| 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. Two of Painting (Balance): A choice regarding something tangible or physical. Body-awareness is a key factor; hang in there. Balance as a dynamic force. Using interaction and negotiation to keep energy flowing. Stretching your abilities to bridge a gap or to reconcile differences. In the creative process: A breach in the project requires inner strength and timely decisions; stick with the task and seek cooperative assistance. |
 | 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. 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Ace of Science (Intellect): Delving into the depths of knowledge. Focusing on multiple aspects of the job at hand. Development and use of multiple skills. Genesis of a great new idea. Analytical search for knowledge as truth. Using logic, method, and research to solve a problem. In the creative process: A time for "blind" absorption of data, for intense focus on research and documentation of the creative project being initiated. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Five of Poetry (Strife), when reversed: Personal illumination amidst conflict. Defeating inner demons and freeing oneself from disillusionment. Refusing to be drawn into competition, arguments, and power struggles. A time to question authority. In the creative process: This points to a stressful time battling inner doubts and outer difficulties; you can improve your project or product by getting to the truth of the matter. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Magic: Asserting control over the situation. Ability to channel or direct powerful forces. Making the most of the available resources. Outstanding possibilities for communication. The right time to act is at hand. Naked aggressiveness is effective at this time. Availability of tools and skills. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Man of Science: Being submerged in thought. A time of intense mental focus. Perfectionism. Personal detachment and self-possession. Working on your own, or in isolation. In the creative process: Scrutinize and test every aspect of your work so as to refine and perfect 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 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. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Nature, when reversed: Overgrowth. Natural forces out of control. Fear of nature and sexuality. Mothering issues. Seduced by the illusions of materialism. |
