| 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.
|
 | The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. Woman of Science: Seeking out pertinent data. Methodical approach to a problem. Looking within yourself for answers. Upholding truth. Counseling others. Forming opinions based on observation and deduction. Weighing abstract ideas. Avoiding personal involvement. Demonstrating principles. Self-discipline. Be cautious of becoming opinionated or over-professional. In the creative process: Now is the time to research and gather information, get an overview, and make long-range plans and strategies. |
 | 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. Woman of Painting, when reversed: Bureaucracy and administration to the exclusion of the creative. The pursuit of tangible rewards at all costs. Team building and cooperative efforts where a single vision is required. Supporting and acknowledging others for political gain. Infatuation with the shallow. In the creative process: Your creative ideas are now taking tangible form, assisted by good use of your available resources and personnel. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Child of Music: "Piping down the valleys wild / Piping songs of pleasant glee". A need to kindle your emotions. Getting in touch with your own feelings. Willingness to take emotional risks. Marching to a personal rhythm. Taking risks for love. Experimenting with genuine self-expression. Empathy with others, and with animals. In the creative process: Go inside yourself to experience emotional innocence and primal voice. Don't be afraid to improvise in your own way. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Religion: Need or desire for personal guidance. The search for fundamental truth and belonging to something greater. Conventional morality may be a dominant factor. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Four of Science (Repose), when reversed: Self-absorbed solitude or seclusion. Forced withdrawal. Brooding about something. Depleted or fatigued by stress. Avoiding action by drifting. In the creative process: Allow new insights to surface by becoming more fluid and letting go of mental demands and pressures. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Painting (Fruition), when reversed: A task completed but rewards denied. A peak experience from which the only way is down. Physical bliss and orgasm denied. Achievements that seem to slip through your fingers. Reaching a disappointing physical peak. In the creative process: You gain by combining separate elements into an integrated whole; making the right use of what is available in order to achieve your goals. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Three of Music (Exuberance): "Exuberance is Beauty". Sense of emotional expansion. Something that makes you sing for joy. Intense desire for creative expression. A cause for lively celebration. Plunging into creative new territory. Getting people excited about your idea. Supportive alliances or relationships. Entertaining gatherings, performances, meetings, get-togethers. In the creative process: Exciting and joyous progress is taking place; blow your horn! |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Nine of Music (Happiness): "He who binds to himself a joy / Does the winged life destroy / But he who kisses the joy as it flies / Lives in eternity's sun rise". Learning to "Be Here Now." Ability to evoke what you want or need. Emotional fulfillment. Sensual or sexual gratification. Overflowing awareness of life's bounty. Spontaneous love and happiness. Self-indulgences. Wishes fulfilled. Appetites satisfied. Excellent health but a tendency to overindulgence. In the creative process: You are at your creative best, blessed with a vision of life that is extravagant and blissful. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Lightning, when reversed: An unexpected shock, upheaval, or stunning event. Possibility of mental, material, or spiritual breakdown. A missed opportunity. An angry or emotional outburst. An embarrassment or blow to the ego. Broken pride. An unintended release of energy that was being conserved for another task. The house of cards collapses. Illusions are shattered. Helplessness. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Ten of Painting (Delight): Your work or ideal takes on a life of it own. Financial prosperity. Achievement or promotion on the job. Inheriting something of tangible or permanent value. Family gatherings and traditions. Finding your roots. Active involvement in community and societal spheres. In the creative process: The success of completion of your project is cause for celebration and an opportunity to honor all the gods and spirits that participated in your benefit. |
