| 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. Reason: Using your head to get through a situation. A time to define or obey the rules. Yielding to or being the boss, or authority figure. Patriarchal or traditional approach is favored. Fathering issues. |
 | 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. Nine of Science (Despair): Experiencing mental anguish or self-pity. Grief. Depression. Insomnia. Escaping reality. Hiding from joy and innocence. Feeling isolated and alone. Self-cruelty. In the creative process: Your creativity is blocked by self-judgments and criticism. Forgive yourself and get back to the basics; recapture your innocence and rejoin the human family. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Eight of Poetry (Swiftness), when reversed: Time accelerated beyond control. Momentum that cannot be diverted. Being swept off your feet by uncontrollable lust. Information overload. The Internet. Forces aligning and assembling around their perception of what you mean. In the creative process: Transcend all illusions of time and space by using your imagination, which can take you anywhere at any time. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Eight of Music (Discontent), when reversed: Freedom from disappointment and dissatisfaction. The release of repressed emotions and distress. Being unphased by circumstances. Emotional stability in the face of challenge. Serenity. In the creative process: Psychodrama and emotional torments can serve as imaginative stimulants. Expressing and documenting what you feel can be artful as well as healing. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Angel of Painting: "The Graphic Muse". Visionary reverie. Coalescing plans and agendas in your imagination. Contemplation prior to action. Making use of appropriate tools. Getting an overview of the situation, particularly regarding its physical or material aspects. "Getting the feel" of things. In the creative process: Look for or contemplate a solid idea, a practical point of view that can instigate a whole new direction in your work or project. |
 | 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. Nine of Poetry (Powers), when reversed: Intoxication with expressive and imaginative powers. Feelings of invulnerability brought on by a vision of spiritual truth and love. Being unreasonably secure in your ability to achieve anything you can imagine. Tasks completed so swiftly that there is no time to change direction. In the creative process: At the peak of your creative powers, this is the time to drive for completion and fulfillment in your work. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Eight of Painting (Discipline): Proper pacing or management of your workload or time. Taking control of a difficult situation. Following the lead of a mentor or inner guide. A need for physical assessment and self-improvement. Seek appropriate education and training. Step-by-step progress. Diligence and perseverance. Tackling a mountain of work. In the creative process: Even though you may have a long way to go, a methodical approach incorporating guidance and training will ultimately lead you to the top. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Angel of Poetry: "Angels stand round my Spirit". Burst of imagination that requires action. Feeling aroused by creative fire. Profound inner realization. Communion with Spirit. Freeing the creative forces within yourself. Getting a glimpse of what is possible if you don't hold back. Opening yourself to new experiences, to being spontaneous and passionate for truth. Daring to be great. In the creative process: Imaginative insights are transforming your work, making it into a receptacle of divine truth and spiritual artistry. |
