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![]() Knight of Pentagrams |
The Full Moon![]() Five of Pentagrams |
The Waning Moon![]() Queen of Stakes |
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Significator #1![]() Eight of Stakes |
Significator #2![]() Ace of Swords |
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The Dark![]() Page of Stakes |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Knight of Stakes |
The Light![]() Queen of Cups |
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The Next Step![]() Queen of Swords |
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Significator #1
Eight of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
A woman impaled by stakes showcases the cruel extremes of humanity. The stakes, angled as if in motion, represent swiftness and urgency. The scene hints at a world in constant flux, with events moving at an uncontrollable pace.
Meaning:
The Eight of Stakes represents rapid movement, action, and the culmination of efforts. It suggests that things are falling into place, and progress is accelerating toward your goals. This card encourages you to stay focused and prepared for opportunities that arise swiftly. It may also indicate travel, communication, or the arrival of significant news.
Reversed, the card points to inner turmoil, quarrels, or jealousy disrupting progress. It may also indicate delays or an inability to move forward due to unresolved issues.
Keywords:
Reversed: Delays, jealousy, conflict, stasis, miscommunication.
Significator #2
Ace of Swords
Reversed
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 represents new ideas, clarity, and breakthroughs. It symbolizes the power of the mind, sharp thinking, and intellectual triumph. It is a card of victory through the use of force or the triumph of reason and logic. It suggests clear communication, decision-making, and the overcoming of challenges.
Reversed, the Ace of Swords signifies confusion, indecision, or an inability to see the truth. It may also represent false starts, miscommunication, or mental blocks.
Keywords:
Reversed: Confusion, falsehood, mental block, indecision.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Queen of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Queen of Stakes stands proudly, her fangs bared in defiance. The impaled victims behind her serve as a stark reminder of her strength and resolve. She is both nurturing and fierce, embodying the duality of creation and destruction.
Meaning:
The Queen of Stakes symbolizes independence, confidence, and the ability to lead with compassion and strength. She encourages you to harness your inner power and remain true to yourself. This card often indicates success in business or personal endeavors.
Reversed, the Queen warns of jealousy, deceit, or opposition. It may also suggest a lack of self-confidence or struggles with balancing emotions.
Keywords:
Reversed: Jealousy, deceit, insecurity, opposition, imbalance.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Five of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
Outside of the devil's church, a vampire lies in a heap of his own vomit, symbolizing excess, indulgence, and the consequences of material excess. The scene reflects the dangers of overindulgence and losing control.
Meaning:
The Five of Pentagrams represents material loss, poverty, and hardship. It signifies a time of struggle, where one may feel destitute or faced with overwhelming financial or personal challenges. It warns of consequences from reckless decisions and suggests that emotional support or help may be needed to overcome this period.
Reversed, it points to chaos, insecurity, and failed endeavors. It may indicate that the situation is worsened by your own actions or choices, leading to ruin, envy, or bad outcomes.
Keywords:
Reversed: Chaos, ruin, envy, insecurity, wasted opportunities.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Knight of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
A knight bearing a pentagram signals the arrival of important news, symbolizing responsibility, discipline, and service. His steady demeanor suggests that success is achieved through diligent work and careful planning.
Meaning:
The Knight of Pentagrams represents service, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. It suggests that you are in a position to fulfill your obligations and take care of important matters. This card encourages patience and diligence in your endeavors.
Reversed, it points to laziness, stagnation, or a lack of progress. It may indicate that you are avoiding responsibilities or failing to take action in a timely manner.
Keywords:
Reversed: Laziness, stagnation, procrastination, neglect of duty.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Queen of Cups
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.
Keywords:
Upright: Emotional wisdom, intuition, compassion, nurturing, healing, emotional intelligence.
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.
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.
Knight of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
A pale knight rides a black horse, embodying contrast and duality. His determined expression and swift movement suggest ambition and change, while the dark tones hint at the risks associated with bold actions.
Meaning:
The Knight of Stakes represents action, change, and determination. It signifies movement, whether physical or metaphorical, and encourages you to embrace transformation with courage. This card often appears when major changes or decisions are on the horizon.
Reversed, it warns of discord, hasty decisions, or separation. It may also suggest being overly impulsive or struggling to adapt to change.
Keywords:
Reversed: Discord, haste, separation, impulsiveness, resistance to change.
