| 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. 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 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. Nature: Fruitfulness and abundance. Awakening or growth of emotions. Awareness of natural forces at work. Deepening appreciation of Nature. Sexuality. Mothering issues. Seduced by the illusions of materialism. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Reason: Using your head to get through a situation. A time to define or obey the rules. Yielding to or being the boss, or authority figure. Patriarchal or traditional approach is favored. Fathering issues. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Painting (Means): Material prosperity and contentment. Creative achievements using material resources. Consolidation of personnel and materials. Bringing about order and structure. Emphasis on controlling, dominating, or monopolizing. Protecting and maintaining. In the creative process: Before reaching out for creative inspiration, prepare the groundwork: by appropriately allocating your resources and assigning creative tasks. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Assessment: A need to be fair and just. A situation involving judgments or balancing the issues. Consideration of commitments, agreements, or negotiations. Weighing the pros and cons of a situation. Evaluating the needs of self versus others. Transcending the limits of a situation by using kindness and imagination. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Mystery: Relying on your intuitive abilities and listening to inner wisdom. Unexplained or mysterious energies at work. Issues of sexuality. Feeling a sense of divine protection. Guarding your territory. Look around you for instructive omens and portents. Attraction to or advice from a wise woman. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Six of Science (Passage): Opening the way or clearing obstacles. Movement of information. A Rite of Passage. A stressful journey. Seeking a sense of purpose. Receiving guidance from a higher source. Exploring new terrain. In the creative process: Your imagination needs to be uncovered or unleashed by resolving contradictory elements and seeking spiritual guidance. |
