| 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. Knight of Cups: A person of turbulent, poetic, romantic cast. An opportunity or favorable event in the near future. Deep feeling transformed into verse, music or visions. |
 | 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. Ten of Staves (Oppression): A final trial before an enduring reward. The greater the struggle, the greater the reward. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Four of Cups (Luxury): Jealousy and envy. Suspicion of a loved one. Nagging doubts. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Eight of Swords (Interference): Emotional disaster. Loss of a beloved person or a valued situation. A sadness that creates a new strength and resolve. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Empress, when reversed: Stifling domesticity. Bourgeois limitations. High-handed matriarchy. Junoesque jealousy. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Queen of Staves, when reversed: A dilettante. An impatient or jaded connoisseur. A superficial or pretentious person. A frustrated artist. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. The Moon, when reversed: Gradual clarity. New hope. Light of dawn. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Nine of Swords (Cruelty), when reversed: Slander. Suspicion. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Star: Blessedness. Tranquility. Beauty. |
