| 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 Music: "Loud & more loud the living music floats upon the air". Desire for beauty, grace, and tranquility in your surroundings. Tuning in to the emotions and needs of people around you. Psychic abilities. Using your talents and charm to best effect. Finding benefit in solitude and dreams. Uninhibited exploration and expression of ideas and feeling. 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 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 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 cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Error: Seeking ego-gratification through manipulation or duplicity. Self-importance. Lacking a sense of humor. Being controlled by your lower nature or personal shadow. Fears engendered by ignorance. Feeling pressured by materialistic, institutional, or corporate agents. Negative obsessions. Blind adulation. Sexual or material bondage. Giving in to temptation, guilt, or panic. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ten of Painting (Delight): Your work or ideal takes on a life of it own. Financial prosperity. Achievement or promotion on the job. Inheriting something of tangible or permanent value. Family gatherings and traditions. Finding your roots. Active involvement in community and societal spheres. In the creative process: The success of completion of your project is cause for celebration and an opportunity to honor all the gods and spirits that participated in your benefit. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Science (Passage), when reversed: Going to undue lengths to avoid surmountable obstacles. Movement without progress. Challenges imposed or undertaken without purpose or meaning. The illusion that new terrain bears nothing in common with the old. Latent possibilities are occluded or confused. Opportunities are overlooked. In the creative process: Your imagination needs to be uncovered or unleashed by resolving contradictory elements and seeking spiritual guidance. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Six of Music (Pleasure): "...we cannot experience pleasure but by means of others...". Being the center of attention. Receiving support from teamwork or group action. Satisfaction deriving from family, friends, colleagues. Participation in a social or community endeavor. Reunion. Keen awareness of the dance of life. Forging links and bonds with others. Experiencing a sense of belonging. Nostalgia and happy memories. In the creative process: Make use of collective or group energies, bringing them together for maximum benefit and mutual enjoyment. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Five of Poetry (Strife), when reversed: Personal illumination amidst conflict. Defeating inner demons and freeing oneself from disillusionment. Refusing to be drawn into competition, arguments, and power struggles. A time to question authority. In the creative process: This points to a stressful time battling inner doubts and outer difficulties; you can improve your project or product by getting to the truth of the matter. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Ace of Poetry (Inspiration), when reversed: The madness of divine inspiration. The illusion of higher consciousness. Obsession with a personal vision of truth and beauty, leading to a sense of false ecstasy. Mistaking cynical seduction for creative expression. Delusion of being guided by a higher force. In the creative process: Being in contact with the purest and highest part of your being provides the impetus for fresh expressions in both art and life. |
