| 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, when reversed: World out of balance. Incompleteness, Vain striving, Gracelessness. |
 | 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: A person of sharp insight, persuasive, powerful and thorough. If extroverted, an administrator, an organizer, a firebrand, splendid as a summer's day - and sometimes as overwhelming. If introverted, a person of deep sentiment, susceptible to flights of ecstasy, of the flames of inner torment. |
 | 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 Coins (Power), when reversed: Equanimity. Suspension of conflict. Balance of power. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Eight of Staves (Swiftness): An explosion of movement and activity. A dramatic event. An unusual manifestation. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. The Empress, when reversed: Stifling domesticity. Bourgeois limitations. High-handed matriarchy. Junoesque jealousy. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Wheel of Fortune, when reversed: Inauspicious atmosphere. Strange omens. Dark auguries. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Temperance: Balance. Moderation. Harmony. "Nothing in excess." Blending of opposites. Androgyny. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Nine of Staves (Strength), when reversed: Barriers, difficulties. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Six of Coins (Success): Generosity. Philanthropy. Charity. A wise and compassionate decision. |
 | 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. |
