| 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. Reversal, when reversed: Inability to look at the situation in a new way or from a different perspective. Flailing about and getting lost in the search for solutions. Undue reliance on the unconventional. Inability to accept losses or reversals. Unwillingness to withstand a difficult or uncomfortable position. |
 | 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 Painting (Hardship), when reversed: Transcending difficulties, insecurity, and financial worries. Taking responsibility for ones own actions or mistakes. Stripping down for action. Facing up to your fears and critics. Issues of support, loyalty, or companionship in hard times. In the creative process: Realize that the problems you are trying to solve may put you at odds with others who do not recognize your value. Be ready to grapple with personal blocks and fears, and to hear more from your inner voice than reasons why things won't work. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Eternity: The intervention of transcendent forces in the everyday world. The mighty are brought low and the meek are elevated. The transience of lesser concerns brings about the healing of old wounds and the achievement of great wisdom. A timeless perspective and the revelation of profound and immutable truth. Divine inspiration. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Assessment: A need to be fair and just. A situation involving judgments or balancing the issues. Consideration of commitments, agreements, or negotiations. Weighing the pros and cons of a situation. Evaluating the needs of self versus others. Transcending the limits of a situation by using kindness and imagination. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Man of Painting, when reversed: The need to dominate the situation. Allowing theory to get in the way of pragmatics. Intoxication with a highly charged situation. Taking a dogmatic and self-indulgent approach. Obsessive focus on the task at hand. Bathing in the spotlight. In the creative process: Test and refine your ideas or product to see if it works as planned; be practical yet innovative. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. 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 card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Three of Music (Exuberance): "Exuberance is Beauty". Sense of emotional expansion. Something that makes you sing for joy. Intense desire for creative expression. A cause for lively celebration. Plunging into creative new territory. Getting people excited about your idea. Supportive alliances or relationships. Entertaining gatherings, performances, meetings, get-togethers. In the creative process: Exciting and joyous progress is taking place; blow your horn! |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Ace of Painting (Generation): A tangible impetus to creative action. Generating new forms. Putting your plan into action. New projects and works. A provocative opening. Powerful elements of sensuality and sexuality coming into play. Focus on fertility and virility. In the creative process: This is when you tap into the elemental and generative forces of life, using your inner vision to create new and exciting forms with which to work. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this 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. |
