| 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 Poetry (Boldness), when reversed: Fighting the wrong fight. Taking foolhardy action. Grandstanding over empty idealism. Tests of true integrity, firmness, and commitment. The challenge to do the right thing even if it is the inglorious thing. In the creative process: Maintain your artistic tenacity and courage despite any criticism, disapproval, or influence of societal prejudices or market pressures. |
 | 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 Science (Lamentation): Psychic energy restrained. Feeling burdened with heavy thoughts. Pushing yourself too hard. Wallowing over and refusing to accept the situation. Straining against something. 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 top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Experience: Wanting to be in control of your instincts, emotions, or elemental forces. Taking the reins in the situation. Goal-oriented drive to succeed. Journeys or involvement with motion and mobility. Meeting challenges head on. |
 | The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Two of Painting (Balance), when reversed: A choice regarding something tangible or physical. Lack of harmony. Negotiation spiraling out of control. Stretching your abilities to reconcile differences well beyond their limits. In the creative process: A breach in the project requires inner strength and timely decisions; stick with the task and seek cooperative assistance. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Six of Painting (Assistance): Giving or receiving favors or tangible help of some kind. Sponsorship or patronage. A positive influence in the situation. Although "over your head," an angel may rescue you. Generosity of spirit. Being charitable. Assisting those in need. In the creative process: You can attract the assistance and tools you need by using your imagination and not giving up hope. |
 | The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ten of Science (Defeat), when reversed: Spiritual victory in the face of material defeat. Sacrificing the lesser for the greater. Being released from a dead-end situation. Embracing the inevitable. In the creative process: Difficulties abound; your work is in flames. Defeat must be transcended by right attitude. Remember that suffering is the short road to Spirit. |
 | The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Ace of Music (Passion), when reversed: Emotions repressed or violently out of control. A lack of passion or connection to your highest potential. Being led astray from meaning and fulfillment. Inhibition. In the creative process: A passionate desire to rise above the norm, to soar to personal new heights of creative vision. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Angel of Poetry: "Angels stand round my Spirit". Burst of imagination that requires action. Feeling aroused by creative fire. Profound inner realization. Communion with Spirit. Freeing the creative forces within yourself. Getting a glimpse of what is possible if you don't hold back. Opening yourself to new experiences, to being spontaneous and passionate for truth. Daring to be great. In the creative process: Imaginative insights are transforming your work, making it into a receptacle of divine truth and spiritual artistry. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Union: The successful coming-together of something vitally important to you. Getting your act together at last. The joining of male and female forces, or unification or inner and outer life. Not holding anything back. Being at the center. Completion. Spiritual self-sacrifice. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Two of Music (Contraries): "Without Contraries is no progression. Attraction and Repulsion, Reason and Energy, Love and Hate, are necessary to Human existence". A paradoxical situation at hand. Being faced with emotional choices. Different kinds of energies needing to be harmonized. Attraction of opposites. Focus on strengthening friendship and partnership. Transcending differences. Exchanges for mutual benefit. Being willing to meet someone halfway. In the creative process: Use the presence of contrary elements as an impetus for unleashing your imagination to exploit the inherent possibilities. |
