| 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. Woman of Painting, when reversed: Bureaucracy and administration to the exclusion of the creative. The pursuit of tangible rewards at all costs. Team building and cooperative efforts where a single vision is required. Supporting and acknowledging others for political gain. Infatuation with the shallow. In the creative process: Your creative ideas are now taking tangible form, assisted by good use of your available resources and personnel. |
 | 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. Ten of Science (Defeat), when reversed: Spiritual victory in the face of material defeat. Sacrificing the lesser for the greater. Being released from a dead-end situation. Embracing the inevitable. In the creative process: Difficulties abound; your work is in flames. Defeat must be transcended by right attitude. Remember that suffering is the short road to Spirit. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Imagination: A murky situation requires wisdom and prudence. Allow your beliefs and convictions to guide you through the door of perception. Use your imagination to illuminate the unknown. Finding an answer or solution through introspection. Putting your own light and wisdom into action. Evoking the divine imagination as a transformative force in your own life. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Music (Sublimity): "Peace & Plenty & Domestic Happiness is the Source of Sublime Art". Gifts of love, especially in relationship or marriage. Sharing your deepest feelings with others. Rewards of friendship and social involvements. Recognition of achievement. Finding happiness in hearth, home, and hospitality. Experiencing fulfillment in communal or community involvement. Resonating with others. Joining the sexy dance of life. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Eight of Music (Discontent), when reversed: Freedom from disappointment and dissatisfaction. The release of repressed emotions and distress. Being unphased by circumstances. Emotional stability in the face of challenge. Serenity. In the creative process: Psychodrama and emotional torments can serve as imaginative stimulants. Expressing and documenting what you feel can be artful as well as healing. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Eight of Science (Restriction): Being limited by mental obstacles, or by logical constraints. Feeling confined or blinded by the situation. A captive of your own ideas, anxieties, or dogmatic attitudes. Fear of failure. Repressed desires. Being in denial. Feeling frustrated or powerless. In the creative process: Make your obstructions or limitations productive by stimulating greater intensity of thought and a deeper sense of spiritual freedom. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Angel of Science: "Quis basin demonstret? (Who would demonstrate the foundation?)". Floating in the realm of pure or abstract thought. Objective, unemotional, and unbiased thinking. Mental speculation, exploration, meditation. A brilliant insight bursting through. Stimulus to organize or systematize. Precision and clarity of vision. In the creative process: An intellectual vision or perfect insight inspires you to rise above yourself. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Religion: Need or desire for personal guidance. The search for fundamental truth and belonging to something greater. Conventional morality may be a dominant factor. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Six of Science (Passage): Opening the way or clearing obstacles. Movement of information. A Rite of Passage. A stressful journey. Seeking a sense of purpose. Receiving guidance from a higher source. Exploring new terrain. In the creative process: Your imagination needs to be uncovered or unleashed by resolving contradictory elements and seeking spiritual guidance. |
