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 Swords	The Full Moon Eight of Pentagrams		The Waning Moon Four of Pentagrams
	Significator #1 XIII. Death	Significator #2 Queen of Pentagrams
The Dark Seven of Swords	The Secret of the High Priestess Knight of Swords		The Light Five of Cups
	The Next Step Ace of Swords

Significator #1 

Reversed
Symbolism:
Death is depicted as a cloaked, skeletal figure riding a dark horse with glowing red eyes. In one hand, it wields a scythe, its blade glinting in the moonlight, while the other hand scatters withered petals onto the barren ground. The landscape around them is bleak, with twisted trees and ruins, but in the distance, the faint glow of dawn promises renewal. At the figure's feet, flowers begin to bloom amid the decay.

Meaning:
Death symbolizes transformation, endings, and the promise of new beginnings. It encourages you to release what no longer serves you, making way for growth and renewal. This card often marks a significant transition or the closure of a chapter in life, reminding you that every ending carries the seed of a new beginning.

Reversed, Death warns of resistance to change, fear of endings, or stagnation. It may suggest clinging to the past or delaying the inevitable.

Keywords:
Reversed: Resistance, fear of change, stagnation, clinging to the past, avoidance, inertia.

Significator #2 

Symbolism:
An older woman bears a large pentagram, symbolizing wisdom, wealth, and self-awareness. She exudes authority and grace, with a deep connection to both material success and personal power.

Meaning:
The Queen of Pentagrams embodies wealth, wisdom, and self-sufficiency. She suggests that you have reached a level of maturity where you can balance both material success and personal fulfillment. This card highlights nurturing, practicality, and the importance of enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Keywords:
Upright: Wisdom, wealth, self-sufficiency, authority, practicality.

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

Reversed
Symbolism:
A beautiful female vampire sits calmly, working her magic during the witching hour. She holds a pentagram close to her chest, representing control and possession over her material world. Her aura suggests a deep connection to both wealth and personal power.

Meaning:
The Four of Pentagrams signifies possessiveness, control, and the need to protect what has been earned. It speaks to holding onto resources, whether material or emotional, and the desire for stability and security. While this card suggests financial or emotional strength, it may also point to an unhealthy attachment to these possessions.

Reversed, it highlights the dangers of obsession, hoarding, and the fear of losing what you have. It warns against stubbornness, emotional repression, and excessive materialism.

Keywords:
Reversed: Obsession, hoarding, fear, repression, wastefulness.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Reversed
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.

Reversed, it may indicate unfulfilled ambition, vanity, or the exploitation of one's skills for selfish gain. It warns against focusing on appearance over substance or engaging in unethical practices.

Keywords:
Reversed: Vanity, exploitation, unethical behavior, unfulfilled ambition.

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

Reversed
Symbolism:
Nine swords hang ominously on the wall, their sharp edges glinting faintly in the dim light. Below, a female vampire clutches her chest, overwhelmed by anxiety. Her surroundings are fortified excessively, reflecting her insecurities and fears of vulnerability. The scene captures a suffocating sense of dread and the heavy toll of mental anguish.

Meaning:
The Nine of Swords represents anxiety, fear, and despair. It signifies sleepless nights, obsessive thoughts, and the burden of worries that may or may not be grounded in reality. This card calls attention to the self-inflicted nature of some fears, urging reflection and perspective.

Reversed, the Nine of Swords suggests release from these burdens or the ability to confront and process your fears. It can also indicate being trapped by negativity or the lingering effects of past trauma that remain unresolved.

Keywords:
Reversed: Emotional release, recovery, clarity, lingering negativity, shame.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

Symbolism:
Five toppled cups form a pentagram, with something undiscernible at the center. The destruction and loss are apparent, yet the hidden element suggests that something valuable might still remain.

Meaning:
The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, and emotional upset. It suggests the need to process and mourn a loss, be it personal or emotional. This card encourages you to acknowledge your sorrow while being open to healing. It is also a reminder to focus not just on what has been lost but on what remains.

Keywords:
Upright: Loss, grief, sorrow, reflection, healing, emotional challenges.

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

Symbolism:
A cunning thief is shown stealing five of seven swords, his movements calculated and deliberate. He takes only what he can carry, leaving just enough behind to avoid detection. This image portrays strategy, cleverness, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the complexity of navigating difficult situations.

Meaning:
The Seven of Swords represents strategy, cunning, and the courage to take calculated risks. It suggests that bold action may be necessary to achieve your goals, even if it challenges conventional ethics. The card also highlights the importance of discretion and planning in overcoming obstacles.

Keywords:
Upright: Strategy, cunning, cleverness, calculated risk, bravery, justified action.

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

Symbolism:
A hand emerges from the clouds, gripping a freshly used sword. The sword gleams with power, representing intellectual triumph and clarity that has recently been achieved. The imagery suggests that a great mental breakthrough has just occurred or is about to.

Meaning:
The Ace of Swords symbolizes a surge of clarity, a breakthrough, or a new intellectual beginning. It represents the power of the mind and clear communication. This card marks the moment when confusion is cut through, and truth is revealed. It signifies victory through rationality, logic, and truth.

Keywords:
Upright: Clarity, new beginnings, breakthroughs, intellectual power, truth.

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. 

Reversed
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.

Reversed, the Knight of Swords suggests recklessness, impulsiveness, or the consequences of acting without a clear plan. It warns against self-destructive tendencies or overconfidence that leads to ruin.

Keywords:
Reversed: Recklessness, impulsiveness, self-destruction, lack of control, chaos.