| 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 Painting (Practice), when reversed: Failure to master your skills and talents. Lack of engagement with your peers. Unwillingness to synthesize the available factors. Failure to build support. In the creative process: Experimentation and manipulation are the keys to acquiring the experience needed to get the job done. |
 | 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. Lightning: An unexpected shock, upheaval, or stunning event. A burst of insight, or spiritual breakthrough. A close call. Release or liberation of energy. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Nine of Poetry (Powers), when reversed: Intoxication with expressive and imaginative powers. Feelings of invulnerability brought on by a vision of spiritual truth and love. Being unreasonably secure in your ability to achieve anything you can imagine. Tasks completed so swiftly that there is no time to change direction. In the creative process: At the peak of your creative powers, this is the time to drive for completion and fulfillment in your work. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Eternity: The intervention of transcendent forces in the everyday world. The mighty are brought low and the meek are elevated. The transience of lesser concerns brings about the healing of old wounds and the achievement of great wisdom. A timeless perspective and the revelation of profound and immutable truth. Divine inspiration. |
 | 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. 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 second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Forgiveness: A trial-and-error blend of creative solutions to a problem or complex issue. Keeping things in proportion and proper balance by making needed adjustments. Managing your time and resources carefully. Listening for inner guidance and tuning in to spiritual advice. Promoting forgiveness and healing, being compassionate toward those around you. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Child of Music: "Piping down the valleys wild / Piping songs of pleasant glee". A need to kindle your emotions. Getting in touch with your own feelings. Willingness to take emotional risks. Marching to a personal rhythm. Taking risks for love. Experimenting with genuine self-expression. 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 at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Nine of Painting (Fruition), when reversed: A task completed but rewards denied. A peak experience from which the only way is down. Physical bliss and orgasm denied. Achievements that seem to slip through your fingers. Reaching a disappointing physical peak. In the creative process: You gain by combining separate elements into an integrated whole; making the right use of what is available in order to achieve your goals. |
