| 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 World: Completion and perfection. Focus. Synthesis. Interweaving. The vast design of nature. The interconnecting patterns of experience. Fulfillment and success. |
 | 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. Nine of Swords (Cruelty): Revenge. Excessive or violent response to a problem. Jealousy. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Eight of Cups (Indolence): A moment of surrender to external forces. Capitulation to inner promptings. Giving in to temptation. Giving oneself over to oblivion, to intoxication, to sleep. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Staves (Oppression): A final trial before an enduring reward. The greater the struggle, the greater the reward. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Nine of Staves (Strength): Attempted betrayal in the guise of aid. Hidden enemies, risk and conflict. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Strength: Strength and fortitude. Moral resolve. Triumph over base instincts. Mens sana in corpore sana (Sound mind in a sound body). |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ten of Cups (Satiety), when reversed: Emotional turbulence. Unrequited love. Family disagreements. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. King of Cups: A dignified and accomplished person, compassionate and intuitively accurate. A successful professional, humanitarian and idealistic. One who appreciates the Dionysian side of the arts and the wild, mysterious aspect of nature. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Two of Swords (Peace), when reversed: False friendship. Misunderstanding or duplicity, particularly between mentor and student. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Five of Swords (Defeat), when reversed: Entering new experiences after persuasion or seduction. Undertaking new adventures. |
