Today's Tarot for Aretha Franklin

	The Creative Process spread is designed specifically to peer into the nature of a project or creative undertaking, and shine a spotlight on the evolution of its parts. 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.
	The card in the middle represents the creative force behind the project, be it a person, organization, or other entity. Eight of Music (Discontent): "Clouded with discontent & brooding in their minds terrible things". Disappointment or dissatisfaction. Troubled emotions below the surface. Feeling at the mercy of circumstances. Possibility of emotional breakdown. Fears of what may happen. Apprehensions about the unknown. Paranoia. Feelings of missing out on something. Former values and friends no longer interest you. Wanting to escape the situation. 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 on the top represents imagination - the prophetic image that stems from the creative force of the previous card to initiate the project. This is the poetry or voice of the undertaking. Four of Music (Musing), when reversed: Letting your mind wander at critical times. Mixing business with pleasure to your detriment. Being unaware of what is going on around you. Feeling lethargic, lazy, or apathetic. In the creative process: Relax into playfulness, whimsically experiment with improvisation or reminiscence about past experiences. Such meditations alleviate stress and refresh the imagination. Make space for the gifts of spirit to move through you.
	The card on the left represents emotion - the feelings aroused by or surrounding the ideation of the project that takes place in the previous card. This is the music or scent of the undertaking. 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.
	The card on the bottom represents thought - the analytical process of organizing the project and capturing the emotional content of the previous card. This is the science or vision of the undertaking. Seven of Science (Lamentation): Psychic energy restrained. Feeling burdened with heavy thoughts. Pushing yourself too hard. Wallowing over and refusing to accept the situation. Straining against something. In the creative process: When you are feeling stuck or blocked, push your imagination to find a way around the problem; rely on your energy and hard work.
	The card on the right represents manifestation - the real work involved in completing the project, and the form it will take upon culmination. This is the painting or touch of the undertaking. 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.