| 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. Three of Staves (Virtue): Achievement attained after a long chase. A rare and glowing prize. |
 | 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. Page of Swords: A Passionate young person given to seeking out the heart of the matter, even to the point of spying. Vigilance and quiet intensity. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Strength: Strength and fortitude. Moral resolve. Triumph over base instincts. Mens sana in corpore sana (Sound mind in a sound body). |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Three of Swords (Sorrow): Conflict of two mighty forces for the possession or mastery of something or someone. A dangerous triangle. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Devil: Wickedness and danger. Darkness and licentiousness. Slavery to the senses. Imprisonment by baser instincts. Temptation. Selfishness. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Coins (Power), when reversed: Equanimity. Suspension of conflict. Balance of power. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Hermit: Introspection. Retreat. Pilgrimage. Spiritual quest. The search in oneself and in the world for the "Honest Man" of Diogenes the philosopher. Meditation on the passage of time and the dissolution of matter. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Three of Coins (Works): Beauty. Balance. Harmony. Well-being. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Queen of Staves, when reversed: A dilettante. An impatient or jaded connoisseur. A superficial or pretentious person. A frustrated artist. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
