| 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. Seven of Music (Fancies), when reversed: A retreat into fantasy. Emotional confusion or indecision. Overwhelmed by contradictory feelings. Delusions. Temptations or bribes. Illusory goals. Challenges of immediate versus long-term gratification. In the creative process: Let your visions and dreams lead the way into deeper realms of your imagination, and be prepared to express them. Rehearse and explore wild ideas in your mind before acting on them. |
 | 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. Ace of Painting (Generation), when reversed: A stark creative block. Undue reliance on old forms. Being bound by your initial plan. A stall in new projects and works. An opening that goes unnoticed. Failure to connect with elements of sensuality and sexuality. 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 cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Five of Science (Division), when reversed: Meeting an overwhelming problem by focusing on its' component parts. Cutting yourself loose from mental hang-ups and personal entanglements. The ability to keep things separate in your mind, and to avoid conflict of interest. Swift action when faced with an impossible choice. Possibility for a new outlook. In the creative process: Caught in your own net of plans or scheme. Divide the problem into smaller segments for greater freedom of action. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Sun: Being illuminated by imagination and inspiration. Liberation from old patterns. Realization of your personal goals. Radiating joy, finding delight in life. A feeling of Returning to the Source. Angels on your shoulders. Things flowing smoothly. Dawning consciousness. Cutting away from the past. Feeling welcomed and at ease. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Six of Poetry (Cooperation): "Gods are visions of the eternal attributes, or divine names: They ought to be the servants, and not the masters of man... Cooperating in the bliss of Man obeying his Will Servants to the infinite & Eternal of the Human Form". Ability to evoke what you need by using personifying and mythologizing as creative tools. Special help is on the way. Accessing your own unconscious powers. Creative traveling. Soaring to success through teamwork. Dealing with those in high places. Acting as the courier of important information. In the creative process: This is a time to rely on your intuition to invoke the "eternal attributes" you need to get the job done; cooperate with your visions. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Three of Poetry (Creativity), when reversed: Seeking a creative opportunity in a commercial environment. Imaginative approaches are squandered in mundane circumstances. Seeking Truth where only Fact can be found. In the creative process: You get the go-ahead to "do your thing"; your project has special blessing at this time because of your ability to see an overview or get the big picture. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Seven of Science (Lamentation), when reversed: A great deal of psychic energy being unleashed. Strong resistance to pressure. Gathering, shaping, and polishing your ideas. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Five of Music (Melancholy), when reversed: Denial. Failure to reach spiritual insights following a sad event. Inability to leave past failures behind. Buried hopes. Refusal to acknowledge mistakes. Letdown after intense effort. In the creative process: Convert the pain of disappointment or loss into artistic expression. Let go of something old or dead and move on to something new and alive. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Religion: Need or desire for personal guidance. The search for fundamental truth and belonging to something greater. Conventional morality may be a dominant factor. |
