| 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. Ace of Painting (Generation): A tangible impetus to creative action. Generating new forms. Putting your plan into action. New projects and works. A provocative opening. Powerful elements of sensuality and sexuality coming into play. Focus on fertility and virility. In the creative process: This is when you tap into the elemental and generative forces of life, using your inner vision to create new and exciting forms with which to work. |
 | 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. 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 at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Eight of Painting (Discipline), when reversed: Mismanagement of your workload or time. Failing to get a grip on the situation. Refusal to listen to a mentor or inner guide. A need for physical assessment and self-improvement. Seek appropriate education and training. Inability to take one step at a time. Lack of due diligence. Collapsing under a mountain of work. In the creative process: Even though you may have a long way to go, a methodical approach incorporating guidance and training will ultimately lead you to the top. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Three of Science (Jealousy): Loss of mutual understanding. Narrow-mindedness due to emotional or erotic stress. A conflict of wills. Disempowerment through obsession. Need for decisive attitude readjustment. Confusion. Betrayal. Fear of a rival. Experiencing the negativity of love. Putting your heads together helps. In the creative process: When loss of understanding triggers pain and creative numbing; stay close to the people involved; this is a point of transition. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Woman of Science, when reversed: Overly-methodical approach to a problem. Looking outside yourself for answers that can only be found within. Being confused by the facts and failing to see the truth. Refusing counsel. Dogmatic reliance on deduction over induction. Shunning personal involvement. In the creative process: Now is the time to research and gather information, get an overview, and make long-range plans and strategies. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Four of Poetry (Harmony): "Love and harmony combine / And around our souls entwine / While thy branches mix with mine / And our roots together join". Things are coming together beautifully. Giving thanks for an achievement or personal success. Celebrating a harvest, homecoming, or a job well done. Harmonious relationships with friends and family. Working together with a partner or sharing a special experience. In the creative process: The various elements and personalities involved in your project are interacting harmoniously, generating an appropriate sense of gratitude for what has been accomplished so far. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Assessment: A need to be fair and just. A situation involving judgments or balancing the issues. Consideration of commitments, agreements, or negotiations. Weighing the pros and cons of a situation. Evaluating the needs of self versus others. Transcending the limits of a situation by using kindness and imagination. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Seven of Poetry (Boldness): "The times require that every one should speak out boldly: ...every man should do his duty, in Arts, as well as in Arms, or in the Senate". Standing up for yourself and your beliefs. Telling the truth despite everything. Tests of integrity, firmness, and commitment. Doing the right thing even though it hurts. Facing the envy or enmity of others. Proving yourself against rivals and competitors. Finding the courage to resist organized, institutional, or governmental oppression. In the creative process: Maintain your artistic tenacity and courage despite any criticism, disapproval, or influence of societal prejudices or market pressures. |
