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![]() Temperance (Tempérance) |
The Full Moon![]() Justice (La Justice) |
The Waning Moon![]() The Moon (La Lune) |
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Significator #1![]() The Lovers (L'Amoureux) |
Significator #2![]() The Chariot (Le Chariot) |
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The Dark![]() The Tower (La Maison Dieu) |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() The World (Le Monde) |
The Light![]() Judgement (Le Jugement) |
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The Next Step![]() The Fool (Le Mat) |
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Significator #1
The Lovers
(L'Amoureux)
Symbolism:
The Lovers card depicts a man standing between two women, with Cupid above aiming an arrow. The scene suggests a choice or a union, with the women often representing opposing influences. In some interpretations, the figures are Adam and Eve, symbolising the duality of earthly and spiritual love.
Meaning:
The Lovers represent connection, harmony, and the power of choice. This card speaks to deep relationships, whether romantic or platonic, and the alignment of values and goals. However, it also highlights the necessity of making meaningful decisions, often at a crossroads where the heart and mind must collaborate.
In relationships, the Lovers symbolise love, commitment, and mutual respect. Spiritually, they encourage balancing the dualities within yourself and finding unity in diversity.
Keywords:
Love, harmony, connection, choice, duality, relationships, unity, attraction, alignment, crossroads.
Significator #2
The Chariot
(Le Chariot)
Symbolism:
The Chariot shows a warrior standing in a chariot pulled by two horses of contrasting colors, symbolising opposing forces. The warrior wears a crown and holds a wand or reins, signifying control and determination. The canopy above him suggests moving forward from a place of stability into the unknown.
Meaning:
The Chariot signifies triumph through determination, discipline, and focus. It speaks to mastering conflicting forces and steering your life toward success. This card often appears when you are on the brink of achieving a goal, but it reminds you that persistence and self-control are essential.
In relationships, the Chariot suggests navigating challenges together. Spiritually, it emphasises aligning your willpower with your higher purpose.
Keywords:
Triumph, determination, focus, control, discipline, victory, mastery, momentum, perseverance, alignment.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
The Moon
(La Lune)
Symbolism:
The Moon hangs high in the sky, casting a dim, mysterious light over a landscape. A dog and a wolf howl at the moon, representing instincts and the untamed subconscious. A pool sits between two towers, suggesting the unknown. A crayfish crawls out of it, symbolising hidden emotions emerging.
Meaning:
The Moon represents intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. It suggests a time of uncertainty where not everything is as it seems. This card invites you to trust your instincts and explore hidden depths. It also warns against illusion or confusion, urging clarity.
In relationships, it can indicate emotional complexity or hidden dynamics. Spiritually, it calls for embracing intuition and the mysteries of the psyche.
Keywords:
Intuition, mystery, subconscious, illusion, uncertainty, emotions, dreams, instincts, exploration, hidden truths.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Justice
(La Justice)
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.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Temperance
(Tempérance)
Symbolism:
An angelic figure pours water from one cup to another, symbolising balance and the harmonious blending of opposites. One leg is robed in blue, the other in red, reflecting equilibrium between the conscious and subconscious leading to spiritual enlightenment.
Meaning:
Temperance signifies balance, moderation, and the art of blending opposites to create harmony. It encourages patience, self-restraint, and the ability to adapt fluidly to life's changes. This card often appears when you are finding equilibrium in a challenging situation or working toward a greater sense of peace.
In relationships, it suggests compromise and mutual understanding. Spiritually, Temperance represents alignment with your higher self and a focus on unity and integration.
Keywords:
Balance, harmony, moderation, patience, adaptation, unity, self-restraint, healing, integration, peace.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Judgement
(Le Jugement)
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.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
The Tower
(La Maison Dieu)
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.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
The Fool
(Le Mat)
Symbolism:
A carefree figure, often carrying a small bag or bundle, walks toward the unknown with a dog nipping at their heels, symbolising the risks of new beginnings. Their gaze is upward, indicating innocence and trust, while their attire features bright, mismatched colours, emphasising their unconventional nature.
Meaning:
The Fool represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and the embrace of life's uncertainties. This card encourages stepping into the unknown with optimism and trust, even if the path ahead seems uncertain or risky. It speaks to freedom, potential, and the ability to approach life with a beginner's mind.
In relationships, the Fool may suggest a fresh start or a need for openness and vulnerability. Spiritually, it represents a journey of self-discovery and the willingness to trust the universe.
Keywords:
New beginnings, spontaneity, innocence, freedom, potential, adventure, risk, trust, exploration, unconventionality.
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.
The World
(Le Monde)
Symbolism:
Symbolism:
A dancing figure surrounded by a wreath occupies the center, representing completion and harmony. The four corners of the card feature symbols of the elements or the four cherubs, signifying unity. The figure holds wands or batons, symbolising mastery and balance.
Meaning:
The World signifies completion, fulfilment, and wholeness. It represents the successful culmination of a journey and the integration of all aspects of your life. This card invites you to celebrate your achievements while embracing the interconnectedness of existence. It heralds a time of balance, unity, and alignment with your purpose. The World also indicates readiness for new adventures following the conclusion of one phase.
In relationships, it signifies harmony and mutual understanding. Spiritually, it reflects enlightenment and integration with the cosmos.
Keywords:
Completion, fulfilment, harmony, unity, wholeness, success, integration, achievement, enlightenment, new beginnings.
