| 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. Nine of Swords (Cruelty): Revenge. Excessive or violent response to a problem. Jealousy. |
 | 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. 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Sun: Glory and rejoicing. The light of reason. The flower of manhood. Inspiration in poetry and music. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. The Chariot, when reversed: Bullying. Grandstanding. Sword rattling. A setback or defeat. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Moon, when reversed: Gradual clarity. New hope. Light of dawn. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Six of Swords (Science), when reversed: A bluff. Deceptive show of force. A desperate attempt to impress. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Eight of Cups (Indolence), when reversed: Awareness. Perseverance. Optimism. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Nine of Cups (Happiness), when reversed: Misleading freedom. Refusal to cleave to others. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Lovers: Romantic passion. Amorous attachment. The stages of love: discovery, attraction, pursuit, flirtation, courtship and consummation. The gifts of Aphrodite: beauty, youth, dalliance and delight. |
