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![]() Ten of Cups |
The Full Moon![]() Page of Pentagrams |
The Waning Moon![]() Ten of Pentagrams |
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Significator #1![]() II. The Priestess |
Significator #2![]() King of Pentagrams |
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The Dark![]() Knight of Swords |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Page of Cups |
The Light![]() Three of Stakes |
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The Next Step![]() Six of Stakes |
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Significator #1
II. The Priestess
Reversed
Symbolism:
The High Priestess holds a luminous sphere of power close to her womb, symbolizing the nurturing of secrets and inner knowledge. She is cloaked in flowing robes of dark and silvery hues, blending shadow and light to represent duality and balance. Behind her, the faint outline of a moonlit landscape hints at the cycles of nature and the mysteries of the subconscious. Her gaze is serene yet penetrating, as though she sees through to the core of truth.
Meaning:
The High Priestess signifies intuition, hidden wisdom, and the power of stillness. She encourages introspection and the pursuit of knowledge that lies beneath the surface. This card often appears when it is time to listen to your inner voice and trust the subtle cues of your environment. It may suggest secrets yet to be revealed or a need to delve deeper into your own emotions and spirituality.
Reversed, the High Priestess warns of superficiality, a lack of depth, or ignoring your intuition. It may indicate ego-driven decisions or the danger of being swayed by appearances without seeking the truth.
Keywords:
Reversed: Superficiality, ego, neglecting intuition, confusion, conceit.
Significator #2
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 Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Ten of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
An exotic dancer raises the energy of her audience, clasping pentagrams in hand. This scene represents the completion of a cycle, where comfort, security, and family are at the forefront of life.
Meaning:
The Ten of Pentagrams signifies family, wealth, and long-term security. It reflects a period of contentment, with all your material and emotional needs met. This card highlights the importance of legacy, home, and lasting success.
Reversed, it may indicate loss, risk, or a breakdown in familial or financial security. It warns against deception or mismanagement of resources, which can lead to loss or instability.
Keywords:
Reversed: Loss, risk, instability, mismanagement, deception.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Page of Pentagrams
Reversed
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.
Reversed, it suggests that you are squandering opportunities or mismanaging your resources. It may point to a lack of direction or focus, causing you to miss out on important chances.
Keywords:
Reversed: Missed opportunities, lack of direction, squandering resources.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Ten of Cups
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.
Keywords:
Upright: Emotional fulfillment, harmony, happiness, peace, contentment, family unity.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Three of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
Three stakes pierce a human figure's neck, transforming them into a grotesque scarecrow. The haunting scene evokes the toil and sacrifice required to achieve one's ambitions. The stakes symbolize strength in numbers and the effort needed to succeed, even when the journey feels grueling.
Meaning:
The Three of Stakes represents teamwork, effort, and the establishment of solid foundations. It is a card of growth and progress, highlighting the importance of collaboration and persistence in achieving long-term goals. This card encourages you to rely on allies and work together to achieve success in endeavors involving commerce, trade, or creative ventures.
Reversed, it suggests that relief from difficulties is near, but progress may be stalled due to unresolved issues or lack of effort.
Keywords:
Reversed: Delay, obstacles ending, loss of direction, missed teamwork.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Knight of Swords
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.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Six of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
A female cadaver, suspended by six stakes, serves as a macabre warning to all who pass. The stakes are arranged as a barrier, both defensive and triumphant, symbolizing victory achieved at a great cost. The ominous scene speaks of hard-won triumphs and the fulfillment of one's ambitions, albeit shadowed by loss.
Meaning:
The Six of Stakes signifies triumph and recognition. It represents a well-earned victory and the satisfaction of achieving goals through perseverance and hard work. This card heralds positive news and fulfillment of long-held desires. It also reminds you to remain humble and grateful in success.
Reversed, the Six warns of delays, paranoia, or feelings of insecurity despite external achievements. It can also point to betrayal or fear of losing one's position.
Keywords:
Reversed: Delays, fear, betrayal, disloyalty, insecurity.
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.
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.
