| 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. Two of Painting (Balance), when reversed: A choice regarding something tangible or physical. Lack of harmony. Negotiation spiraling out of control. Stretching your abilities to reconcile differences well beyond their limits. In the creative process: A breach in the project requires inner strength and timely decisions; stick with the task and seek cooperative assistance. |
 | 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. Woman of Music, when reversed: Obsession with the illusion of beauty, grace, and tranquility in your surroundings. Undue attention to the emotions and needs of people around you. False belief in your own talents and charm. Being haunted by loneliness and dreams. Inhibitions blocking your expression of ideas and feeling. Over-sensitivity to criticism. In the creative process: You vibrate in tune with everything around you, sensitively aware of life energy in all its forms, from which to create something new through the filter of your own consciousness. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Six of Music (Pleasure), when reversed: Lack of teamwork and group action. Dissatisfaction with family, friends, colleagues. Refusal to participate in a social or community endeavor. Broken links and bonds with others. Loneliness within the crowd. In the creative process: Make use of collective or group energies, bringing them together for maximum benefit and mutual enjoyment. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Two of Poetry (Individuality), when reversed: Mistaking personal perception for the zeitgeist. Being blinded by the appearances of things. Treating the objective as subjective. Believing that self-knowledge cannot be found through consultation with others. Deciding between societal and individual points of view. Looking for something in the wrong place. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nature: Fruitfulness and abundance. Awakening or growth of emotions. Awareness of natural forces at work. Deepening appreciation of Nature. Sexuality. Mothering issues. Seduced by the illusions of materialism. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Union: The successful coming-together of something vitally important to you. Getting your act together at last. The joining of male and female forces, or unification or inner and outer life. Not holding anything back. Being at the center. Completion. Spiritual self-sacrifice. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Three of Painting (Practice): A need to exercise and master your skills and talents. Creatively interacting with your peers. The play of social dynamics at work or on the job. Seeking a synthesis of the available factors. Building support. Integrating energies to achieve a mutual goal. In the creative process: Experimentation and manipulation are the keys to acquiring the experience needed to get the job done. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Woman of Poetry: "To go forth to the Great Harvest & Vintage of the Nations". Radiating confidence, pride, and self-assurance. Being unafraid to promote yourself or reach for what you really want. Being generous and open-hearted, but also dramatic and assertive. Wanting to inspire others. Creative self-fulfillment. Gathering a rich harvest from the situation. Expressing intuitive knowledge and leadership. Mastery of expression. In the creative process: With complete confidence in your expressive abilities, you serve as a guiding light to inspire growth and confidence in others. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Five of Music (Melancholy), when reversed: Denial. Failure to reach spiritual insights following a sad event. Inability to leave past failures behind. Buried hopes. Refusal to acknowledge mistakes. Letdown after intense effort. In the creative process: Convert the pain of disappointment or loss into artistic expression. Let go of something old or dead and move on to something new and alive. |
