| 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. Eight of Science (Restriction), when reversed: Suppressed creative energy waiting to burst free. External constraints provide much-needed focus. Intense mental fervor despite outward calm. Freedom from your prejudices, dogmatic attitudes, and fear of failure. Self discipline and mastery over ones emotions. In the creative process: Make your obstructions or limitations productive by stimulating greater intensity of thought and a deeper sense of spiritual freedom. |
 | 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. 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 at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Seven of Science (Lamentation): Psychic energy restrained. Feeling burdened with heavy thoughts. Pushing yourself too hard. Wallowing over and refusing to accept the situation. Straining against something. In the creative process: When you are feeling stuck or blocked, push your imagination to find a way around the problem; rely on your energy and hard work. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Imagination, when reversed: Failure to use wisdom and prudence. Too much reliance on novel solutions to conventional problems. Unwillingness to look within and seek an inspired resolution. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Five of Poetry (Strife): "Thou art a Man / God is no more / Thy own humanity / learn to adore For that is my / Spirit of Life / Awake arise to Spiritual Strife". A need for self-improvement. Struggling with inner demons, such as issues of conscience. Falling into disillusionment, or the dark side of the matter. Competition, arguments, power struggles. Getting "thrown for a loop." 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Reason, when reversed: Naked rationalism is in the driver's seat. Being out of touch with your heart and inner voice. Feeling bound by rules without context. Finding oneself trapped in a hierarchy, whether at the top or the bottom. Reliance on the patriarchal or traditional approach in the face of changing times or contexts. Fathering issues. Watch for ironies, as the emperor has no clothes. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Nature, when reversed: Overgrowth. Natural forces out of control. Fear of nature and sexuality. Mothering issues. Seduced by the illusions of materialism. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Experience, when reversed: Inability to control your instincts, emotions, or elemental forces. Materialistic drive to succeed. The need to prove something or impose your will on others. Bizarre circumstances. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Religion: Need or desire for personal guidance. The search for fundamental truth and belonging to something greater. Conventional morality may be a dominant factor. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Four of Poetry (Harmony): "Love and harmony combine / And around our souls entwine / While thy branches mix with mine / And our roots together join". Things are coming together beautifully. Giving thanks for an achievement or personal success. Celebrating a harvest, homecoming, or a job well done. Harmonious relationships with friends and family. Working together with a partner or sharing a special experience. In the creative process: The various elements and personalities involved in your project are interacting harmoniously, generating an appropriate sense of gratitude for what has been accomplished so far. |
