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 Six of Coins	The Full Moon Knight of Swords		The Waning Moon Ten of Batons
	Significator #1 The Lovers (L'Amoureux)	Significator #2 Temperance (Tempérance)
The Dark The Devil (Le Diable)	The Secret of the High Priestess The Hierophant (Le Pape)		The Light Strength (La Force)
	The Next Step Six of Cups

Significator #1 

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 

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

Symbolism:
Ten batons create a complex, interwoven pattern, with leaves pushing through to signify growth under pressure. The imagery conveys burdens, responsibilities, and the weight of achievement, balanced by the promise of fulfilment.

Meaning:
The Ten of Batons represents burdens, responsibility, and the weight of obligations. It signifies a period of hard work or feeling overburdened by tasks and commitments. While this card warns against burnout, it also reminds you that the effort is leading toward a goal or resolution.

In relationships, it reflects shared responsibilities or the strain of unbalanced dynamics. Spiritually, it suggests the need to let go of unnecessary baggage to continue forward.

Keywords:
Burden, responsibility, obligation, hard work, completion, exhaustion, effort, duty, strain, perseverance.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Symbolism:
The Cavalier of Swords pulls his horse up onto two legs, with a raised sword indicating action and decisiveness. The dynamic imagery evokes themes of boldness, quick thinking, and the pursuit of challenges with mental and physical agility.

Meaning:
The Knight of Swords represents action, ambition, and the pursuit of goals with determination. It encourages boldness but warns against recklessness or being too impulsive. This card suggests moving quickly to overcome obstacles but maintaining focus.

In relationships, it may signal a fast-moving connection or conflict resolution. Spiritually, it reflects the quest for truth and higher understanding.

Keywords:
Ambition, determination, action, boldness, impulsiveness, focus, pursuit, courage, urgency, resolution.

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

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 Light is what is clearly recognized. 

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.

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

Symbolism:
The Devil is portrayed as a horned figure with two chained human figures below, representing bondage to materialism or desires. The chains are loose, suggesting self-imposed limitations. Their animalistic features symbolise the materialism and polarity of nature.

Meaning:
The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the shadow side of human nature. It highlights unhealthy attachments, addictions, or fears that may be holding you back. This card calls for awareness and the courage to break free from self-imposed limitations.

In relationships, it warns of codependency or power imbalances. Spiritually, the Devil challenges you to confront and integrate your shadow self.

Keywords:
Temptation, bondage, materialism, addiction, fear, control, power, shadow self, self-awareness, liberation.

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

Symbolism:
Six cups are symmetrically aligned, interwoven with flourishing leaves or flowers, signifying nostalgia and harmonious emotions. The imagery suggests a return to past joys, innocence, or the exchange of heartfelt kindness.

Meaning:
The Six of Cups symbolises nostalgia, innocence, and the joy of revisiting the past. It reflects happy memories, generosity, and the simplicity of pure emotional connections. This card encourages embracing the wisdom of your past while staying present.

In relationships, it may suggest a bond rooted in history or the rekindling of old connections. Spiritually, it calls for a return to childlike wonder and openness.

Keywords:
Nostalgia, innocence, joy, generosity, childhood, memories, emotional connection, simplicity, kindness, openness.

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:
The Hierophant sits between two pillars, with his hand raised in blessing and two followers kneeling before him. He holds a triple cross sceptre, symbolising his spiritual authority. The keys at his feet represent access to higher wisdom and the mysteries of life. His robe and crown emphasise tradition and institutional power.

Meaning:
The Hierophant symbolises tradition, guidance, and spiritual learning. He represents the wisdom passed down through teachings, rituals, and institutions. This card may indicate seeking guidance from a mentor, joining a community, or adhering to established norms. It also encourages you to examine your beliefs and values to ensure they align with your inner truth.

In relationships, the Hierophant suggests shared values and a strong moral foundation. Spiritually, he urges you to connect with divine teachings and the collective wisdom of humanity.

Keywords:
Tradition, guidance, spiritual learning, mentorship, wisdom, community, rituals, institutions, moral alignment, shared values.