| 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. Nine of Coins (Gain): Balance. Compromise. Security. The cycle of nature. The protection of family. A season of dormancy which makes later fertility possible. |
 | 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 Staves, when reversed: An unstable, indecisive and perhaps malicious person. A heartbreaker, gossiper, or bringer of bad 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 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 at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Eight of Swords (Interference): Emotional disaster. Loss of a beloved person or a valued situation. A sadness that creates a new strength and resolve. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Page of Swords, when reversed: An impostor or unmasked agent. Misguided search. Voyeurism. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Seven of Staves (Valor): Splendid award or valuable prize earned by one's wits, and by tricks and counter moves. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Six of Swords (Science), when reversed: A bluff. Deceptive show of force. A desperate attempt to impress. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Two of Staves (Dominion): A decisive, perhaps early, accomplishment. Confirmation of boldness and courage. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. King of Swords, when reversed: Abuse of power. Tyranny. Cruelty. The empty striving for control. A failed attempt at mastery. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Ten of Swords (Ruin): Calamity. The failure of a hero, foretold in prophesy, but brought about by the hero's own choices. |
