| 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. Reversal, when reversed: Inability to look at the situation in a new way or from a different perspective. Flailing about and getting lost in the search for solutions. Undue reliance on the unconventional. Inability to accept losses or reversals. Unwillingness to withstand a difficult or uncomfortable position. |
 | 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. Six of Music (Pleasure): "...we cannot experience pleasure but by means of others...". Being the center of attention. Receiving support from teamwork or group action. Satisfaction deriving from family, friends, colleagues. Participation in a social or community endeavor. Reunion. Keen awareness of the dance of life. Forging links and bonds with others. Experiencing a sense of belonging. Nostalgia and happy memories. In the creative process: Make use of collective or group energies, bringing them together for maximum benefit and mutual enjoyment. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Four of Poetry (Harmony): "Love and harmony combine / And around our souls entwine / While thy branches mix with mine / And our roots together join". Things are coming together beautifully. Giving thanks for an achievement or personal success. Celebrating a harvest, homecoming, or a job well done. Harmonious relationships with friends and family. Working together with a partner or sharing a special experience. In the creative process: The various elements and personalities involved in your project are interacting harmoniously, generating an appropriate sense of gratitude for what has been accomplished so far. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Sun: Being illuminated by imagination and inspiration. Liberation from old patterns. Realization of your personal goals. Radiating joy, finding delight in life. A feeling of Returning to the Source. Angels on your shoulders. Things flowing smoothly. Dawning consciousness. Cutting away from the past. Feeling welcomed and at ease. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Whirlwind, when reversed: Winds of change make old visions obsolete. An act of god or stroke of bad luck. Inner turmoil cleverly disguised but unrestrained. Getting the run-around. Reaching a turning point. A good time to honor your gods. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Eternity: The intervention of transcendent forces in the everyday world. The mighty are brought low and the meek are elevated. The transience of lesser concerns brings about the healing of old wounds and the achievement of great wisdom. A timeless perspective and the revelation of profound and immutable truth. Divine inspiration. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Child of Music: "Piping down the valleys wild / Piping songs of pleasant glee". A need to kindle your emotions. Getting in touch with your own feelings. Willingness to take emotional risks. Marching to a personal rhythm. Taking risks for love. Experimenting with genuine self-expression. Empathy with others, and with animals. In the creative process: Go inside yourself to experience emotional innocence and primal voice. Don't be afraid to improvise in your own way. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
