Ankh Spread

Difficulty: Kind of tough

The Ankh Spread is for questions about the causes behind trends. It is similar to the Celtic Cross and Secret of the High Priestess spreads, but it covers the reasons behind the circumstances in question differently, perhaps giving a better explanation of why things are the way they are.

The loop of the upper section of the ankh reveals the spiritual background and causes of the situation, while the stem of the base focuses on prospects for the outcome.

The first two tarot cards represent the two parent causes of the situation. They will either complement each other or show two opposing sides of a conflict, depending on how they relate. These are the significator cards of the Ankh spread.

3. This tarot card shines light upon the early causes of the trend in question.

4. Pinpoints the causes that triggered the current situation.

5. Reveals the spiritual perspective of the subject at hand.

6. This card examines the reasons why this course of action had to unfold, as a means to this end.

At this point, it is good to pause to soak in the meaning of the first six cards before moving forward to the last three cards. The last three reveal prospects for the future.

7. The Next Step gives clues about the immediate future.

8. Surprising Experiences encountered en route to the result.

9. This represents the result.

Your Ankh Reading

Early Causes	Higher Perceptions Justice (La Justice)	Triggering Causes
The Emperor (L'Empereur)	Necessary Conclusions	Strength (La Force)
Significator #1	The Empress (L'Impératri	Significator #2
Death (La Mort)	Next Step	The Magician (Le Bateleur)
	The Tower (La Maison Dieu)
	Surprising Experiences Judgement (Le Jugement)
	Outcome The Sun (Le Soleil)

Symbolism:
A skeletal figure wielding a scythe moves through a barren landscape. Heads, hands, and flowers lie beneath the scythe, symbolising the inevitable end of all things. Despite its grim imagery, the card signifies renewal and the promise of rebirth.

Meaning:
Death represents transformation, endings, and the clearing away of the old to make space for the new. This card doesn't predict physical death but rather signifies a profound shift or transition. It invites you to release attachments and embrace the inevitability of change.

In relationships, Death can mark the end of a phase, whether through growth or closure. Spiritually, it emphasises rebirth, renewal, and the cycles of life.

Keywords:
Transformation, endings, rebirth, change, renewal, transition, letting go, closure, release, metamorphosis.

Symbolism:
The Magician is a youthful figure standing behind a table, holding a wand aloft while other tools lie before him—often a coin, a cup, and a sword. These tools represent mastery over the elements and the power to manifest intentions. His hat, shaped like a lemniscate, symbolises infinite potential, and his posture suggests readiness and action. The vibrant colours of his attire evoke creativity, energy, and a zest for life.

Meaning:
The Magician represents the power of initiative, skill, and resourcefulness. He embodies the ability to turn ideas into reality, combining intellect, action, and willpower. The card often signals the beginning of a new venture or opportunity, where focus and confidence are key. However, it also serves as a warning to avoid manipulation or overconfidence.

The Magician invites you to be aware of your tools and talents, urging you to act with intention. It also reminds you that success depends on your ability to harmonise thought and action.

Keywords:
Initiative, manifestation, skill, potential, confidence, willpower, beginnings, resourcefulness, action, focus.

Symbolism:
The Emperor sits firmly on a throne adorned with symbols of strength and authority. His scepter and orb signify dominion over the material world, while his armour beneath the robes suggests readiness to defend his position. The rocky landscape at his feet symbolises stability and enduring power.

Meaning:
The Emperor represents structure, discipline, and the establishment of order. He embodies the qualities of leadership and protection, encouraging you to take charge of your circumstances with clarity and determination. This card often points to the need for planning, responsibility, and stability.

In relationships, the Emperor stresses respect, loyalty, and shared goals. Spiritually, he reminds you that boundaries and structure are essential for growth.

Keywords:
Authority, structure, discipline, stability, leadership, protection, responsibility, planning, boundaries, foundation.

Symbolism:
A serene figure, often a woman, gently tames a lion by holding its jaws open. Her calm demeanour contrasts with the lion's ferocity, symbolising mastery of inner strength. Above her head, the infinity symbol signifies limitless power and spiritual resilience. The image evokes vitality and harmony with nature.

