| 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. Man of Poetry: "To justify the ways of God to Man". Shedding of protections and pretenses. Clearing away darkness to boldly reveal the truth. Applying foresight and generosity of spirit to challenging circumstances. Overcoming your ego to act as a master of spiritual expression. Taking the authority to assert how things will be done. Possessing mature and well-tested vision, but a tendency to be rigid. In the creative process: When you see the whole picture of your project, you can take charge to boldly direct it toward achieving its divine potential. |
 | 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. Man of Music, when reversed: Repression of emotions. Discipline and mastery turned to denial. Feeling the pressure to remain on top. Making unreasonable attempts to sway others through fluency in the language of the unconscious. Reliance on dreams, oracles, and omens above the direct evidence of the senses and reason. Overestimation of ones own abilities. In the creative process: Dedicate your considerable powers to help others and for creating beauty in the world. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Stars, when reversed: Loss of hope. Feeling disconnected from cosmic or universal energies. Failure to realize the highest potential of your situation. Being out of touch with your own creative powers. Lack of self-esteem. Your abilities going unrecognized. Being restrained from doing your own thing. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Nature: Fruitfulness and abundance. Awakening or growth of emotions. Awareness of natural forces at work. Deepening appreciation of Nature. Sexuality. Mothering issues. Seduced by the illusions of materialism. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ace of Painting (Generation): A tangible impetus to creative action. Generating new forms. Putting your plan into action. New projects and works. A provocative opening. Powerful elements of sensuality and sexuality coming into play. Focus on fertility and virility. In the creative process: This is when you tap into the elemental and generative forces of life, using your inner vision to create new and exciting forms with which to work. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Magic, when reversed: Loss of control over the situation. Misdirection of powerful forces. Squandering the available resources. Ineffective communication. Taking action at the wrong time or in the wrong context. The use of naked aggressiveness when subtlety is required. Lack of tools and skills. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Imagination, when reversed: Failure to use wisdom and prudence. Too much reliance on novel solutions to conventional problems. Unwillingness to look within and seek an inspired resolution. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Four of Poetry (Harmony), when reversed: Things refuse to come together. Achievements or personal successes go unrecognized. What was sown cannot be reaped. Discord among friends and family. Inability to working together with a partner or share a special experience. In the creative process: The various elements and personalities involved in your project are interacting harmoniously, generating an appropriate sense of gratitude for what has been accomplished so far. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Five of Poetry (Strife): "Thou art a Man / God is no more / Thy own humanity / learn to adore For that is my / Spirit of Life / Awake arise to Spiritual Strife". A need for self-improvement. Struggling with inner demons, such as issues of conscience. Falling into disillusionment, or the dark side of the matter. Competition, arguments, power struggles. Getting "thrown for a loop." 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. |
