| 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. Ten of Music (Sublimity): "Peace & Plenty & Domestic Happiness is the Source of Sublime Art". Gifts of love, especially in relationship or marriage. Sharing your deepest feelings with others. Rewards of friendship and social involvements. Recognition of achievement. Finding happiness in hearth, home, and hospitality. Experiencing fulfillment in communal or community involvement. Resonating with others. Joining the sexy dance of life. In the creative process: Combine your efforts with others to create a unified whole greater than the sum of its parts. |
 | 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. Five of Music (Melancholy), when reversed: Denial. Failure to reach spiritual insights following a sad event. Inability to leave past failures behind. Buried hopes. Refusal to acknowledge mistakes. Letdown after intense effort. In the creative process: Convert the pain of disappointment or loss into artistic expression. Let go of something old or dead and move on to something new and alive. |
 | 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. Nine of Poetry (Powers): "We were plac'd here by the Universal Brotherhood & Mercy With powers fitted to circumscribe this dark Satanic death". Gifted with expressive and imaginative powers. Feeling exalted by a vision of spiritual truth and love. Optimistically secure in your ability to achieve anything you can imagine. Surrounded by the good things of life. Completing tasks, seeking closure or consummation. Wisdom gained by meeting life's challenges and experiences. In the creative process: At the peak of your creative powers, this is the time to drive for completion and fulfillment in your work. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Four of Music (Musing), when reversed: Letting your mind wander at critical times. Mixing business with pleasure to your detriment. Being unaware of what is going on around you. Feeling lethargic, lazy, or apathetic. In the creative process: Relax into playfulness, whimsically experiment with improvisation or reminiscence about past experiences. Such meditations alleviate stress and refresh the imagination. Make space for the gifts of spirit to move through you. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Child of Poetry: "I found them blind: I taught them how to see". Feelings of creative restlessness and artistic impulses. Sparks are flying. Learning through experience. Taking risks. Bending over backwards in your effort to see the appropriate direction for self-development and creativity. Looking for inspirational influences in your environment. 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. Angel of Science: "Quis basin demonstret? (Who would demonstrate the foundation?)". Floating in the realm of pure or abstract thought. Objective, unemotional, and unbiased thinking. Mental speculation, exploration, meditation. A brilliant insight bursting through. Stimulus to organize or systematize. Precision and clarity of vision. In the creative process: An intellectual vision or perfect insight inspires you to rise above yourself. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Sun: Being illuminated by imagination and inspiration. Liberation from old patterns. Realization of your personal goals. Radiating joy, finding delight in life. A feeling of Returning to the Source. Angels on your shoulders. Things flowing smoothly. Dawning consciousness. Cutting away from the past. Feeling welcomed and at ease. |
