| The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. The Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg is the final commissioned work of Yuri Shakov, a master in the lost art of Russian miniature painting. The rich, dark images lend themselves to questions regarding the struggle of the human spirit in trying times. If you would like your own copy of the Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg, you can buy it now! |
 | The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Two of Cups (Love), when reversed: Unsatisfactory love. False friendship. Troubled relationship. Divorce. Separation. Crossed desires. Opposition. Misunderstanding. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. The Devil, when reversed: Release from bondage. Throwing off shackles. Divorce. Recognition of one's needs by another person. Overcoming severe handicaps. The beginning of spiritual understanding. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Judgment: Atonement. Judgment. The need to repent and forgive. The moment in which to account for the manner in which we have used our opportunities. Rejuvenation. Rebirth. Improvement. Development. Promotion. The desire for immortality. Legal judgment in one's favor. One should carefully consider how one's present actions affects other persons. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. Ace of Cups, when reversed: Change. Erosion. Instability. Sterility. Unrequited love. Clouded joy. False heart. Inconsistency. |
 | The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Justice, when reversed: Bias. False accusations. Bigotry. Severity in judgment. Intolerance. Unfairness. Abuse. |
 | At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. The Sun: Satisfaction. Accomplishment. Contentment. Success. Favorable relationships. Love. Joy. Devotion. Unselfish sentiment. Engagement. A happy marriage. Pleasure in daily existence. A good friend. High spirits. Warmth. Sincerity. Pleasures derived from simple things. Achievement in the arts. Liberation. |
 | The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Queen of Swords: Quick-witted. Intensely perceptive. A subtle person. Possibly, a widow or a woman of sadness. Mourning. Privation. Absence. Loneliness. Separation. One who has savored great happiness but who presently knows the anxiety of misfortune and reversal. |
 | The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. Death: Transformation. Clearing away the old to make way for the new. Unexpected change, Loss. Alteration. Abrupt change of the old self though not necessarily physical death. The end of a familiar situation or friendship. Financial loss. A new era. Illness, possibly death. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. Five of Cups (Disappointment), when reversed: Hopeful outlook. Favorable expectations. New alliances. Affinity. Return of an old friend. Reunion. |
