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![]() King of Swords |
The Full Moon![]() Deuce of Batons |
The Waning Moon![]() Ten of Cups |
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Significator #1![]() The Chariot (Le Chariot) |
Significator #2![]() Nine of Coins |
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The Dark![]() Valet of Cups |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Valet of Batons |
The Light![]() The Moon (La Lune) |
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The Next Step![]() Ace of Coins |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
Nine of Coins
Symbolism:
Nine coins create a lush and balanced configuration, often surrounded by decorative flourishes or vines, representing abundance and independence. This card evokes themes of self-sufficiency, material comfort, and enjoying the fruits of one's labour.
Meaning:
The Nine of Coins symbolises self-sufficiency, comfort, and the rewards of hard work. It represents a state of contentment and luxury, achieved through independence and personal effort. This card encourages enjoying the fruits of one's labour and finding satisfaction in the material world without becoming overly attached to it.
In relationships, it may suggest a partner who values independence, or a period of solo fulfilment. Spiritually, it reflects the satisfaction that comes from aligning with one's personal goals and being at peace with one's accomplishments.
Keywords:
Self-sufficiency, luxury, abundance, independence, contentment, achievement, comfort, success, personal fulfilment, reward.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Ten of Cups
Symbolism:
Ten cups create a vibrant, overflowing arrangement, often adorned with lush flowers or intricate patterns, radiating harmony and joy. The image conveys the pinnacle of emotional achievement, lasting happiness, and the fulfilment of familial or communal bonds.
Meaning:
The Ten of Cups represents ultimate emotional fulfilment, family harmony, and a deep sense of belonging. It is the pinnacle of emotional achievement, signifying lasting happiness, unconditional love, and shared joy.
In relationships, it reflects a profound and harmonious bond. Spiritually, it represents alignment with universal love and the interconnectedness of all things.
Keywords:
Happiness, fulfilment, harmony, family, love, community, connection, gratitude, abundance, shared joy, emotional success.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Deuce of Batons
Symbolism:
The Deuce of Batons in the Marseille Tarot depicts two crossed wooden batons adorned with leaves, symbolising growth, balance, and potential. The design conveys a sense of stability and duality, reflecting the initial stages of collaboration, decision-making, or planning.
Meaning:
The Two of Batons represents planning, decision-making, and the initial steps toward a goal. It emphasises the need to assess opportunities and weigh options before taking action. This card encourages foresight and a bold approach to achieving your ambitions.
In relationships, it suggests evaluating the potential for growth. Spiritually, it invites you to consider how your actions align with your higher purpose.
Keywords:
Planning, decisions, foresight, potential, ambition, exploration, preparation, boldness, vision, strategy.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
King of Swords
Symbolism:
The Roy of Swords sits on a grand throne, gripping a sword with authority, surrounded by minimal decoration to emphasise his focus and intellect. This card represents mastery of logic, clear judgment, and leadership in matters requiring mental precision and fairness.
Meaning:
The King of Swords represents authority, logic, and ethical leadership. He advises using intellect and fairness to make decisions. This card encourages seeking truth and upholding moral integrity.
In relationships, it suggests rational communication and mutual respect. Spiritually, it represents mastery of the mind and the power of clear thought.
Keywords:
Authority, logic, truth, judgment, fairness, intellect, leadership, integrity, clarity, rationality.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
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 Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Ace of Coins
Symbolism:
A single, ornate coin stands prominently in the center, often surrounded by floral or vine motifs, symbolising material prosperity and potential. The card represents new beginnings in wealth, stability, and tangible success.
Meaning:
The Ace of Coins represents new beginnings in the material world. It signifies prosperity, opportunity, and the manifestation of long-term goals. This card is a sign of a new venture, a new financial opportunity, or the beginning of a solid and stable phase in life. It encourages taking practical steps toward building a strong foundation for the future, grounded in security and resources.
In relationships, it suggests a new beginning based on stability or a grounded partnership. Spiritually, it encourages focusing on manifesting abundance through practical efforts and aligning with natural cycles.
Keywords:
Prosperity, opportunity, new beginnings, manifestation, stability, growth, material success, security, foundation, abundance.
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.
Valet of Batons
Symbolism:
The Valet of Batons stands confidently, holding a tall baton upright, symbolising youthful energy and curiosity about growth and opportunity. The figure's posture suggests enthusiasm and the beginnings of creative or spiritual endeavours.
Meaning:
The Valet of Batons symbolises youthful enthusiasm, curiosity, and the spark of creativity. This card represents a message or opportunity related to growth, passion, or inspiration. It encourages embracing new experiences and allowing your adventurous spirit to guide you.
In relationships, it may indicate playful energy or the start of something exciting. Spiritually, it reflects the first steps on a creative or inspirational journey.
Keywords:
Curiosity, enthusiasm, exploration, inspiration, passion, opportunity, potential, creativity, messages, adventure.
