| 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. 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 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. Seven of Cups (Temptation), when reversed: Determination and resolve. Independent resolution to move ahead with eyes open. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Five of Cups (Disappointment): Serious, but not irreversible mistake. A betrayal born of lack of faith. Beauty found and lost, where ugliness was expected. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Ten of Staves (Oppression), when reversed: Avoidance of pain and absence of pleasure. Obscurity and domesticity. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Six of Cups (Pleasure), when reversed: Renunciation of the past. New resolve to face the future. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Six of Coins (Success), when reversed: Refusal to help others. Pomposity. Stinginess. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Eight of Staves (Swiftness): An explosion of movement and activity. A dramatic event. An unusual manifestation. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Three of Swords (Sorrow), when reversed: Balance of forces in conflict. Rest from struggle. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
