| 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 Staves: A traveler. A journey. The call of far away places. The arrival or return of a pilgrim or wanderer. A person of far-ranging interests and restless curiosity who is desirous of change and transformation. Inventive and artistic, but sometimes absent-minded person. Having one's "head in the clouds." |
 | 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 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 cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Two of Swords (Peace): Friendship, especially between student and teacher or younger and older. The adventure and excitement of childhood and adolescence. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. King of Coins, when reversed: If intelligent, one susceptible to the influence of the child of Saturn, Accidia, the inertia and melancholy of the philosophers. If conventional, then an avarice and greedy person preoccupied with money, with an idolatrous faith in the exploitation of the earth and a distrust of nature. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The Hanged Man: Sacrifice. Vigilance. Martyrlike forbearance. Suspension or paralysis of the soul. A mind divided and undecided. Stasis and constraint. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ten of Coins (Wealth), when reversed: Risk. Future in doubt. Gambling with one's well being. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Lovers, when reversed: Love unrequited, star-crossed, soured, illicit, blind or foolish. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Three of Coins (Works), when reversed: Imbalance. Imperfection. Mediocrity. |
