love trickling away, eroded by time, thoughtlessness and selfishness. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Page of Swords, when reversed: An impostor or unmasked agent. Misguided search. Voyeurism. |
