| 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. Three of Poetry (Creativity), when reversed: Seeking a creative opportunity in a commercial environment. Imaginative approaches are squandered in mundane circumstances. Seeking Truth where only Fact can be found. In the creative process: You get the go-ahead to "do your thing"; your project has special blessing at this time because of your ability to see an overview or get the big picture. |
 | 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. Assessment: A need to be fair and just. A situation involving judgments or balancing the issues. Consideration of commitments, agreements, or negotiations. Weighing the pros and cons of a situation. Evaluating the needs of self versus others. Transcending the limits of a situation by using kindness and imagination. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Energy: Invigorated with lust for life and abundance of vitality. Relying on your physical strength and endurance. Honoring your natural instincts. Looking to animal or totem forces as allies to help you. Multiple or multilingual modes of expression. Gentle guidance. Having the courage of your convictions. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Stars, when reversed: Loss of hope. Feeling disconnected from cosmic or universal energies. Failure to realize the highest potential of your situation. Being out of touch with your own creative powers. Lack of self-esteem. Your abilities going unrecognized. Being restrained from doing your own thing. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 base of the staff represents your role or attitude. 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 second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Man of Painting: Getting on top of practical aspects of the situation. Taking a pragmatic outlook at what needs to be done. Using calm and caution in a highly charged situation. Taking a conservative yet colorful and personal approach. Total concentration on the task at hand. Bathing in the light of life. Not holding back from direct experience. In the creative process: Test and refine your ideas or product to see if it works as planned; be practical yet innovative. |
