Secret of the High Priestess Spread

Difficulty: Average

This spread makes a nice alternative to the Celtic Cross, which covers basically the same ground. It is useful when a question doesn't quite call for the Ankh spread. This tarot spread is helpful for looking into a current trend. The High Priestess may or may not present a mysterious secret to be analysed after the rest of the spread.

1. & 2. Main impulses representing the topic at hand. They may compliment or oppose one another.

3. This is the current influence at this time.

5. The Waning Moon is the influence that is moving into the past.

4. The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon, or the approaching influence. This is the immediate future.

7. The Light is what is clearly recognized, consciously.

6. The Dark indicates what is there but not fully perceived, though noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.

8. The Next Step is the near future, where this journey leads.

9. The final tarot card, only if it happens to be of the Major Arcana, reveals the Secret of the High Priestess. This is a special message that should be given added weight.

Your Secret of the High Priestess Reading

The Waxing Moon Nine of Stakes	The Full Moon XII. The Hanged Man		The Waning Moon Six of Swords
	Significator #1 VII. The Chariot	Significator #2 Nine of Pentagrams
The Dark X. The Wheel of Fortune	The Secret of the High Priestess Knight of Swords		The Light Eight of Pentagrams
	The Next Step Five of Swords

Significator #1 

Reversed
Symbolism:
The Chariot is a sinister yet majestic vehicle drawn by two spectral horses, one black and one white, representing opposing forces. A Nosferatu figure stands at its helm, cloaked in shadows, holding a whip of shadowy tendrils. The chariot races through a mist-laden nightscape, its wheels crushing fallen leaves and brittle bones, symbolizing the journey's sacrifices and challenges.

Meaning:
The Chariot signifies determination, control, and the will to overcome obstacles. It calls for focused effort and harnessing conflicting energies to achieve a goal. This card often appears when decisive action and self-discipline are needed to navigate a complex situation. It encourages you to take charge of your direction and steer with purpose.

Reversed, the Chariot warns of recklessness, a loss of direction, or being overwhelmed by opposing forces. It may also point to a lack of confidence or an inability to move forward.

Keywords:
Reversed: Lack of control, recklessness, stagnation, self-doubt, misdirection, failure to progress.

Significator #2 

Symbolism:
A voluptuous woman with her familiar in hand prepares for astral travel, representing accomplishment and the ability to reach higher realms. She symbolizes wisdom and the ability to manifest one's desires through focused intent.

Meaning:
The Nine of Pentagrams represents success, accomplishment, and the manifestation of your goals. It signifies that you have worked hard to achieve security and comfort and that your efforts are beginning to bear fruit. This card encourages confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Keywords:
Upright: Accomplishment, success, security, confidence, manifestation.

The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past. 

Symbolism:
Six swords impale a young female from every direction, capturing the grim tragedy of a life prematurely lost. The scene evokes a visceral sense of waste, portraying the haunting consequences of decisions or unavoidable circumstances.

Meaning:
The Six of Swords represents transition, movement, and the pursuit of peace or resolution after difficulty. It often signals leaving behind a painful situation, not without scars, but with the hope of finding clarity or refuge. The imagery highlights the weight of such transitions, emphasizing the emotional toll of moving forward.

Keywords:
Upright: Transition, journey, resolution, moving forward, healing, clarity.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Symbolism:
The Hanged Man is shown suspended upside-down from a barren tree, his foot bound by a chain of silver. His expression is serene, as if willingly surrendering to his predicament. A pool of crimson liquid forms beneath him, reflecting a full moon, symbolizing surrender and the potential for transformation. Surrounding him, shadows twist into shapes of wings, hinting at the freedom that comes through letting go.

Meaning:
The Hanged Man represents surrender, perspective, and the need to pause. It encourages you to let go of control and view a situation from a different angle. This card often signals a period of waiting or self-sacrifice, where stepping back can lead to greater understanding or personal growth.

Keywords:
Upright: Surrender, perspective, pause, letting go, reflection, patience, transformation.

The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence. 

Reversed
Symbolism:
A grotesque figure hangs upside down, pierced by nine stakes in a horrific display of defiance and suffering. The unsettling scene illustrates the resilience required to endure opposition and remain steadfast in the face of challenges.

Meaning:
The Nine of Stakes is a card of resilience and strength under pressure. It symbolizes the final push before success, encouraging you to persevere despite fatigue or hardship. This card warns of challenges but assures you that your determination will see you through.

Reversed, the card signals obstacles, delays, or setbacks. It may also indicate a need for rest or recovery before resuming the fight.

Keywords:
Reversed: Setbacks, fatigue, delays, obstacles, vulnerability.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

Symbolism:
An exotic dancer adorned in pentagrams performs, her act representing craftsmanship and skill. She embodies the dedication to her craft, with a focus on discipline and mastery.

Meaning:
The Eight of Pentagrams speaks to hard work, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. It suggests a time of preparation and dedication to one's skills. Whether in a professional or personal capacity, this card encourages you to continue honing your abilities and remain committed to your goals.

Keywords:
Upright: Craftsmanship, dedication, skill, preparation, hard work.

The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness. 

Symbolism:
The Wheel of Fortune appears as a rotating wheel carved from black obsidian, inscribed with arcane runes glowing faintly in red and gold. Around the wheel, shadowy figures—some triumphant, others despairing—are caught in its orbit, symbolizing the cyclical nature of fate. At its center, a single, unblinking eye peers outward, embodying the watchful presence of destiny and the unpredictable forces that govern life.

Meaning:
The Wheel of Fortune represents cycles, change, and the influence of fate. It reminds you that life is constantly shifting between highs and lows, and adaptability is key to navigating these changes. When this card appears, it often signals a turning point, a shift in fortune, or the hand of destiny at work. It encourages you to seize opportunities while being mindful of the bigger picture.

Keywords:
Upright: Change, destiny, cycles, luck, turning point, opportunities, adaptability.

The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you. 

Reversed
Symbolism:
Five swords mark the freshly disturbed graves of the dead, symbolizing destruction and dishonor.

Meaning:
The Five of Swords represents conflict, defeat, and loss. It indicates the aftermath of a battle, where victory has been achieved, but at great cost. This card speaks of humiliation, dishonor, or disgrace, often indicating a situation where one person triumphs at the expense of others.

Reversed, it points to feelings of desperation, defeat, or the consequences of bad decisions. It may also symbolize the need to let go of past conflict or to accept a loss gracefully.

Keywords:
Reversed: Desperation, failure, regret, resolution of conflict.

The Secret of the High Priestess - if, and only if, this card a Major Arcana, it reveals the Secret of the High Priestess. This is a special spiritual message that you should pay extra special attention to. If it is not a trump, the Priestess has revealed no secret. 

Symbolism:
A pale Knight rides a dark horse at breakneck speed, his face etched with fear. It is not fear of the world, but fear of the destructive potential he knows lies within himself. The stormy skies around him reflect the chaos and intensity of his internal conflict.

Meaning:
The Knight of Swords represents swift action, bravery, and the pursuit of truth or justice. It signifies decisiveness, energy, and the willingness to confront challenges head-on. This card often appears during moments of intense effort or when boldness is required.

Keywords:
Upright: Bravery, action, decisiveness, skill, pursuit of justice, boldness.