| 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. 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 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. Ten of Music (Sublimity), when reversed: Gifts of love withheld, especially in relationship or marriage. Hiding your deepest feelings from others. Subtle barriers to friendship and social involvements. Failure to recognize achievement. A dull tinge to the happiness of hearth, home, and hospitality. Slight lack of fulfillment in communal or community involvement. 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Eight of Painting (Discipline), when reversed: Mismanagement of your workload or time. Failing to get a grip on the situation. Refusal to listen to a mentor or inner guide. A need for physical assessment and self-improvement. Seek appropriate education and training. Inability to take one step at a time. Lack of due diligence. Collapsing under a mountain of work. In the creative process: Even though you may have a long way to go, a methodical approach incorporating guidance and training will ultimately lead you to the top. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Two of Poetry (Individuality): "Every Mans Wisdom is peculiar to his own Individuality". Making choices based on personal perception. Evaluating the appearances of things. Exploring alternative ways of looking at a situation. Looking beyond ego-concerns to spiritual ones. Searching for self-knowledge. Deciding between societal and individual points of view. In the creative process: Distinguish between the expression of your Self and the expression of your ego; discover the difference between wise individuality and unwise individualism. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Three of Music (Exuberance), when reversed: Sense of emotional contraction. Inability to experience joy. Lack of motivation. Stagnating on the verge of new territory. An absence of enthusiasm among supportive relationships. In the creative process: Exciting and joyous progress is taking place; blow your horn! |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Imagination, when reversed: Failure to use wisdom and prudence. Too much reliance on novel solutions to conventional problems. Unwillingness to look within and seek an inspired resolution. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Child of Music, when reversed: The struggle to kindle your emotions. Being ruled by your own feelings. Emotional risks and instability. Disguising your vulnerability. Being shy and moody. Keeping your feelings to yourself. Self absorption clouding your 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 second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Moon: Psychic insights. Relying on your instincts. Using your dreams and musings as sources of inspiration. Hidden conditions and unknown circumstances. Cyclic patterns and influences. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Angel of Poetry, when reversed: Burst of imagination that requires action. Feeling torn apart by creative fire. Profound inner realization that cannot be dealt with. Being drawn by the Spirit away from Reality. Madness brought on by creative forces unbound. In the creative process: Imaginative insights are transforming your work, making it into a receptacle of divine truth and spiritual artistry. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Angel of Science, when reversed: Lost in the realm of pure or abstract thought. Cold, emotionless, and analytical thinking. Idle speculation. Lofty, possibly unreachable, goals. Scientific, intellectual, or "ivory tower" idealism. In the creative process: An intellectual vision or perfect insight inspires you to rise above yourself. |
