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![]() Five of Cups |
The Full Moon![]() Valet of Cups |
The Waning Moon![]() Three of Batons |
|
Significator #1![]() Three of Cups |
Significator #2![]() Ace of Batons |
||
The Dark![]() Ten of Cups |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Queen of Batons |
The Light![]() Queen of Swords |
|
The Next Step![]() Knight of Cups |
|||
Significator #1
Three of Cups
Symbolism:
Three cups are arranged in a triangular pattern, adorned with flowers or vines to evoke celebration and abundance. The image suggests themes of friendship, shared joy, and communal achievements.
Meaning:
The Three of Cups represents celebration, community, and shared joy. It suggests coming together with others to honour achievements or simply enjoy the present moment. This card encourages connection, gratitude, and the recognition of shared blessings.
In relationships, it reflects harmony and support within friendships or groups. Spiritually, it emphasises the importance of shared rituals and collective growth.
Keywords:
Celebration, community, joy, friendship, gratitude, support, connection, abundance, festivity, shared blessings.
Significator #2
Ace of Batons
Symbolism:
A single upright baton surrounded by leaves emerges from a hand reaching through a portal, symbolising potential and growth. The floating leaves emphasise vitality and new beginnings, while the portal hints at divine inspiration.
Meaning:
The Ace of Batons heralds the spark of inspiration and the potential for creative or personal growth. It represents an opportunity to take bold action, start new projects, or pursue passions. This card encourages embracing fresh ideas and allowing enthusiasm to guide you.
In relationships, it can signify passion or the beginning of an exciting chapter. Spiritually, it represents awakening and alignment with your creative force.
Keywords:
Inspiration, potential, creativity, passion, action, growth, opportunity, vitality, enthusiasm, new beginnings.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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 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.
Five of Cups
Symbolism:
Five cups create a loose arrangement, with floral and vine motifs adding a touch of complexity, symbolising emotional shifts. This card evokes themes of loss or disappointment but hints at remaining opportunities and growth.
Meaning:
The Five of Cups represents loss, regret, and the pain of emotional setbacks. However, it also emphasises the potential for healing and moving forward. It urges you to focus on what remains rather than what has been lost.
In relationships, it suggests unresolved issues or the need to address emotional wounds. Spiritually, it reflects the transformative power of grief and the journey toward acceptance and renewal.
Keywords:
Loss, regret, grief, healing, perspective, emotional setbacks, recovery, acceptance, moving forward, transformation.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
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 Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Ten of Cups
Symbolism:
Ten cups create a vibrant, overflowing arrangement, often adorned with lush flowers or intricate patterns, radiating harmony and joy. The image conveys the pinnacle of emotional achievement, lasting happiness, and the fulfilment of familial or communal bonds.
Meaning:
The Ten of Cups represents ultimate emotional fulfilment, family harmony, and a deep sense of belonging. It is the pinnacle of emotional achievement, signifying lasting happiness, unconditional love, and shared joy.
In relationships, it reflects a profound and harmonious bond. Spiritually, it represents alignment with universal love and the interconnectedness of all things.
Keywords:
Happiness, fulfilment, harmony, family, love, community, connection, gratitude, abundance, shared joy, emotional success.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Knight of Cups
Symbolism:
The Cavalier of Cups is shown riding a steady horse, holding a cup as if offering or presenting it, symbolising emotional pursuit and romantic ideals. The card reflects themes of charm, devotion, and the quest for emotional or creative fulfilment.
Meaning:
The Knight of Cups represents romance, charm, and the pursuit of emotional or artistic goals. It suggests taking action based on intuition and feelings, but warns against overidealizing or being overly passive.
In relationships, it indicates a romantic approach or a deepening of emotional bonds. Spiritually, it highlights the importance of aligning your actions with your heart's desires.
Keywords:
Romance, charm, idealism, emotional pursuit, creativity, intuition, action, inspiration, deepening bonds, heartfelt journeys.
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.
Queen of Batons
Symbolism:
The Rayne of Batons sits gracefully on her throne, holding a baton with confidence, surrounded by symbols of growth and vitality. She embodies creativity, leadership, and the nurturing of ideas, projects, or ambitions with warmth and determination.
Meaning:
The Queen of Batons represents charisma, creativity, and leadership. She embodies warmth, confidence, and the ability to inspire others through her vision and energy. This card encourages self-expression and trust in your abilities to bring ideas to life.
In relationships, it reflects loyalty, passion, and mutual inspiration. Spiritually, it symbolises alignment with your inner fire and intuition.
Keywords:
Charisma, creativity, leadership, passion, warmth, confidence, self-expression, inspiration, vitality, intuition.
