| 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.
|
 | The card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. 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 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. 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Innocence, when reversed: Misinterpreting something old and conventional as something new and unique. Failure to trust your instincts. A foolhardy venture, or confrontation for which you are unprepared. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Whirlwind: Winds of change bring new visions, opportunities. A god-send or stroke of luck. Outer turmoil concealing inner truth. Stretching your boundaries. Reaching a turning point. Unseen forces churning below the surface. A good time to honor your gods. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Angel of Painting, when reversed: Visionary reverie. Plans and agendas lost in wild flights of imagination. Action taken without contemplation. Making use of inappropriate tools. Diving into the situation without vision or foresight, particularly its physical or material aspects. In the creative process: Look for or contemplate a solid idea, a practical point of view that can instigate a whole new direction in your work or project. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Magic: Asserting control over the situation. Ability to channel or direct powerful forces. Making the most of the available resources. Outstanding possibilities for communication. The right time to act is at hand. Naked aggressiveness is effective at this time. Availability of tools and skills. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. 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 second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Six of Poetry (Cooperation), when reversed: Unwillingness to bring complimentary forces together. Archetypes that should fuel each other remain at odds. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Teamwork gone awry. Trouble dealing with those in high places. Being placed in the middle of two warring parties. In the creative process: This is a time to rely on your intuition to invoke the "eternal attributes" you need to get the job done; cooperate with your visions. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Reversal, when reversed: Inability to look at the situation in a new way or from a different perspective. Flailing about and getting lost in the search for solutions. Undue reliance on the unconventional. Inability to accept losses or reversals. Unwillingness to withstand a difficult or uncomfortable position. |
