| 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. Three of Poetry (Creativity), when reversed: Seeking a creative opportunity in a commercial environment. Imaginative approaches are squandered in mundane circumstances. Seeking Truth where only Fact can be found. In the creative process: You get the go-ahead to "do your thing"; your project has special blessing at this time because of your ability to see an overview or get the big picture. |
 | 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. Imagination: A murky situation requires wisdom and prudence. Allow your beliefs and convictions to guide you through the door of perception. Use your imagination to illuminate the unknown. Finding an answer or solution through introspection. Putting your own light and wisdom into action. Evoking the divine imagination as a transformative force in your own life. |
 | 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 Poetry (Swiftness), when reversed: Time accelerated beyond control. Momentum that cannot be diverted. Being swept off your feet by uncontrollable lust. Information overload. The Internet. Forces aligning and assembling around their perception of what you mean. In the creative process: Transcend all illusions of time and space by using your imagination, which can take you anywhere at any time. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Nine of Science (Despair): Experiencing mental anguish or self-pity. Grief. Depression. Insomnia. Escaping reality. Hiding from joy and innocence. Feeling isolated and alone. Self-cruelty. In the creative process: Your creativity is blocked by self-judgments and criticism. Forgive yourself and get back to the basics; recapture your innocence and rejoin the human family. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Angel of Poetry: "Angels stand round my Spirit". Burst of imagination that requires action. Feeling aroused by creative fire. Profound inner realization. Communion with Spirit. Freeing the creative forces within yourself. Getting a glimpse of what is possible if you don't hold back. Opening yourself to new experiences, to being spontaneous and passionate for truth. Daring to be great. In the creative process: Imaginative insights are transforming your work, making it into a receptacle of divine truth and spiritual artistry. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Three of Painting (Practice), when reversed: Failure to master your skills and talents. Lack of engagement with your peers. Unwillingness to synthesize the available factors. Failure to build support. In the creative process: Experimentation and manipulation are the keys to acquiring the experience needed to get the job done. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Forgiveness, when reversed: Unwillingness to learn from mistakes. Magnifying errors out of proportion. Refusal to hear the inner voice. Lack of forgiveness and compassion. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Four of Science (Repose): Taking a break from mental activity. Letting go of weighty concerns. Don't fight against the current. In the creative process: Allow new insights to surface by becoming more fluid and letting go of mental demands and pressures. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Angel of Music, when reversed: Restrained surge of passionate emotion. Lack of compassion. Inability to rise above a mundane or materialistic milieu. An unexpected lack of emotion. Withheld personal transformation. Undeveloped aesthetic sensibility. Misunderstanding of public needs or the mass media. In the creative process: An inrush of excitement or appearance of a new factor offers alternative possibilities for your work. |
