| 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. Ten of Poetry (Prophecy): "In futurity / I prophetic see / That the earth from sleep / (Grave the sentence deep) Shall arise and seek / For her maker meek: And the desart wild / Become a garden mild". Experiencing a feeling of spiritual elevation. Profound existential gratitude. Communion with elemental forces. Acceptance of divine will. Things are turning on the hinge of fate. Having the gift of prophecy, and speaking the truth. "Telling it like it is." Commitment to serve the greater good. Awakening to the larger implications of life. In the creative process: A time of divine grace in which you have special access to creativity. Be humble despite your achievements; you are channeling from a higher source. |
 | 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, 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Six of Painting (Assistance), when reversed: Reliance on favors or tangible help of some kind. Restrictive influences from sponsorship or patronage. A negative influence in the situation. Being "kept". The illusion of generosity. Charity with strings attached. Taking advantage of those in need. In the creative process: You can attract the assistance and tools you need by using your imagination and not giving up hope. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Four of Painting (Means), when reversed: Obsession with material prosperity and contentment. Attachment to money and material goods. Creative achievements blocked by lack of material resources. Consolidation of personnel and materials at the expense of the objective at hand. Overwhelming need for order and structure. Emphasis on controlling, dominating, or monopolizing. In the creative process: Before reaching out for creative inspiration, prepare the groundwork: by appropriately allocating your resources and assigning creative tasks. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. 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 at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Painting (Fruition): Rewards of relaxation, luxury, or perks for a job well done. A profound or peak experience. Physical bliss, orgasmic potentials. Tangible achievement on many levels. Peak health or accelerated healing. Active participation in a complex physical or job process. Making tangible contributions to society. 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. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. 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 second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Child of Painting, when reversed: Being carried astray by a wave of prosperity. Relying on your innate tendencies to the exclusion of acquired sense and skills. Inability to leave a position of material advantage. Hedonistic enjoyment. Drug experimentation. Surfing the Internet. Total absorption in your activities. Being ruled by your body and instincts. Obsession with new experiences. In the creative process: Now is a time to experiment with processes and materials, taking great pleasure in what you learn and create. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Two of Music (Contraries): "Without Contraries is no progression. Attraction and Repulsion, Reason and Energy, Love and Hate, are necessary to Human existence". A paradoxical situation at hand. Being faced with emotional choices. Different kinds of energies needing to be harmonized. Attraction of opposites. Focus on strengthening friendship and partnership. Transcending differences. Exchanges for mutual benefit. Being willing to meet someone halfway. In the creative process: Use the presence of contrary elements as an impetus for unleashing your imagination to exploit the inherent possibilities. |
