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![]() Seven of Stakes |
The Full Moon![]() XIII. Death |
The Waning Moon![]() Ten of Swords |
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Significator #1![]() XIX. The Sun |
Significator #2![]() Queen of Pentagrams |
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The Dark![]() Queen of Cups |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() VII. The Chariot |
The Light![]() King of Cups |
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The Next Step![]() Queen of Swords |
Significator #1

XIX. The Sun
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Sun features a radiant figure standing atop a stone altar, their outstretched arms ablaze with golden light. Behind them, a massive blood-red sun dominates the sky, casting warm, revitalizing rays over a once-shadowed landscape. Sunflowers bloom vibrantly in the foreground, representing vitality and joy. A golden wolf stands beside the figure, symbolizing loyalty and enlightenment.
Meaning:
The Sun represents joy, success, and clarity. It heralds a period of positivity, growth, and accomplishment, reminding you to embrace life with enthusiasm and gratitude. This card suggests that challenges are behind you, and a brighter path lies ahead.
Reversed, the Sun may indicate temporary setbacks, self-doubt, or overconfidence. It suggests the need to find balance and reconnect with your inner light.
Keywords:
Reversed: Setbacks, doubt, overconfidence, lack of clarity, diminished enthusiasm.
Significator #2

Queen of Pentagrams
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.

Ten of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A male figure lies lifeless, his body pierced by ten swords. The brutality of the scene mirrors the infamous murder of the Black Dahlia, evoking themes of ultimate betrayal and victimization. Blood pools beneath him, symbolizing the depth of his suffering and the irreversible nature of the event.
Meaning:
The Ten of Swords represents total defeat, betrayal, and hopelessness. It signifies the end of a cycle or the culmination of pain, where there is no further descent. Despite its grim nature, the card also holds the promise of new beginnings, as the worst has already passed.
Reversed, this card suggests recovery, triumph over adversity, or the ability to rise again after hitting rock bottom. It reflects newfound strength and the potential for victory through resilience and sheer determination.
Keywords:
Reversed: Recovery, resilience, triumph, power, victory after struggle.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.

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

Seven of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
Seven stakes hold yet another of Vlad's impaled victims, a stark message to those who would challenge his authority. The grim imagery portrays valor and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. The stakes symbolize both the challenges and the power of standing one's ground.
Meaning:
The Seven of Stakes is a card of courage and determination. It urges you to stand your ground and defend your beliefs, even when faced with opposition. Success is possible, but it requires resilience and confidence in your convictions. This card often appears when there is competition or conflict, serving as a reminder to hold firm.
Reversed, the card warns of indecision, confusion, or embarrassment. It may also signal an overreaction to perceived threats, leading to unnecessary conflict.
Keywords:
Reversed: Indecision, confusion, overreaction, fear, uncertainty.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.

King of Cups
Symbolism:
Seated upon his throne, the King clasps a full chalice in hand. The King embodies emotional mastery, wisdom, and balance, symbolizing the ability to rule over emotions and guide others with compassion.
Meaning:
The King of Cups represents emotional maturity, control, and wisdom. He is a master of his feelings and uses his emotional intelligence to guide others. This card signifies someone who is emotionally stable, compassionate, and deeply understanding. The King offers counsel, support, and emotional protection to others and is often a symbol of balance in relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Keywords:
Upright: Emotional maturity, wisdom, stability, compassion, emotional intelligence, guidance.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.

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

Queen of Swords
Symbolism:
The Queen of Swords stands tall, her gaze unwavering as she flaunts herself with calculated poise. Her demeanor combines sorrow and sharpness, reflecting wisdom earned through hardship. A single sword rests in her hand, pointed skyward, symbolizing clarity, truth, and intellect. The surrounding environment is barren yet serene, highlighting her emotional resilience and detachment.
Meaning:
The Queen of Swords represents intellect, independence, and clear judgment. She is a figure of sharp wit and decisive action, unafraid to make difficult choices. This card often symbolizes someone who has weathered emotional storms and now relies on logic and fairness to navigate life. It calls for honesty, objectivity, and discernment in your decisions.
Keywords:
Upright: Independence, intellect, clear judgment, fairness, decisiveness, honesty.
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.

VII. The Chariot
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.