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 Eight of Coins	The Full Moon Six of Batons		The Waning Moon Queen of Cups
	Significator #1 The Hermit (L'Hermite)	Significator #2 The Lovers (L'Amoureux)
The Dark The Empress (L'Impératri	The Secret of the High Priestess Nine of Cups		The Light Eight of Batons
	The Next Step Five of Batons

Significator #1 

Symbolism:
The Hermit is an elderly figure carrying a lantern and a staff. The lantern symbolises inner wisdom and guidance, while the staff represents support and stability. His cloak signifies introspection, reflecting the solitude of his journey.

Meaning:
The Hermit represents introspection, wisdom, and solitude. He invites you to step back from external distractions and seek answers within. This card often appears during periods of self-discovery, encouraging you to listen to your inner voice.

In relationships, the Hermit may indicate a need for personal space or reflection. Spiritually, it highlights the quest for enlightenment and the value of solitary contemplation.

Keywords:
Wisdom, introspection, solitude, guidance, reflection, self-discovery, enlightenment, patience, inner truth, retreat.

Significator #2 

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.

The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past. 

Symbolism:
The Rayne of Cups sits serenely on her throne, holding a cup adorned with intricate designs, symbolising emotional depth and nurturing energy. Surrounded by calm and beauty, she embodies intuition, compassion, and mastery of the inner emotional world.

Meaning:
The Queen of Cups embodies emotional depth, compassion, and intuition. She represents a nurturing figure who offers support and guidance through understanding and care. This card encourages you to trust your intuition and connect with your emotions.

In relationships, it signifies empathy, love, and nurturing bonds. Spiritually, it reflects the mastery of inner wisdom and the ability to heal through emotional insight.

Keywords:
Compassion, intuition, nurturing, emotional depth, empathy, understanding, support, love, wisdom, care, healing.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Symbolism:
Six batons are arranged in a balanced and symmetrical configuration, with flourishing leaves representing triumph and vitality. This card evokes themes of victory, recognition, and the successful culmination of efforts.

Meaning:
The Six of Batons signifies victory, recognition, and public acknowledgment of achievements. It reflects success earned through effort and encourages confidence in your abilities. This card invites you to celebrate your accomplishments while remaining humble.

In relationships, it suggests mutual support and shared success. Spiritually, it symbolises alignment with your purpose and the rewards of perseverance.

Keywords:
Victory, success, recognition, confidence, triumph, achievement, support, accomplishment, honor, celebration.

The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence. 

Symbolism:
Eight coins form a structured, methodical arrangement, often decorated with symmetrical flourishes, symbolising diligence and skill. The imagery suggests focused effort, mastery, and dedication to refining one's craft.

Meaning:
The Eight of Coins represents hard work, diligence, and skill development. It reflects a period of focused effort where progress is made through consistent attention to detail. This card encourages honing one's craft, perfecting skills, and continuing to learn and grow, even if the rewards seem distant.

In relationships, it may indicate the need to put in the effort to build a lasting connection. Spiritually, it speaks to dedication and continuous improvement, emphasising that mastery is achieved through commitment and practice.

Keywords:
Hard work, skill, dedication, mastery, craft, focus, attention to detail, improvement, practice, perseverance.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

Symbolism:
Eight batons form a dynamic and structured alignment, their leafy growth symbolising swift movement and momentum. This card reflects rapid progress, communication, and decisive action.

Meaning:
The Eight of Batons symbolises swift movement, progress, and the culmination of efforts. It often signals that events are accelerating and reaching a conclusion. This card encourages focus and decisiveness, as opportunities may arise suddenly and require quick action.

In relationships, it suggests rapid developments or communication. Spiritually, it reflects clarity and momentum toward your purpose.

Keywords:
Speed, movement, progress, acceleration, momentum, action, opportunity, focus, resolution, decisiveness.

The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness. 

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.

The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you. 

Symbolism:
Five batons cross in a dynamic pattern, with leaves sprouting at their junctions, reflecting energy and complexity. The card hints at challenges, competition, or creative conflict that can lead to growth.

Meaning:
The Five of Batons represents conflict, competition, or the struggle for dominance. It may signify challenges, but also the opportunity for growth through constructive tension. This card encourages collaboration and finding productive ways to resolve disputes.

In relationships, it can point to disagreements or the need for compromise. Spiritually, it reflects inner conflict or the process of refining your will.

Keywords:
Conflict, competition, struggle, tension, challenge, collaboration, rivalry, resolution, growth, perseverance.

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. 

Symbolism:
Nine cups are arranged in a full, symmetrical configuration, with decorative elements emphasising abundance and satisfaction. The design symbolises contentment, emotional fulfilment, and the realisation of personal wishes.

Meaning:
The Nine of Cups is often referred to as the 'wish card', symbolising contentment, emotional satisfaction, and the realisation of desires. It reflects a period of comfort and abundance, encouraging gratitude for blessings received.

In relationships, it signifies harmony and mutual happiness. Spiritually, it highlights the importance of appreciating your journey and celebrating accomplishments.

Keywords:
Contentment, fulfilment, joy, gratitude, abundance, satisfaction, blessings, emotional harmony, celebration, wishes granted.