| 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. Strength, when reversed: Weakness. Unresolved conflict. |
 | 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. Five of Coins (Worry), when reversed: Reversal of a difficult situation. Gradual improvement. Encouraging news. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Chariot: Victory. Triumph over opposition. New order. Change by force. The chariot of the soul pulled to one side by the force of vigilance and restraint, or drawn to the other side by the force of passions. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Hierophant: The abstract, spiritual and intellectual side of the animus, or masculine nature of the soul. Spiritual authority. Religious tradition. Avuncular wisdom. The old order and the old school. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Seven of Staves (Valor), when reversed: Embarrassment. Missed opportunities. Hesitation resulting in predicament. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Knight of Staves, when reversed: Travel canceled or postponed. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Empress, when reversed: Stifling domesticity. Bourgeois limitations. High-handed matriarchy. Junoesque jealousy. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Six of Swords (Science), when reversed: A bluff. Deceptive show of force. A desperate attempt to impress. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
