| 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. Knowledge, when reversed: An important, possibly moral choice that you refuse to face. Uncomfortable insight into a relationship or one's own involvement in a relationship. Inability to integrate all levels of consciousness within oneself. Denial of intimacy and open communications. |
 | 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. 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 at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Transformation, when reversed: Unwillingness to change old for new. Stagnation. Burning your bridges behind you. Facing the future unprepared. Failure to accept the inevitable. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Lightning, when reversed: An unexpected shock, upheaval, or stunning event. Possibility of mental, material, or spiritual breakdown. A missed opportunity. An angry or emotional outburst. An embarrassment or blow to the ego. Broken pride. An unintended release of energy that was being conserved for another task. The house of cards collapses. Illusions are shattered. Helplessness. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Two of Science (Reflection), when reversed: Hesitating before opportunity. Dilemma. Uncertain whether to stay put or go on. Waiting for something to happen. Denying your feelings. In the creative process: An uneasy decision about which way to proceed, perhaps between a rational versus intuitive approach. Weigh the potential rewards versus the possible dangers. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ace of Science (Intellect), when reversed: Plunging into the depths of knowledge, at the expense of life itself. Idle pursuit of more projects than you can handle. Dabbling in many skills without every truly learning them. The worship of ideas over implementation. Workaholism, particularly in the mental sphere. Self-centered point of view. Mistaking knowledge for truth. Reliance on logic, method, and research to solve problems that demand distance and insight. In the creative process: A time for "blind" absorption of data, for intense focus on research and documentation of the creative project being initiated. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ace of Music (Passion): "The desire of Man being Infinite the possession is Infinite & himself Infinite." Release of emotions. Upsurge of creative power. Unlimited potential. Being carried away by your emotions (swept up on wings of song). Feeling a passion for life. Wanting to achieve the highest potentials in yourself and the situation. Following your bliss. Feeling a deep sense of grace and fulfillment. Vulnerability and openness. In the creative process: A passionate desire to rise above the norm, to soar to personal new heights of creative vision. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Woman of Painting: Practical and resourceful executive skills. Creative vision is operating on many levels. Recognition and tangible rewards may be at hand. Group activity or cooperative efforts. Making use of appropriate technology. Supporting and acknowledging the contributions of others. Fostering the arts. Creative drives. Love of beauty. Perceiving hidden values. In the creative process: Your creative ideas are now taking tangible form, assisted by good use of your available resources and personnel. |
