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 Seven of Batons	The Full Moon Strength (La Force)		The Waning Moon King of Swords
	Significator #1 Six of Swords	Significator #2 Seven of Coins
The Dark Four of Batons	The Secret of the High Priestess Deuce of Swords		The Light Valet of Coins
	The Next Step Eight of Cups

Significator #1 

Symbolism:
Six swords are symmetrically aligned, creating a sense of motion and balance, often softened by decorative flourishes. The card symbolises transition, progress, and moving away from difficulties toward calmer waters.

Meaning:
The Six of Swords represents transition, recovery, and moving away from difficulties. It signifies a journey—physical, emotional, or mental—toward calmer circumstances. This card encourages leaving behind what no longer serves you.

In relationships, it may indicate healing and moving on together or apart. Spiritually, it reflects the process of releasing burdens for personal growth.

Keywords:
Transition, recovery, moving on, healing, journey, progress, leaving difficulties, calm, relief, personal growth.

Significator #2 

Symbolism:
Seven coins are arranged in a slightly uneven yet intentional pattern, adorned with budding leaves, symbolising patience and growth. This card represents long-term investment, reflection on progress, and the anticipation of rewards.

Meaning:
The Seven of Coins represents patience and evaluation of progress. It suggests taking a step back to assess whether one's efforts have been fruitful. There may be a sense of waiting or uncertainty about the outcomes of hard work, but this card encourages perseverance and trusting in the process. It also warns against impatience or becoming too disillusioned with the slow pace of progress.

In relationships, it can signify reassessing the dynamics and questioning whether efforts are being reciprocated. Spiritually, it represents patience and the wisdom of understanding that results take time to manifest.

Keywords:
Patience, evaluation, progress, effort, assessment, perseverance, growth, waiting, dissatisfaction, long-term rewards.

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

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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

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

Symbolism:
Seven batons intersect in a slightly irregular pattern, with fresh leaves sprouting at their joints, suggesting perseverance amidst challenges. The imagery conveys determination, resilience, and the courage to stand one's ground.

Meaning:
The Seven of Batons represents defending your position, standing firm against opposition, and asserting yourself amidst challenges. It emphasises courage and persistence in maintaining your beliefs or goals, even when faced with adversity. This card highlights the importance of self-confidence and holding your ground.

In relationships, it can indicate overcoming external pressures or standing together in unity. Spiritually, it reflects the need to remain steadfast on your path despite doubts or criticism.

Keywords:
Defiance, resilience, courage, perseverance, self-defence, opposition, determination, conviction, assertiveness, strength.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

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

Symbolism:
Four batons form a stable, rectangular frame adorned with budding leaves, signifying balance and structure. This card represents a foundation of support and a sense of accomplishment in one's endeavours.

Meaning:
The Four of Batons represents celebration, stability, and harmony. It marks a time to pause and appreciate achievements or milestones. This card often symbolises community, shared joy, and the fulfilment of goals.

In relationships, it indicates harmony, commitment, or joyful gatherings. Spiritually, it reflects alignment with your surroundings and a sense of belonging.

Keywords:
Celebration, harmony, stability, joy, milestones, unity, achievement, community, gratitude, fulfilment.

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

Symbolism:
Eight cups form a balanced yet slightly sparse arrangement, with minimal embellishments suggesting a turning point. This card reflects themes of emotional detachment, moving on, and seeking deeper fulfilment.

Meaning:
The Eight of Cups represents leaving behind something once fulfilling but no longer serving your emotional or spiritual growth. It signifies a turning point—a time to seek deeper meaning and embark on a journey of self-discovery. This card encourages courage in releasing attachments and pursuing higher aspirations.

In relationships, it may indicate the need to move on from stagnation or an unsatisfying situation. Spiritually, it represents a quest for truth and enlightenment.

Keywords:
Departure, self-discovery, transition, letting go, seeking truth, emotional growth, solitude, moving on, courage, higher aspirations.

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:
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.