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![]() Nine of Batons |
The Full Moon![]() Judgement (Le Jugement) |
The Waning Moon![]() The Empress (L'Impératri |
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Significator #1![]() Knight of Batons |
Significator #2![]() Valet of Coins |
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The Dark![]() Eight of Coins |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Ten of Coins |
The Light![]() Three of Batons |
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The Next Step![]() Deuce of Swords |
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Significator #1
Knight of Batons
Symbolism:
The Cavalier of Batons is depicted riding a spirited horse, holding a baton firmly, symbolising action, ambition, and forward movement. The dynamic imagery reflects themes of adventure, determination, and the drive to pursue goals with passion.
Meaning:
The Knight of Batons embodies ambition, passion, and a fearless drive toward goals. This card represents bold action, the pursuit of dreams, and a willingness to take risks. It warns against recklessness and encourages channelling energy productively.
In relationships, it suggests fiery passion or the excitement of shared adventures. Spiritually, it symbolises momentum and the courage to forge ahead.
Keywords:
Ambition, passion, action, risk-taking, energy, determination, movement, confidence, adventure, boldness.
Significator #2
Valet of Coins
Symbolism:
The Valet of Coins holds a single coin, gazing at it with curiosity or reverence, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and potential in material matters. The figure's youthful demeanour reflects themes of learning, new opportunities, and the beginning stages of financial or practical growth.
Meaning:
The Valet of Coins represents curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge in the material world. It signifies a willingness to learn and grow in financial or practical matters. This card urges exploration of new opportunities, particularly in the areas of career, studies, or investments, and highlights the importance of diligence in taking the first steps toward prosperity.
In relationships, it suggests new beginnings based on mutual growth and shared ambitions. Spiritually, it reflects the eager pursuit of knowledge that leads to material success.
Keywords:
Curiosity, learning, practicality, opportunities, growth, ambition, diligence, exploration, material world, new beginnings.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
The Empress
(L'Impératri
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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Judgement
(Le Jugement)
Symbolism:
An angel blows a trumpet as figures rise from coffins below, symbolising resurrection and awakening. The praying hands of the figures reflect surrender and acceptance. The bright light of the angel signifies divine calling and revelation, while the mountains in the background represent challenges overcome.
Meaning:
Judgement represents awakening, self-assessment, and rebirth. It signals a time to evaluate your past and make amends, preparing for a new chapter. This card often appears when you are called to align with your higher purpose and embrace transformation.
In relationships, it suggests healing, forgiveness, or a new beginning. Spiritually, it encourages connection with your true calling.
Keywords:
Awakening, transformation, rebirth, judgement, self-assessment, forgiveness, redemption, clarity, divine calling, renewal.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Nine of Batons
Symbolism:
Nine batons are intricately arranged, with leaves flourishing despite their dense configuration, reflecting endurance and protection. The design suggests a moment of pause before completion, highlighting strength and resilience.
Meaning:
The Nine of Batons represents perseverance, resilience, and the ability to endure despite setbacks. It reflects a period of testing and the need to protect what you've built. This card encourages vigilance and inner strength, reminding you that the final stretch of a challenge often feels the most difficult.
In relationships, it suggests enduring hardships together or remaining cautious. Spiritually, it calls for faith in your ability to withstand trials.
Keywords:
Perseverance, resilience, endurance, defence, vigilance, struggle, inner strength, caution, determination, resolve.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Three of Batons
Symbolism:
Three batons intersect symmetrically, sprouting leaves that symbolise growth and creative expansion. The harmonious arrangement suggests progress, stability, and the nurturing of new ventures.
Meaning:
The Three of Batons signifies progress, expansion, and the realisation of plans. It suggests that initial efforts are beginning to yield results and encourages continued focus and perseverance. This card represents growth through exploration and the courage to venture beyond your comfort zone.
In relationships, it reflects shared goals and moving forward together. Spiritually, it symbolises broader horizons and the pursuit of greater understanding.
Keywords:
Expansion, progress, growth, foresight, exploration, achievement, opportunity, enterprise, perseverance, vision.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Eight of Coins
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Deuce of Swords
Symbolism:
Two crossed swords create a balanced yet tense composition, often adorned with small floral elements to soften the imagery. The card suggests duality, decision-making, and the need to find equilibrium amidst opposing forces.
Meaning:
The Two of Swords represents a choice or dilemma requiring balance and thought. It suggests being caught between opposing forces or avoiding a decision. This card encourages you to confront the truth and rely on logic and intuition to find resolution.
In relationships, it highlights communication blockages or an emotional impasse. Spiritually, it urges you to find balance within opposing energies.
Keywords:
Indecision, stalemate, balance, choice, reflection, mental conflict, neutrality, avoidance, logic, resolution.
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.
Ten of Coins
Symbolism:
Ten coins form a complex and interconnected pattern, adorned with rich, intricate designs that symbolise legacy and wealth. The imagery reflects lasting success, generational stability, and the fulfilment of long-term goals.
Meaning:
The Ten of Coins represents wealth, legacy, and long-term security. It signifies the culmination of efforts to build a stable, prosperous life for oneself and future generations. This card speaks to the material rewards that come from planning and sustained effort over time, especially in the realms of family, heritage, and financial stability.
In relationships, it highlights the importance of family, tradition, and long-term commitments. Spiritually, it represents the fulfilment of material goals and the creation of a lasting legacy.
Keywords:
Legacy, wealth, family, security, prosperity, tradition, stability, inheritance, culmination, long-term success.
