| 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 Science, when reversed: Perfectionism. Personal detachment. Being oblivious to your surroundings and to unforeseen possibilities. Tendency to be opinionated and aloof. Delusions of grandeur. Inability to perceive human or spiritual values. In the creative process: Scrutinize and test every aspect of your work so as to refine and perfect it. |
 | 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. 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Science (Defeat): Feeling mentally or philosophically burned out. Consigned to the fire. Plans and hopes overturned. Gripped by vice, obsession, or addiction. Existential or spiritual surrender. In the creative process: Difficulties abound; your work is in flames. Defeat must be transcended by right attitude. Remember that suffering is the short road to Spirit. |
 | 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. Six of Science (Passage): Opening the way or clearing obstacles. Movement of information. A Rite of Passage. A stressful journey. Seeking a sense of purpose. Receiving guidance from a higher source. Exploring new terrain. In the creative process: Your imagination needs to be uncovered or unleashed by resolving contradictory elements and seeking spiritual guidance. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Nine of Painting (Fruition): Rewards of relaxation, luxury, or perks for a job well done. A profound or peak experience. Physical bliss, orgasmic potentials. Tangible achievement on many levels. Peak health or accelerated healing. Active participation in a complex physical or job process. Making tangible contributions to society. 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 second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Seven of Painting (Patience): Waiting for the situation to develop or ripen. Awaiting the results of your efforts. Calling for material assistance or reinforcements. Experiencing tests and trials in the process of manifestation. Assessing your resources. In the creative process: Straining to speed things up only produces anxiety, so get a grip and wait for everything to unfold according to its own timing. |
