| 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. Knight of Cups, when reversed: Fraudulent emotion. A charming, but irresponsible person. |
 | 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. Ace of Staves, when reversed: A beginning that is faulty from lack of conviction or from an excess of complacency. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Nine of Staves (Strength): Attempted betrayal in the guise of aid. Hidden enemies, risk and conflict. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Three of Staves (Virtue), when reversed: Dishonesty and conflict in affairs. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. King of Cups: A dignified and accomplished person, compassionate and intuitively accurate. A successful professional, humanitarian and idealistic. One who appreciates the Dionysian side of the arts and the wild, mysterious aspect of nature. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Swords (Cruelty): Revenge. Excessive or violent response to a problem. Jealousy. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Queen of Coins: A person who embodies richness and fertility, generous, opulent, gracious and noble. A cornucopia of delights. A rock of security. A brilliant crystal of insight. A rich field for new growth. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Emperor: Worldly authority. Professional success. Social power. The life of action and decision, especially in politics and business. Patriarch, clan leader, and pater familias. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Hanged Man: Sacrifice. Vigilance. Martyrlike forbearance. Suspension or paralysis of the soul. A mind divided and undecided. Stasis and constraint. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Wheel of Fortune: The intrusion of chance into affairs. Unlikely coincidence. "What goes up, must come down." The intercession of good fortune in life. A sudden opportunity that must be exploited deftly and promptly; according to Machiavelli, in The Prince, Fortune is "bald behind", that is, once she runs past, it will be too late to grab her, and so she must be seized as she approaches, "by the forelock". |
