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 Pentagrams |
The Full Moon![]() Nine of Cups |
The Waning Moon![]() XX. Judgement |
|
Significator #1![]() Page of Cups |
Significator #2![]() Queen of Cups |
||
The Dark![]() Page of Stakes |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() IX. The Hermit |
The Light![]() Page of Swords |
|
The Next Step![]() VI. The Lovers |
|||
Significator #1
Page of Cups
Symbolism:
A young vampire sits in a prostate position, poised to consume a chalice filled with the most desirable sustenance. The image conveys a sense of eagerness and anticipation, focused on a new emotional journey or experience.
Meaning:
The Page of Cups represents youthful enthusiasm, creativity, and emotional curiosity. It symbolizes the beginning of new emotional experiences, such as love, art, or self-discovery. This card often represents an individual who is open-hearted, sensitive, and in tune with their emotions. It can also indicate a message or invitation related to feelings or creative pursuits.
Keywords:
Upright: Youthful energy, creativity, emotional curiosity, new beginnings, messages, open-heartedness.
Significator #2
Queen of Cups
Reversed
Symbolism:
The beautiful Queen of Cups toasts to the abundance of victims willing to sacrifice themselves for the vampires' pleasure. The Queen embodies nurturing energy but also the darker, seductive side of emotional power.
Meaning:
The Queen of Cups represents emotional wisdom, intuition, and nurturing. She is deeply connected to her emotions and offers guidance in matters of the heart. This card symbolizes compassion, empathy, and the ability to heal through love. The Queen also represents a woman who has a strong emotional presence and offers emotional support to those around her.
Reversed, the Queen of Cups may indicate emotional manipulation, dishonesty, or perversion of nurturing energy. It could point to a woman who is overly controlling, emotionally unstable, or unable to trust her instincts.
Keywords:
Reversed: Emotional manipulation, instability, dishonesty, emotional imbalance.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
XX. Judgement
Reversed
Symbolism:
Judgment depicts a haunting scene of the dead rising from crypts bathed in an eerie, silvery glow. A vampire angel hovers above, blowing a trumpet, its sound visible as luminous, curling waves. The figures below lift their arms skyward, drawn by the call to awakening. A massive, ancient tree stands in the background, its roots tangled with bones, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and death.
Meaning:
Judgment signifies renewal, self-assessment, and a call to rise above the past. It asks you to confront your actions, choices, and truths, encouraging accountability and forgiveness. This card often appears during moments of profound transition, marking the opportunity to shed old burdens and embrace a higher purpose.
Reversed, Judgment warns of self-doubt, avoidance, or fear of change. It suggests a resistance to growth or ignoring the need for reflection.
Keywords:
Reversed: Self-doubt, avoidance, fear of change, lack of reflection, denial, stagnation.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Nine of Cups
Symbolism:
A male vampire sits at the peak of drunken contentment, a symbol of ultimate satisfaction and indulgence. The cups around him represent the emotional fulfillment that results from victory and excess.
Meaning:
The Nine of Cups represents emotional satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. It indicates that your desires are being met and that you are experiencing joy in its fullest form. It can also be a sign of physical satisfaction or emotional abundance, often linked to wishes being granted.
Keywords:
Upright: Contentment, fulfillment, satisfaction, emotional success, victory.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Nine of Pentagrams
Reversed
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.
Reversed, it warns against vanity, insecurity, or unfulfilled projects. It may indicate that your success is threatened by your own egotism or a lack of confidence in your abilities.
Keywords:
Reversed: Vanity, insecurity, missed opportunities, egotism.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Page of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A young Page stands vigilant, holding his sword balanced with its tip pointed earthward. His posture conveys readiness, alertness, and a cautious approach to potential threats. Though at rest, his eyes scan the horizon, reflecting curiosity and a hunger for knowledge.
Meaning:
The Page of Swords represents curiosity, observation, and a keen intellect. It suggests a time for learning, exploration, or gathering information before acting. This card often represents someone who is eager to uncover truths or defend their beliefs with determination.
Reversed, the Page of Swords warns of unforeseen challenges or a lack of preparedness. It may indicate misinformation, impulsiveness, or difficulties stemming from inadequate planning or premature action.
Keywords:
Reversed: Misinformation, impulsiveness, confusion, unpreparedness, difficulty.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Page of Stakes
Symbolism:
A zombified female vampire emerges from her slumber, her gaze hungry and purposeful. She represents curiosity, the thirst for knowledge, and the energy of youthful ambition. The dark tones hint at naivety and the dangers of unbridled enthusiasm.
Meaning:
The Page of Stakes embodies curiosity, enthusiasm, and the beginning of new ventures. This card encourages you to embrace your creativity and explore opportunities with an open mind. It may also signify a message or news that sparks inspiration.
Keywords:
Upright: Curiosity, ambition, inspiration, creativity, news, exploration.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
VI. The Lovers
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Lovers stand under a blood-red moon, their forms entwined yet distinct. One figure appears human, while the other is clearly vampiric, emphasizing the tension between attraction and duality. Between them, a single rose blooms, its petals tinged with crimson—a symbol of both love and sacrifice. In the background, a shadowy figure looms, hinting at the influence of external forces or choices yet to be made.
Meaning:
The Lovers symbolize connection, union, and the choices that shape our relationships and paths. This card often appears during moments of deep emotional connection or when a major decision requires alignment with your values and desires. It reminds you to consider the balance of give and take in relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or spiritual.
Reversed, this card warns of disharmony, imbalance, or misaligned priorities in relationships. It may also suggest indecision or a failure to honor your personal values.
Keywords:
Reversed: Disharmony, imbalance, misalignment, indecision, temptation, 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.
IX. The Hermit
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Hermit is depicted as an ancient vampire cloaked in tattered robes, holding a lantern that emits an eerie, bluish glow. He stands atop a desolate mountain peak, surrounded by swirling mist. The lantern's light reveals faint traces of hidden paths, while his posture suggests quiet contemplation. The darkness around him symbolizes isolation, while the light represents the wisdom gained through introspection.
Meaning:
The Hermit signifies solitude, introspection, and the search for deeper truths. He encourages stepping back from external distractions to seek clarity and wisdom within. This card often appears when you need time alone to reflect on your journey or make decisions based on your inner guidance. It may also indicate the guidance of a mentor or wise figure.
Reversed, the Hermit warns against excessive isolation, withdrawal, or fear of confronting the truth. It may suggest a refusal to seek or accept guidance when it's needed.
Keywords:
Reversed: Isolation, loneliness, avoidance, overthinking, fear of change, denial.
