| 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. Angel of Painting: "The Graphic Muse". Visionary reverie. Coalescing plans and agendas in your imagination. Contemplation prior to action. Making use of appropriate tools. Getting an overview of the situation, particularly regarding its physical or material aspects. "Getting the feel" of things. 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 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. Angel of Science, when reversed: Lost in the realm of pure or abstract thought. Cold, emotionless, and analytical thinking. Idle speculation. Lofty, possibly unreachable, goals. Scientific, intellectual, or "ivory tower" idealism. In the creative process: An intellectual vision or perfect insight inspires you to rise above yourself. |
 | 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 Music (Fancies), when reversed: A retreat into fantasy. Emotional confusion or indecision. Overwhelmed by contradictory feelings. Delusions. Temptations or bribes. Illusory goals. Challenges of immediate versus long-term gratification. In the creative process: Let your visions and dreams lead the way into deeper realms of your imagination, and be prepared to express them. Rehearse and explore wild ideas in your mind before acting on them. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Four of Painting (Means), when reversed: Obsession with material prosperity and contentment. Attachment to money and material goods. Creative achievements blocked by lack of material resources. Consolidation of personnel and materials at the expense of the objective at hand. Overwhelming need for order and structure. Emphasis on controlling, dominating, or monopolizing. In the creative process: Before reaching out for creative inspiration, prepare the groundwork: by appropriately allocating your resources and assigning creative tasks. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Nature: Fruitfulness and abundance. Awakening or growth of emotions. Awareness of natural forces at work. Deepening appreciation of Nature. Sexuality. Mothering issues. Seduced by the illusions of materialism. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ten of Music (Sublimity), when reversed: Gifts of love withheld, especially in relationship or marriage. Hiding your deepest feelings from others. Subtle barriers to friendship and social involvements. Failure to recognize achievement. A dull tinge to the happiness of hearth, home, and hospitality. Slight lack of fulfillment in communal or community involvement. 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 base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Knowledge: An important, possibly moral choice to be made. Be discriminating with advice from others. Deep insight into a relationship or one's own involvement in a relationship. A need to integrate all levels of consciousness within oneself. An opportunity for intimacy and open communications. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Man of Music: "Music as it exists in old tunes or melodies ... is Inspiration, and cannot be surpassed; it is perfect and eternal". Using emotional self-control. Experiencing a sense of self-integration and mastery. Feeling at the top of your form. Swaying others with your gift of expressiveness and fluency in the language of the unconscious. Ability to interpret dreams, oracles, and omens. Be cautious of a tendency to overestimate yourself. In the creative process: Dedicate your considerable powers to help others and for creating beauty in the world. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Seven of Science (Lamentation), when reversed: A great deal of psychic energy being unleashed. Strong resistance to pressure. Gathering, shaping, and polishing your ideas. In the creative process: When you are feeling stuck or blocked, push your imagination to find a way around the problem; rely on your energy and hard work. |
