| 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. Nine of Painting (Fruition), when reversed: A task completed but rewards denied. A peak experience from which the only way is down. Physical bliss and orgasm denied. Achievements that seem to slip through your fingers. Reaching a disappointing physical peak. In the creative process: You gain by combining separate elements into an integrated whole; making the right use of what is available in order to achieve your goals. |
 | 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. 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 cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Two of Poetry (Individuality), when reversed: Mistaking personal perception for the zeitgeist. Being blinded by the appearances of things. Treating the objective as subjective. Believing that self-knowledge cannot be found through consultation with others. Deciding between societal and individual points of view. Looking for something in the wrong place. In the creative process: Distinguish between the expression of your Self and the expression of your ego; discover the difference between wise individuality and unwise individualism. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Union: The successful coming-together of something vitally important to you. Getting your act together at last. The joining of male and female forces, or unification or inner and outer life. Not holding anything back. Being at the center. Completion. Spiritual self-sacrifice. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Eight of Painting (Discipline): Proper pacing or management of your workload or time. Taking control of a difficult situation. Following the lead of a mentor or inner guide. A need for physical assessment and self-improvement. Seek appropriate education and training. Step-by-step progress. Diligence and perseverance. Tackling 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. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Man of Music: "Music as it exists in old tunes or melodies ... is Inspiration, and cannot be surpassed; it is perfect and eternal". Using emotional self-control. Experiencing a sense of self-integration and mastery. Feeling at the top of your form. Swaying others with your gift of expressiveness and fluency in the language of the unconscious. Ability to interpret dreams, oracles, and omens. Be cautious of a tendency to overestimate yourself. In the creative process: Dedicate your considerable powers to help others and for creating beauty in the world. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Child of Music, when reversed: The struggle to kindle your emotions. Being ruled by your own feelings. Emotional risks and instability. Disguising your vulnerability. Being shy and moody. Keeping your feelings to yourself. Self absorption clouding your empathy with others, and with animals. In the creative process: Go inside yourself to experience emotional innocence and primal voice. Don't be afraid to improvise in your own way. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Transformation, when reversed: Unwillingness to change old for new. Stagnation. Burning your bridges behind you. Facing the future unprepared. Failure to accept the inevitable. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Child of Poetry, when reversed: Lack of artistic discipline. Refusal to introspect or learn from the mistakes of others. Taking unnecessary risks. Bending over backwards in your effort to see the appropriate direction for self-development and creativity. In the creative process: An inspirational breakthrough is at your feet; it is up to your to pick up the energy and make the most of it. |
