| 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 William Blake Tarot explores the mystical vision and artistry of the renowned English painter and poet. Through rich interpretations focused on creative undertakings, it has long been the deck of choice for artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers. For more information about this deck, or to buy your own personal copy, go to www.blaketarot.com.
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 | The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. Angel of Music: "Like as an angel glitt'ring in the sky, / In times of innocence and holy joy: / The joyful shepherd stops his grateful song. / To hear the music of an angel's tongue". A surge of passionate emotion. A call for compassion in the situation. A need to rise above a mundane or materialistic milieu. Possibility of being granted a favor or indulgence. An unexpected emotional influence. Emerging impulse to personal transformation. Development of appropriate aesthetic sensibility. Intuitive awareness of public needs or the mass media. In the creative process: An inrush of excitement or appearance of a new factor offers alternative possibilities for your work. |
 | 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. Forgiveness, when reversed: Unwillingness to learn from mistakes. Magnifying errors out of proportion. Refusal to hear the inner voice. Lack of forgiveness and compassion. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Whirlwind: Winds of change bring new visions, opportunities. A god-send or stroke of luck. Outer turmoil concealing inner truth. Stretching your boundaries. Reaching a turning point. Unseen forces churning below the surface. A good time to honor your gods. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Knowledge, when reversed: An important, possibly moral choice that you refuse to face. Uncomfortable insight into a relationship or one's own involvement in a relationship. Inability to integrate all levels of consciousness within oneself. Denial of intimacy and open communications. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Ten of Music (Sublimity): "Peace & Plenty & Domestic Happiness is the Source of Sublime Art". Gifts of love, especially in relationship or marriage. Sharing your deepest feelings with others. Rewards of friendship and social involvements. Recognition of achievement. Finding happiness in hearth, home, and hospitality. Experiencing fulfillment in communal or community involvement. Resonating with others. Joining the sexy dance of life. In the creative process: Combine your efforts with others to create a unified whole greater than the sum of its parts. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Magic: Asserting control over the situation. Ability to channel or direct powerful forces. Making the most of the available resources. Outstanding possibilities for communication. The right time to act is at hand. Naked aggressiveness is effective at this time. Availability of tools and skills. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Man of Music: "Music as it exists in old tunes or melodies ... is Inspiration, and cannot be surpassed; it is perfect and eternal". Using emotional self-control. Experiencing a sense of self-integration and mastery. Feeling at the top of your form. Swaying others with your gift of expressiveness and fluency in the language of the unconscious. Ability to interpret dreams, oracles, and omens. Be cautious of a tendency to overestimate yourself. In the creative process: Dedicate your considerable powers to help others and for creating beauty in the world. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Three of Music (Exuberance), when reversed: Sense of emotional contraction. Inability to experience joy. Lack of motivation. Stagnating on the verge of new territory. An absence of enthusiasm among supportive relationships. In the creative process: Exciting and joyous progress is taking place; blow your horn! |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Ace of Poetry (Inspiration), when reversed: The madness of divine inspiration. The illusion of higher consciousness. Obsession with a personal vision of truth and beauty, leading to a sense of false ecstasy. Mistaking cynical seduction for creative expression. Delusion of being guided by a higher force. In the creative process: Being in contact with the purest and highest part of your being provides the impetus for fresh expressions in both art and life. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Five of Poetry (Strife), when reversed: Personal illumination amidst conflict. Defeating inner demons and freeing oneself from disillusionment. Refusing to be drawn into competition, arguments, and power struggles. A time to question authority. In the creative process: This points to a stressful time battling inner doubts and outer difficulties; you can improve your project or product by getting to the truth of the matter. |
