| 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. Ace of Staves, when reversed: A beginning that is faulty from lack of conviction or from an excess of complacency. |
 | 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. Seven of Staves (Valor), when reversed: Embarrassment. Missed opportunities. Hesitation resulting in predicament. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Wheel of Fortune, when reversed: Inauspicious atmosphere. Strange omens. Dark auguries. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Justice: The vindication of the just and the punishment of the unjust. Rule of reason. Balance of power. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Queen of Cups: A person of generous and loving nature, graceful and sparkling as a mountain stream, or deep and serene as a country lake. A poetess, musician or actress. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Emperor: Worldly authority. Professional success. Social power. The life of action and decision, especially in politics and business. Patriarch, clan leader, and pater familias. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Four of Staves (Completion): Calm, pleasurable and perhaps amorous interlude. A playful balance of opposites, like the exchange made by Herakles and Queen Omphale. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Hanged Man, when reversed: Masochism. Self-imposed confinement. Potential release from bondage. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Seven of Swords (Futility): Favorable turn of events. Hope for sustained success. Vigilance and strength. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Two of Staves (Dominion), when reversed: Wavering in the charge ahead. Victories delayed. Stalemate. |
