| 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. 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 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. 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 at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Energy, when reversed: Intoxication with vitality and lust for life. Reliance on physical strength and endurance rather than wit and reason. Being blinded by your natural instincts. Seeking in vain for animal or totem forces as allies. Being imprisoned by language, as the Tower of Babel. Irrationality and stubbornness. |
 | The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. 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 right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. 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 at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Moon, when reversed: Encountering unconscious fears. Possible self-deceptions and distortions of reality. Lunatic urges, including sexual license. Keeping secrets. Hidden conditions and unknown circumstances. Cyclic patterns and influences. |
 | The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Child of Poetry, when reversed: Lack of artistic discipline. Refusal to introspect or learn from the mistakes of others. Taking unnecessary risks. Bending over backwards in your effort to see the appropriate direction for self-development and creativity. In the creative process: An inspirational breakthrough is at your feet; it is up to your to pick up the energy and make the most of it. |
 | The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Five of Science (Division): Feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus on the whole problem. Being unable to cut yourself loose. Being mentally hung up. Personal entanglements. Intellectually split. Divided loyalties. Inaction through indecision. In the creative process: Caught in your own net of plans or scheme. Divide the problem into smaller segments for greater freedom of action. |
 | The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Three of Science (Jealousy): Loss of mutual understanding. Narrow-mindedness due to emotional or erotic stress. A conflict of wills. Disempowerment through obsession. Need for decisive attitude readjustment. Confusion. Betrayal. Fear of a rival. Experiencing the negativity of love. Putting your heads together helps. In the creative process: When loss of understanding triggers pain and creative numbing; stay close to the people involved; this is a point of transition. |
