| 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. King of Staves, when reversed: Talent turned to pomposity. Complacency. Egocentricity. Provincial attitude. Sophistry which masks lack of principle of conviction. |
 | 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. The Lovers: Romantic passion. Amorous attachment. The stages of love: discovery, attraction, pursuit, flirtation, courtship and consummation. The gifts of Aphrodite: beauty, youth, dalliance and delight. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Empress: Feminine fertility and power. Civilization. Domestic tradition. Family and childrearing. The active, fecund aspect of the anima. The mother and the queen, on earth and in heaven. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. King of Coins: A master of the material world. A man of affairs who is successful, expert and pragmatic. One who extracts wealth from its hiding places. A builder. A pillar of family, clan and community. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Cups (Pleasure), when reversed: Renunciation of the past. New resolve to face the future. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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". |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Three of Swords (Sorrow), when reversed: Balance of forces in conflict. Rest from struggle. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ace of Cups, when reversed: Love unsatisfied or unrequited. Love trickling away, eroded by time, thoughtlessness and selfishness. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Page of Swords: A Passionate young person given to seeking out the heart of the matter, even to the point of spying. Vigilance and quiet intensity. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Four of Coins (Power): Lustful or greedy pursuit of someone or something. Irrational action. Unreasonable desire for wealth. |
