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![]() Valet of Cups |
The Waning Moon![]() The Moon (La Lune) |
|
Significator #1![]() Valet of Batons |
Significator #2![]() Judgement (Le Jugement) |
||
The Dark![]() Valet of Swords |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Valet of Coins |
The Light![]() Queen of Cups |
|
The Next Step![]() Three of Coins |
|||
Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
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 Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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 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.
Queen of Cups
Symbolism:
The Rayne of Cups sits serenely on her throne, holding a cup adorned with intricate designs, symbolising emotional depth and nurturing energy. Surrounded by calm and beauty, she embodies intuition, compassion, and mastery of the inner emotional world.
Meaning:
The Queen of Cups embodies emotional depth, compassion, and intuition. She represents a nurturing figure who offers support and guidance through understanding and care. This card encourages you to trust your intuition and connect with your emotions.
In relationships, it signifies empathy, love, and nurturing bonds. Spiritually, it reflects the mastery of inner wisdom and the ability to heal through emotional insight.
Keywords:
Compassion, intuition, nurturing, emotional depth, empathy, understanding, support, love, wisdom, care, healing.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Valet of Swords
Symbolism:
The Valet of Swords is shown standing confidently, holding a sword upright or at an angle, symbolising readiness and curiosity. The figure's alert posture reflects themes of observation, intellect, and the early stages of mastering mental or communicative skills.
Meaning:
The Valet of Swords symbolises intellectual curiosity, observation, and new ideas. It encourages exploring knowledge and being open to learning. However, it also warns of hasty communication or judgment.
In relationships, it suggests a need for honest dialogue or the exploration of new dynamics. Spiritually, it represents the first steps toward understanding profound truths.
Keywords:
Curiosity, observation, new ideas, communication, learning, honesty, vigilance, intellect, youthful energy, exploration.
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.
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.
