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![]() Valet of Batons |
The Full Moon![]() Five of Batons |
The Waning Moon![]() Queen of Swords |
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Significator #1![]() The Moon (La Lune) |
Significator #2![]() The Tower (La Maison Dieu) |
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The Dark![]() King of Swords |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() The Lovers (L'Amoureux) |
The Light![]() Six of Coins |
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The Next Step![]() Three of Coins |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
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 Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Five of Batons
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 Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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.
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 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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Three of Coins
Symbolism:
Three coins are arranged in a triangular pattern, accompanied by simple yet elegant ornamentation, symbolising craftsmanship and collaboration. This card evokes themes of skilful creation, teamwork, and steady progress.
Meaning:
The Three of Coins reflects teamwork, mastery, and collaboration. It highlights the importance of working with others toward a common goal, whether in a creative, financial, or professional endeavour. This card speaks to the satisfaction of seeing one's work valued and appreciated, and it encourages developing one's skills in a collective environment.
In relationships, it indicates a partnership where both individuals contribute their strengths. Spiritually, it represents the process of refining one's craft and the rewards of effort through cooperation.
Keywords:
Teamwork, collaboration, craftsmanship, recognition, mastery, dedication, effort, skill, partnership, accomplishment.
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 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.
