| 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. 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 second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Seven of Coins (Assessment): Ingenuity. Growth. Hard work. Progress. Successful dealings. Money. Treasure. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Benefit. Profit. Temporary gain. Improvement. Passing success. Momentary advantage. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. The Star: Hope. Faith. Inspiration. Bright prospects. Mixing of the past and present. Optimism. Insight. Good omen. Spiritual love. Astrological influence. Fulfillment. Pleasure. The proper balance of desire and work, hope and effort, love and expression. |
 | 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. Four of Coins (Power), when reversed: Setbacks in material matters. Opposition to further gain. Suspense and delay. Spendthrift. |
 | 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. Seven of Swords (Futility): New plans. Wishes. Fortitude. Perseverance. Endeavor. Hope. Confidence. Fantasy. Partial success. |
 | 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 World, when reversed: Imperfection. Failure to complete the task that one starts. Lack of vision. Disappointment. |
 | 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. Queen of Coins, when reversed: False prosperity. Suspense. Suspicion. Responsibilities neglected. Distrustful person. Far of failure. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. Five of Coins (Worry): Destitution. Loss. Failure. Error. Mistress. Lover. |
