| 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. 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 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. Seven of Music (Fancies): "To Me This World is all One continued Vision of Fancy or Imagination". Inspired by a range of opportunities and ideas. Expressive challenges involving dreams and daydreams, or altered states of consciousness. Challenges of immediate versus long-term gratification. In the creative process: Let your visions and dreams lead the way into deeper realms of your imagination, and be prepared to express them. Rehearse and explore wild ideas in your mind before acting on them. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Angel of Painting, when reversed: Visionary reverie. Plans and agendas lost in wild flights of imagination. Action taken without contemplation. Making use of inappropriate tools. Diving into the situation without vision or foresight, particularly its physical or material aspects. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Painting (Assistance), when reversed: Reliance on favors or tangible help of some kind. Restrictive influences from sponsorship or patronage. A negative influence in the situation. Being "kept". The illusion of generosity. Charity with strings attached. Taking advantage of those in need. In the creative process: You can attract the assistance and tools you need by using your imagination and not giving up hope. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Nine of Poetry (Powers): "We were plac'd here by the Universal Brotherhood & Mercy With powers fitted to circumscribe this dark Satanic death". Gifted with expressive and imaginative powers. Feeling exalted by a vision of spiritual truth and love. Optimistically secure in your ability to achieve anything you can imagine. Surrounded by the good things of life. Completing tasks, seeking closure or consummation. Wisdom gained by meeting life's challenges and experiences. 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 bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Union, when reversed: Something vitally important to you refuses to come together. Discord between male and female forces, or inner and outer life. Holding back. Incompleteness. Fear of intimacy or self-sacrifice. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Transformation, when reversed: Unwillingness to change old for new. Stagnation. Burning your bridges behind you. Facing the future unprepared. Failure to accept the inevitable. |
