Today's Tarot for Leo Tolstoy
| The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. 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 first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Man of Music, when reversed: Repression of emotions. Discipline and mastery turned to denial. Feeling the pressure to remain on top. Making unreasonable attempts to sway others through fluency in the language of the unconscious. Reliance on dreams, oracles, and omens above the direct evidence of the senses and reason. Overestimation of ones own abilities. In the creative process: Dedicate your considerable powers to help others and for creating beauty in the world. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. 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 third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. 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 fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. 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 fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Stars, when reversed: Loss of hope. Feeling disconnected from cosmic or universal energies. Failure to realize the highest potential of your situation. Being out of touch with your own creative powers. Lack of self-esteem. Your abilities going unrecognized. Being restrained from doing your own thing. |
 | At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. Eight of Music (Discontent), when reversed: Freedom from disappointment and dissatisfaction. The release of repressed emotions and distress. Being unphased by circumstances. Emotional stability in the face of challenge. Serenity. In the creative process: Psychodrama and emotional torments can serve as imaginative stimulants. Expressing and documenting what you feel can be artful as well as healing. |
 | The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Union: The successful coming-together of something vitally important to you. Getting your act together at last. The joining of male and female forces, or unification or inner and outer life. Not holding anything back. Being at the center. Completion. Spiritual self-sacrifice. |
 | The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. 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 ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. 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. |
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