| 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. Six of Science (Passage), when reversed: Going to undue lengths to avoid surmountable obstacles. Movement without progress. Challenges imposed or undertaken without purpose or meaning. The illusion that new terrain bears nothing in common with the old. Latent possibilities are occluded or confused. Opportunities are overlooked. In the creative process: Your imagination needs to be uncovered or unleashed by resolving contradictory elements and seeking spiritual guidance. |
 | 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. Woman of Music, when reversed: Obsession with the illusion of beauty, grace, and tranquility in your surroundings. Undue attention to the emotions and needs of people around you. False belief in your own talents and charm. Being haunted by loneliness and dreams. Inhibitions blocking your expression of ideas and feeling. Over-sensitivity to criticism. In the creative process: You vibrate in tune with everything around you, sensitively aware of life energy in all its forms, from which to create something new through the filter of your own consciousness. |
 | 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): "Time is the mercy of Eternity: / without Time's swiftness Which is the swiftest of all things: / all were eternal torment". Vigorous and imaginative assertion is strongly indicated. Experiencing the relativity of time. The speeding-up of events or gathering of energy. Falling in love, or being swept off your feet. Everything is up in the air or in process. Flux. Rapid communications across time and space. The Internet. Look for coincidences and serendipity at work. 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. Ten of Painting (Delight): Your work or ideal takes on a life of it own. Financial prosperity. Achievement or promotion on the job. Inheriting something of tangible or permanent value. Family gatherings and traditions. Finding your roots. Active involvement in community and societal spheres. In the creative process: The success of completion of your project is cause for celebration and an opportunity to honor all the gods and spirits that participated in your benefit. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Painting (Assistance): Giving or receiving favors or tangible help of some kind. Sponsorship or patronage. A positive influence in the situation. Although "over your head," an angel may rescue you. Generosity of spirit. Being charitable. Assisting those in need. In the creative process: You can attract the assistance and tools you need by using your imagination and not giving up hope. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Moon: Psychic insights. Relying on your instincts. Using your dreams and musings as sources of inspiration. Hidden conditions and unknown circumstances. Cyclic patterns and influences. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Liberty, when reversed: Restriction of personal freedom. A call to action goes unheard. Failure to reach a deeper level of awareness or sense of spiritual self. Failure to effect a basic change of state. Refusal to make an important decision or judgment, perhaps one long delayed. Being bound by limiting circumstances. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Man of Science, when reversed: Perfectionism. Personal detachment. Being oblivious to your surroundings and to unforeseen possibilities. Tendency to be opinionated and aloof. Delusions of grandeur. Inability to perceive human or spiritual values. 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. Sun, when reversed: Being blocked from imagination and inspiration, and trapped in old patterns. Failure to realize your personal goals. Despair. Separation from the joy of life. Being cut off from the Source, and abandoned by the Heavens. Darkness with no apparent end. Being trapped in the past. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Woman of Poetry: "To go forth to the Great Harvest & Vintage of the Nations". Radiating confidence, pride, and self-assurance. Being unafraid to promote yourself or reach for what you really want. Being generous and open-hearted, but also dramatic and assertive. Wanting to inspire others. Creative self-fulfillment. Gathering a rich harvest from the situation. Expressing intuitive knowledge and leadership. Mastery of expression. In the creative process: With complete confidence in your expressive abilities, you serve as a guiding light to inspire growth and confidence in others. |
