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![]() Queen of Swords |
The Full Moon![]() Valet of Cups |
The Waning Moon![]() Seven of Cups |
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Significator #1![]() The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fo |
Significator #2![]() Valet of Swords |
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The Dark![]() King of Coins |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Ace of Swords |
The Light![]() Six of Coins |
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The Next Step![]() Knight of Coins |
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Significator #1
The Wheel of Fortune
(La Roue de Fo
Symbolism:
The Wheel of Fortune depicts a large wheel with figures ascending and descending its sides. It symbolises fate, luck, and the cycles of life. The turning motion suggests impermanence and change.
Meaning:
The Wheel of Fortune represents the ever-turning cycles of life, where fortune can rise or fall unexpectedly. This card signals change, opportunity, and the need to adapt. It reminds you to embrace the flow of events and trust in the greater pattern.
In relationships, it can indicate changes or new phases. Spiritually, it highlights the interconnectedness of life and the importance of surrendering to destiny's rhythms while remaining attuned to opportunities that arise.
Keywords:
Change, cycles, destiny, luck, opportunity, karma, adaptability, transition, impermanence, evolution.
Significator #2
Valet of Swords
Symbolism:
The Valet of Swords is shown standing confidently, holding a sword upright or at an angle, symbolising readiness and curiosity. The figure's alert posture reflects themes of observation, intellect, and the early stages of mastering mental or communicative skills.
Meaning:
The Valet of Swords symbolises intellectual curiosity, observation, and new ideas. It encourages exploring knowledge and being open to learning. However, it also warns of hasty communication or judgment.
In relationships, it suggests a need for honest dialogue or the exploration of new dynamics. Spiritually, it represents the first steps toward understanding profound truths.
Keywords:
Curiosity, observation, new ideas, communication, learning, honesty, vigilance, intellect, youthful energy, exploration.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Seven of Cups
Symbolism:
Seven cups are arranged in an intricate and slightly asymmetrical pattern, surrounded by flourishing floral designs, hinting at dreams and desires. The card represents choices, imagination, and the allure of possibilities, some of which may be illusory.
Meaning:
The Seven of Cups represents imagination, options, and the challenge of discerning between reality and illusion. It signifies the allure of possibilities and warns against becoming overwhelmed by fantasies or unrealistic expectations.
In relationships, it suggests idealisation or confusion about choices. Spiritually, it reflects the need to ground your aspirations in practicality while staying connected to your vision.
Keywords:
Imagination, options, illusion, temptation, choice, fantasy, dreams, discernment, creativity, vision.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Valet of Cups
Symbolism:
The Valet of Cups holds a cup, gazing into it with a reflective or curious expression, symbolising emotional openness and creative potential. The youthful figure represents the exploration of feelings, intuition, and the first steps toward emotional or artistic growth.
Meaning:
The Valet of Cups symbolises youthful creativity, emotional openness, and new beginnings in relationships or artistic endeavours. It suggests a message of love or the need to embrace your inner child's wonder and imagination.
In relationships, it reflects new connections or a renewal of emotional bonds. Spiritually, it invites you to remain receptive to intuitive insights and creative inspiration.
Keywords:
Creativity, inspiration, emotional openness, curiosity, new beginnings, playfulness, imagination, intuition, messages, artistic exploration.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Queen of Swords
Symbolism:
The Rayne of Swords is seated regally, holding a sword upright in one hand, often forward with an air of clarity and focus. The card symbolises wisdom, discernment, and the ability to make fair yet firm decisions based on logic and truth.
Meaning:
The Queen of Swords embodies intellect, honesty, and independence. She advises clear communication and setting boundaries. This card encourages blending compassion with logic, and facing situations with maturity and truth.
In relationships, it reflects fairness and emotional clarity. Spiritually, it represents wisdom gained through life's challenges.
Keywords:
Wisdom, clarity, independence, honesty, discernment, boundaries, intellect, maturity, truth, fairness.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Six of Coins
Symbolism:
Six coins are symmetrically arranged, often accompanied by flourishing floral motifs, suggesting harmony and generosity. The design reflects themes of giving and receiving, balance in material matters, and acts of kindness.
Meaning:
The Six of Coins represents generosity, charity, and the balance of give and take. It speaks to the distribution of wealth, whether material or spiritual, and suggests that sharing one's resources can bring rewards. This card also highlights the importance of fairness and balance, indicating that help will be returned when it is needed.
In relationships, it emphasises mutual support, equity, and the importance of both giving and receiving. Spiritually, it encourages a generous heart and the understanding that true wealth comes from shared abundance.
Keywords:
Generosity, charity, balance, fairness, reciprocity, wealth, giving, receiving, support, compassion.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
King of Coins
Symbolism:
The Roy of Coins is a regal figure seated on a throne, holding a coin casually, conveying wealth and stability. This card embodies mastery over material resources, leadership in financial matters, and the wisdom to build and sustain long-term success.
Meaning:
The King of Coins represents mastery over the material world. He embodies financial security, success, and the ability to manage wealth and resources effectively. This card signifies achievement and stability, as well as the wisdom that comes with long-term success.
In relationships, it suggests a reliable, prosperous partner who offers security and stability. Spiritually, it reflects the mastery of the material world and the ability to use wealth for the benefit of both oneself and others.
Keywords:
Mastery, wealth, financial security, success, stability, resources, prosperity, achievement, leadership, responsibility.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Knight of Coins
Symbolism:
The Cavalier of Coins is a steadfast figure on a sturdy horse, holding a coin firmly in hand, symbolising dedication and determination. The imagery conveys patience, responsibility, and a methodical approach to achieving goals.
Meaning:
The Knight of Coins represents reliability, diligence, and steady progress. He embodies the energy of persistence, ensuring that all tasks are completed with care and attention to detail. This card speaks to the need for patience and hard work in achieving long-term goals and financial stability.
In relationships, it suggests a reliable partner or a steady, consistent approach to commitment. Spiritually, it reflects the importance of persistence in achieving one's goals, whether material or otherwise.
Keywords:
Reliability, diligence, patience, responsibility, steady progress, methodical, persistence, commitment, work ethic, grounded.
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.
Ace of Swords
Symbolism:
A single, upright sword dominates the design, often crowned with laurels or floral motifs, symbolising clarity and power. This card evokes themes of mental focus, decisive action, and the emergence of truth.
Meaning:
The Ace of Swords signifies a breakthrough, clarity of thought, or the beginning of intellectual endeavours. It heralds a new phase where truth, logic, and reason will guide your actions. This card encourages decisiveness, honesty, and a commitment to facing challenges with integrity.
In relationships, it may suggest open communication or a new understanding. Spiritually, it represents cutting through illusions to achieve enlightenment.
Keywords:
Clarity, breakthrough, truth, mental focus, logic, decisiveness, honesty, intellectual pursuit, triumph, communication.
