| 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 Music (Discontent), when reversed: Freedom from disappointment and dissatisfaction. The release of repressed emotions and distress. Being unphased by circumstances. Emotional stability in the face of challenge. Serenity. In the creative process: Psychodrama and emotional torments can serve as imaginative stimulants. Expressing and documenting what you feel can be artful as well as healing. |
 | 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. 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 at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Music (Pleasure), when reversed: Lack of teamwork and group action. Dissatisfaction with family, friends, colleagues. Refusal to participate in a social or community endeavor. Broken links and bonds with others. Loneliness within the crowd. In the creative process: Make use of collective or group energies, bringing them together for maximum benefit and mutual enjoyment. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Woman of Science, when reversed: Overly-methodical approach to a problem. Looking outside yourself for answers that can only be found within. Being confused by the facts and failing to see the truth. Refusing counsel. Dogmatic reliance on deduction over induction. Shunning personal involvement. In the creative process: Now is the time to research and gather information, get an overview, and make long-range plans and strategies. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Forgiveness, when reversed: Unwillingness to learn from mistakes. Magnifying errors out of proportion. Refusal to hear the inner voice. Lack of forgiveness and compassion. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Stars, when reversed: Loss of hope. Feeling disconnected from cosmic or universal energies. Failure to realize the highest potential of your situation. Being out of touch with your own creative powers. Lack of self-esteem. Your abilities going unrecognized. Being restrained from doing your own thing. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Reversal, when reversed: Inability to look at the situation in a new way or from a different perspective. Flailing about and getting lost in the search for solutions. Undue reliance on the unconventional. Inability to accept losses or reversals. Unwillingness to withstand a difficult or uncomfortable position. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Two of Painting (Balance): A choice regarding something tangible or physical. Body-awareness is a key factor; hang in there. Balance as a dynamic force. Using interaction and negotiation to keep energy flowing. Stretching your abilities to bridge a gap or to reconcile differences. In the creative process: A breach in the project requires inner strength and timely decisions; stick with the task and seek cooperative assistance. |
