| 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. 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 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 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 at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Eight of Science (Restriction), when reversed: Suppressed creative energy waiting to burst free. External constraints provide much-needed focus. Intense mental fervor despite outward calm. Freedom from your prejudices, dogmatic attitudes, and fear of failure. Self discipline and mastery over ones emotions. In the creative process: Make your obstructions or limitations productive by stimulating greater intensity of thought and a deeper sense of spiritual freedom. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Ten of Painting (Delight), when reversed: Your work or ideal takes on a life of it own, seeming to leave you behind. Financial prosperity leads you astray. Being distracted from your ideals by achievement or promotion on the job. Inheriting something at odds with your core values. Separation from family, traditions, and roots. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Six of Music (Pleasure), when reversed: Lack of teamwork and group action. Dissatisfaction with family, friends, colleagues. Refusal to participate in a social or community endeavor. Broken links and bonds with others. Loneliness within the crowd. In the creative process: Make use of collective or group energies, bringing them together for maximum benefit and mutual enjoyment. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Five of Science (Division): Feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus on the whole problem. Being unable to cut yourself loose. Being mentally hung up. Personal entanglements. Intellectually split. Divided loyalties. Inaction through indecision. In the creative process: Caught in your own net of plans or scheme. Divide the problem into smaller segments for greater freedom of action. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Child of Poetry, when reversed: Lack of artistic discipline. Refusal to introspect or learn from the mistakes of others. Taking unnecessary risks. Bending over backwards in your effort to see the appropriate direction for self-development and creativity. In the creative process: An inspirational breakthrough is at your feet; it is up to your to pick up the energy and make the most of it. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Woman of Music: "Loud & more loud the living music floats upon the air". Desire for beauty, grace, and tranquility in your surroundings. Tuning in to the emotions and needs of people around you. Psychic abilities. Using your talents and charm to best effect. Finding benefit in solitude and dreams. Uninhibited exploration and expression of ideas and feeling. In the creative process: You vibrate in tune with everything around you, sensitively aware of life energy in all its forms, from which to create something new through the filter of your own consciousness. |
