| 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. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Consuming fire; the flames of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc, Phaedra's misguided passion, Medea's jealousy, Lady Macbeth's ambition. Fire, if left to burn unchecked, can consume the soul. |
 | 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. Six of Coins (Success), when reversed: Refusal to help others. Pomposity. Stinginess. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Five of Staves (Strife), when reversed: A cautious step ahead without the aid of others. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Tower: Comeuppance. Setback. Disaster. Arrogance of pride cast down by Providence. Unforeseen event. Calamity. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Two of Cups (Love): The flower of first love, of love at first sight. The bond between two people, invisible but formidable. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Magician: Mastery of words and of matter. Eloquence, including eloquent silence and Hermetic wisdom. Mediator, messenger, and communicator. The Magician may be a sage or just a quick talker. He is a master-manipulator of the material world, but the miracles he effects may be true physical and metaphysical transformation of mere illusion and technical tricks. With Hermes, one never knows; he is the god of orators and liars, merchants and thieves, trickery and arcane science. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ten of Coins (Wealth), when reversed: Risk. Future in doubt. Gambling with one's well being. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Nine of Coins (Gain), when reversed: Stormy relationships. Unstable circumstances. Unseasonable activity. |
 | 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. The Moon: Mystery. Changeability. Unseen and unknown forces of the night, and unpredictable transformations from the mutable moon. Young womanhood. Feminine beauty. Ordeal and honor of childbearing. |
