| 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 Painting (Hardship): Tangible difficulties, insecurity, or financial worries. Possible material losses, pain, or illness. Accusations and criticism, or blame from others. Exclusion. Suffering. Issues of support, loyalty, or companionship in hard times. In the creative process: Realize that the problems you are trying to solve may put you at odds with others who do not recognize your value. Be ready to grapple with personal blocks and fears, and to hear more from your inner voice than reasons why things won't work. |
 | 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. Man of Poetry: "To justify the ways of God to Man". Shedding of protections and pretenses. Clearing away darkness to boldly reveal the truth. Applying foresight and generosity of spirit to challenging circumstances. Overcoming your ego to act as a master of spiritual expression. Taking the authority to assert how things will be done. Possessing mature and well-tested vision, but a tendency to be rigid. In the creative process: When you see the whole picture of your project, you can take charge to boldly direct it toward achieving its divine potential. |
 | The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Reason, when reversed: Naked rationalism is in the driver's seat. Being out of touch with your heart and inner voice. Feeling bound by rules without context. Finding oneself trapped in a hierarchy, whether at the top or the bottom. Reliance on the patriarchal or traditional approach in the face of changing times or contexts. Fathering issues. Watch for ironies, as the emperor has no clothes. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. 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 left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Eight of Poetry (Swiftness): "Time is the mercy of Eternity: / without Time's swiftness Which is the swiftest of all things: / all were eternal torment". Vigorous and imaginative assertion is strongly indicated. Experiencing the relativity of time. The speeding-up of events or gathering of energy. Falling in love, or being swept off your feet. Everything is up in the air or in process. Flux. Rapid communications across time and space. The Internet. Look for coincidences and serendipity at work. In the creative process: Transcend all illusions of time and space by using your imagination, which can take you anywhere at any time. |
 | 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. Two of Science (Reflection): Being at the threshold of something. A mental or reasoned choice to be made. Dilemma. Waiting for something to happen. A temporary balance of opposite natures. In the creative process: An uneasy decision about which way to proceed, perhaps between a rational versus intuitive approach. Weigh the potential rewards versus the possible dangers. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. 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 second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. 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 staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. 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. |