Meaning:
Strength represents courage, compassion, and the balance between force and gentleness. This card embodies inner fortitude, suggesting that true power comes from patience, understanding, and self-discipline rather than brute force. It often appears in situations requiring emotional resilience or the taming of one's impulses.

In relationships, it signifies the power of kindness and understanding. Spiritually, Strength encourages connecting with your inner courage and finding peace amidst challenges.

Keywords:
Inner strength, courage, patience, compassion, resilience, self-discipline, confidence, harmony, emotional balance, fortitude.

Symbolism:
Justice sits on a throne, holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The sword represents truth and decisiveness, while the scales signify balance and fairness. Her gaze is direct, indicating clarity and impartiality. The symmetrical composition of the card underscores equilibrium and order.

Meaning:
Justice represents truth, fairness, and the consequences of one's actions. It urges you to act with integrity and to weigh all factors before making decisions. This card often appears when a decision needs to be made or when karma is at play, reminding you that actions have lasting repercussions.

In relationships, Justice emphasises honesty and mutual respect. Spiritually, it calls for alignment between your actions and higher principles.

Keywords:
Truth, fairness, balance, integrity, accountability, karma, decisions, clarity, consequences, order.

Symbolism:
The Empress sits on her throne, holding a scepter that signifies authority. A shield bearing the symbol of Venus is nearby, emphasising love, fertility, and creation. She is adorned in flowing robes, indicating abundance.

Meaning:
The Empress is the archetype of creation and abundance, representing fertility, nurturing, and growth in all aspects of life. She is a motherly figure who provides support and encouragement, guiding you to cultivate your ideas or relationships into something beautiful. Her presence suggests a time of prosperity and fulfilment.

In relationships, she signifies a loving, nurturing connection. Spiritually, she urges you to embrace the rhythms of nature and the divine feminine within you, celebrating life's creative energy.

Keywords:
Creation, abundance, fertility, nurturing, growth, love, prosperity, nature, creativity, fulfilment.

Symbolism:
A tall tower struck by lightning collapses as figures fall from its heights, symbolising sudden upheaval. Balls and debris erupt from the structure, representing destruction and chaos. However, the lightning bolt signifies divine intervention, clearing away illusions and false foundations to reveal the truth.

Meaning:
The Tower represents sudden change, upheaval, and the collapse of false structures. While the experience may be shocking or painful, it paves the way for transformation and rebuilding. This card calls for resilience and the ability to embrace new beginnings born from chaos.

In relationships, it may signal a dramatic shift or revelation. Spiritually, it urges you to let go of false beliefs and align with authenticity.

Keywords:
Upheaval, change, chaos, destruction, revelation, transformation, truth, divine intervention, awakening, rebuilding.

Symbolism:
An angel blows a trumpet as figures rise from coffins below, symbolising resurrection and awakening. The praying hands of the figures reflect surrender and acceptance. The bright light of the angel signifies divine calling and revelation, while the mountains in the background represent challenges overcome.

Meaning:
Judgement represents awakening, self-assessment, and rebirth. It signals a time to evaluate your past and make amends, preparing for a new chapter. This card often appears when you are called to align with your higher purpose and embrace transformation.

In relationships, it suggests healing, forgiveness, or a new beginning. Spiritually, it encourages connection with your true calling.

Keywords:
Awakening, transformation, rebirth, judgement, self-assessment, forgiveness, redemption, clarity, divine calling, renewal.

Symbolism:
The Sun shines brightly over two joyful children, symbolising innocence and vitality. A wall represents protection and growth. The radiant light of the sun signifies clarity, success, and the life force itself.

Meaning:
The Sun represents joy, success, and illumination. It heralds a period of clarity, achievement, and fulfilment. This card encourages positivity, optimism, and self-expression, reminding you to celebrate life's blessings.

In relationships, the Sun signifies warmth, harmony, and mutual happiness. Spiritually, it points to enlightenment and connection with divine light.

Keywords:
Joy, success, clarity, vitality, positivity, enlightenment, achievement, growth, warmth, celebration.