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![]() Page of Pentagrams |
The Full Moon![]() Page of Stakes |
The Waning Moon![]() King of Pentagrams |
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Significator #1![]() Ten of Cups |
Significator #2![]() Nine of Pentagrams |
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The Dark![]() Ace of Cups |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Seven of Pentagrams |
The Light![]() XIV. Temperance |
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The Next Step![]() I. The Magician |
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Significator #1
Ten of Cups
Reversed
Symbolism:
Ten used cups sit in storage, while a skull watches over them. The imagery suggests a sense of completion, fulfillment, and the closing of a chapter, but also a reminder that all things come to an end.
Meaning:
The Ten of Cups represents emotional fulfillment, contentment, and happiness in relationships. It is the ultimate expression of emotional satisfaction, often symbolizing harmony in family life, long-lasting love, or the completion of an emotional journey. It suggests a sense of peace and joy, where all emotions align, and dreams come true.
Reversed, this card warns of emotional disconnection or the end of a previously harmonious situation. It may indicate broken relationships, family conflicts, or feelings of dissatisfaction despite outward appearances.
Keywords:
Reversed: Disconnection, broken relationships, emotional dissatisfaction, family conflicts.
Significator #2
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 Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
King of Pentagrams
Symbolism:
A wise king adorned with a large pentagram holds his reign in a posture of strength and control. He represents mastery over material resources and the ability to wield power with integrity and wisdom.
Meaning:
The King of Pentagrams signifies success, mastery, and the completion of a journey towards wealth and stability. This card speaks to practical wisdom, resourcefulness, and the ability to create long-lasting success. It encourages you to embody leadership and strategic thinking in your endeavors.
Keywords:
Upright: Mastery, success, leadership, stability, resourcefulness.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Page of Stakes
Reversed
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.
Reversed, it warns of indecision, bad news, or anxiety about taking the next step. It may also represent immaturity or impulsive actions.
Keywords:
Reversed: Indecision, anxiety, bad news, impulsiveness, immaturity.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Page of Pentagrams
Symbolism:
A young man clasps a pentagram, recognizing that he holds the power to shape his own destiny. This card represents potential and the beginning of a journey towards material or intellectual success.
Meaning:
The Page of Pentagrams signifies learning, new beginnings, and opportunities to grow. It points to a time when you are focused on laying the groundwork for future success. This card encourages you to be practical and take small, deliberate steps toward your goals.
Keywords:
Upright: Learning, potential, opportunities, practicality, new beginnings.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
XIV. Temperance
Reversed
Symbolism:
Temperance is represented by a vampiric figure gracefully pouring a stream of crimson liquid from one chalice into another, symbolizing balance and harmony. She stands with one foot in a dark pool and the other on solid ground, representing the interplay between emotion and reason. Her wings are half-feathered, half-batlike, indicating the union of opposing forces. The background shifts between twilight and dawn, underscoring equilibrium.
Meaning:
Temperance embodies balance, moderation, and the harmonious blending of opposites. It encourages patience and the careful integration of different aspects of your life. This card often suggests the need for self-restraint, collaboration, or finding common ground in a situation.
Reversed, Temperance warns of excess, discord, or impatience. It may indicate a lack of balance or difficulty reconciling conflicting priorities or emotions.
Keywords:
Reversed: Excess, imbalance, discord, impatience, extremes, lack of focus.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Ace of Cups
Reversed
Symbolism:
A pale hand drains the life force out of a female who has sacrificed herself to fill an unholy grail. This act of devotion and consumption illustrates the intense, transformative power of emotional energy. The grail symbolizes the heart, while the act of sacrifice represents the giving and receiving of love, both nourishing and consuming.
Meaning:
The Ace of Cups represents new beginnings in matters of the heart, overflowing with emotional potential. It is a card of love, joy, and emotional fulfillment, suggesting the start of a fresh emotional journey or a deepened connection with others. It signifies a time of abundance, where feelings of happiness, empathy, and compassion can fill your life.
Reversed, it warns of emotional instability, deceit, or manipulation. It can signal that emotional needs are being ignored or that love has been tainted by false intentions.
Keywords:
Reversed: Emotional instability, deceit, unfulfilled emotions, manipulation.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
I. The Magician
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Magician is depicted as a Nosferatu vampire standing in a commanding pose, a sphere of influence hovering above his outstretched hand. This sphere glows with an otherworldly light, symbolizing his power to manipulate unseen forces. His posture exudes confidence, and the tools of his craft—representing the elements—are subtly embedded in the imagery, hinting at his mastery over earth, air, fire, and water. The shadows around him pulse with potential, representing untapped energy and possibility.
Meaning:
The Magician embodies willpower, creativity, and the ability to manifest one's desires. He is the ultimate initiator, reminding you that you have the power within to transform ideas into reality. This card urges action and focus, calling upon the seeker to harness their innate talents and take charge of their destiny. In situations requiring ingenuity or problem-solving, the Magician assures you that all the tools you need are at your disposal.
Reversed, this card warns of misuse of power, manipulation, or deceit. It may suggest self-doubt, a lack of clarity, or misguided actions that backfire due to overconfidence or ill intentions.
Keywords:
Reversed: Manipulation, deception, power misuse, lack of direction, overconfidence, self-doubt.
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.
Seven of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
A gravedigger stands proudly, posing for a photograph while covering his tracks. This card speaks to the satisfaction derived from one's labor, but also hints at the pride that can arise from success.
Meaning:
The Seven of Pentagrams represents work well done, success in business, and careful management of resources. It highlights the importance of planning, trade, and the use of one's skills in order to reap the benefits of hard work. It invites a reflection on the value of patience and long-term effort.
Reversed, it warns against bad deals, financial anxiety, or arguments over resources. It may suggest a failed business venture or dishonesty in financial exchanges.
Keywords:
Reversed: Bad deals, financial strain, dishonesty, anxiety.
