| 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. Five of Cups (Disappointment): Partial loss. Regret. Friendship without real meaning. Marriage without real love. Inheritance. Incomplete union or partnership. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. King of Swords, when reversed: A person who may pursue a matter to ruin. Cruelty. Conflict. Selfishness. Sadism. One who causes unnecessary disturbance and sadness. Perversity. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. The World: Attachment. Completion. Perfection. Ultimate change. The end result of all efforts. Success. Synthesis. Fulfillment. Capability. Triumph in undertakings. The rewards that come from hard work. Eternal life. Admiration of others. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. Three of Coins (Works): Great skill in trade or work. Mastery. Perfection. Artistic ability. Dignity. Renown. Rank. Power. |
 | 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. Nine of Clubs (Strength), when reversed: Obstacles. Adversity. Problems. Delays. Disaster. Barriers to overcome. Ill health. |
 | 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 Lovers: Love. Beauty. Perfection. Harmony. Trust. Beginning of a romance. Deep feeling. Optimism. Freedom of emotion. The necessity of testing or subjecting to trial. Struggle between sacred and profane love. A meaningful affair. |
 | 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. The Hermit, when reversed: Imprudence. Hastiness. Rashness. Prematurity. Incorrect advice. Failure caused by dullness. Over-prudence causes unnecessary delays. |
 | 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. Ace of Clubs, when reversed: False start. Cloudy outlook. Unrealized goal. Decadence. Empty existence. Vexation. Cancellation of plans. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. Page of Coins, when reversed: An unrealistic person. Failure to recognize obvious facts. Dissipation of ideas. Illogical thinking. Rebelliousness. Wastefulness. Unfavorable news. |
