| 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. Liberty: An emerging and powerful sense of personal freedom. Hearing a call to action. Awakening to a deeper level of awareness or sense of spiritual self. A rebirth or basic change of state. Making an important decision or judgment, perhaps one long delayed. Being released from limiting circumstances. |
 | 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. Nine of Music (Happiness): "He who binds to himself a joy / Does the winged life destroy / But he who kisses the joy as it flies / Lives in eternity's sun rise". Learning to "Be Here Now." Ability to evoke what you want or need. Emotional fulfillment. Sensual or sexual gratification. Overflowing awareness of life's bounty. Spontaneous love and happiness. Self-indulgences. Wishes fulfilled. Appetites satisfied. Excellent health but a tendency to overindulgence. In the creative process: You are at your creative best, blessed with a vision of life that is extravagant and blissful. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Seven of Painting (Patience): Waiting for the situation to develop or ripen. Awaiting the results of your efforts. Calling for material assistance or reinforcements. Experiencing tests and trials in the process of manifestation. Assessing your resources. In the creative process: Straining to speed things up only produces anxiety, so get a grip and wait for everything to unfold according to its own timing. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ace of Science (Intellect): Delving into the depths of knowledge. Focusing on multiple aspects of the job at hand. Development and use of multiple skills. Genesis of a great new idea. Analytical search for knowledge as truth. Using logic, method, and research to solve a problem. In the creative process: A time for "blind" absorption of data, for intense focus on research and documentation of the creative project being initiated. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Transformation, when reversed: Unwillingness to change old for new. Stagnation. Burning your bridges behind you. Facing the future unprepared. Failure to accept the inevitable. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Mystery: Relying on your intuitive abilities and listening to inner wisdom. Unexplained or mysterious energies at work. Issues of sexuality. Feeling a sense of divine protection. Guarding your territory. Look around you for instructive omens and portents. Attraction to or advice from a wise woman. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Man of Science, when reversed: Perfectionism. Personal detachment. Being oblivious to your surroundings and to unforeseen possibilities. Tendency to be opinionated and aloof. Delusions of grandeur. Inability to perceive human or spiritual values. In the creative process: Scrutinize and test every aspect of your work so as to refine and perfect it. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Child of Poetry, when reversed: Lack of artistic discipline. Refusal to introspect or learn from the mistakes of others. Taking unnecessary risks. Bending over backwards in your effort to see the appropriate direction for self-development and creativity. In the creative process: An inspirational breakthrough is at your feet; it is up to your to pick up the energy and make the most of it. |
 | 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. 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. |
