| 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. Five of Painting (Hardship): Tangible difficulties, insecurity, or financial worries. Possible material losses, pain, or illness. Accusations and criticism, or blame from others. Exclusion. Suffering. Issues of support, loyalty, or companionship in hard times. In the creative process: Realize that the problems you are trying to solve may put you at odds with others who do not recognize your value. Be ready to grapple with personal blocks and fears, and to hear more from your inner voice than reasons why things won't work. |
 | 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. Transformation: Eliminating something old to make room for something new. A major change or metamorphosis is at hand. Renewal. Preparing for the future. Letting-go is advised, even if difficult. Acceptance of what is inevitable. Cutting your losses. Stripping away the excess or superfluous. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Eternity, when reversed: The intervention of transcendent forces in the everyday world. The great are brought low and the petty are elevated. Obsession with the passage of time and the immanence of death. Being overwhelmed by the repetition of evil and mediocrity, and withdrawing from the world. Cynicism and nihilism driven by regret over past mistakes. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Child of Painting, when reversed: Being carried astray by a wave of prosperity. Relying on your innate tendencies to the exclusion of acquired sense and skills. Inability to leave a position of material advantage. Hedonistic enjoyment. Drug experimentation. Surfing the Internet. Total absorption in your activities. Being ruled by your body and instincts. Obsession with new experiences. In the creative process: Now is a time to experiment with processes and materials, taking great pleasure in what you learn and create. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Two of Music (Contraries), when reversed: Failure to recognize a paradoxical situation at hand. Inability to confront emotional choices. Lack of harmony between different kinds of energies. Complimentary opposites remaining apart. Inability to transcend differences. Unnecessary haggling where exchanges for mutual benefit could be had. In the creative process: Use the presence of contrary elements as an impetus for unleashing your imagination to exploit the inherent possibilities. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Mystery: Relying on your intuitive abilities and listening to inner wisdom. Unexplained or mysterious energies at work. Issues of sexuality. Feeling a sense of divine protection. Guarding your territory. Look around you for instructive omens and portents. Attraction to or advice from a wise woman. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Liberty: An emerging and powerful sense of personal freedom. Hearing a call to action. Awakening to a deeper level of awareness or sense of spiritual self. A rebirth or basic change of state. Making an important decision or judgment, perhaps one long delayed. Being released from limiting circumstances. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Ace of Music (Passion), when reversed: Emotions repressed or violently out of control. A lack of passion or connection to your highest potential. Being led astray from meaning and fulfillment. Inhibition. In the creative process: A passionate desire to rise above the norm, to soar to personal new heights of creative vision. |
