| 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. Eight of Coins (Prudence): Frankness, honesty and innocence. Candid confrontation of circumstances. |
 | 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. King of Swords: A man of volatile temperament. A born fighter and ruler. A person in complete command. Self-mastery. Expertise. A person who prefers action to reflection - above all, dramatic, decisive action. |
 | 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 Staves (Dominion), when reversed: Wavering in the charge ahead. Victories delayed. Stalemate. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Knight of Coins: A responsible and hardworking young person, efficient and persevering. An organizer, cataloguer, and pathfinder. A person attached to the realities of life, but with a quixotic streak. A person who is serious yet quick to laugh. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Death: Death. Loss. Death and rebirth. End of an old situation and the beginning of a new one. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. The High Priestess, when reversed: Obfuscation. Mumbo jumbo. Heresy. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Seven of Staves (Valor): Splendid award or valuable prize earned by one's wits, and by tricks and counter moves. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Ace of Swords: In the realm of events, the card signifies triumphant power. Whether for good or ill. For the life of the mind it represents the active, passionate impulses. It declares the dominance of the will and zealous, even fanatical, political or religious convictions. It is the sword of righteousness. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Magician, when reversed: Mercurial chicanery. Fraudulent activity. Demagoguery. Sophistry. Misused technology. Sideshow thrills. |
