| 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. Transformation: Eliminating something old to make room for something new. A major change or metamorphosis is at hand. Renewal. Preparing for the future. Letting-go is advised, even if difficult. Acceptance of what is inevitable. Cutting your losses. Stripping away the excess or superfluous. |
 | 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. Union, when reversed: Something vitally important to you refuses to come together. Discord between male and female forces, or inner and outer life. Holding back. Incompleteness. Fear of intimacy or self-sacrifice. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. 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 bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Religion, when reversed: Hypocritical influences and spiritual materialism. Corruption in high places. Fighting or giving in to City Hall. Feeling oppressed by the rules. Question authority and be suspicious of leaders and gurus. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Poetry (Cooperation), when reversed: Unwillingness to bring complimentary forces together. Archetypes that should fuel each other remain at odds. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Teamwork gone awry. Trouble dealing with those in high places. Being placed in the middle of two warring parties. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Whirlwind, when reversed: Winds of change make old visions obsolete. An act of god or stroke of bad luck. Inner turmoil cleverly disguised but unrestrained. Getting the run-around. Reaching a turning point. A good time to honor your gods. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Eight of Science (Restriction): Being limited by mental obstacles, or by logical constraints. Feeling confined or blinded by the situation. A captive of your own ideas, anxieties, or dogmatic attitudes. Fear of failure. Repressed desires. Being in denial. Feeling frustrated or powerless. In the creative process: Make your obstructions or limitations productive by stimulating greater intensity of thought and a deeper sense of spiritual freedom. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
