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![]() Ace of Batons |
The Full Moon![]() King of Coins |
The Waning Moon![]() Six of Swords |
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Significator #1![]() Ten of Swords |
Significator #2![]() Five of Swords |
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The Dark![]() Six of Coins |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Knight of Batons |
The Light![]() The Sun (Le Soleil) |
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The Next Step![]() The Devil (Le Diable) |
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Significator #1
Ten of Swords
Symbolism:
Ten swords create a dramatic and heavy configuration, with sharp points emphasising finality and closure. The card represents the end of a difficult cycle, ultimate surrender, and the potential for new beginnings after hardship.
Meaning:
The Ten of Swords represents endings, betrayal, or collapse. It signifies the conclusion of a painful chapter and the opportunity for a new beginning. This card, while harsh, reminds you that the worst is behind you, and recovery is possible.
In relationships, it can indicate betrayal or the end of a partnership. Spiritually, it symbolises surrender and transformation through acceptance of life's cycles.
Keywords:
Endings, betrayal, collapse, release, transformation, surrender, painful closure, renewal, recovery, acceptance.
Significator #2
Five of Swords
Symbolism:
Five swords create a more irregular arrangement, their sharp points emphasising conflict or struggle. The design reflects themes of tension, competition, and the potential for discord or loss.
Meaning:
The Five of Swords represents conflict, betrayal, or hollow victories. It suggests a situation where winning comes at the expense of others or personal values. This card warns against manipulation or dishonourable actions and invites reflection on ethical choices.
In relationships, it may indicate arguments or feelings of alienation. Spiritually, it highlights the importance of integrity in the face of challenges.
Keywords:
Conflict, betrayal, hollow victory, loss, manipulation, moral ambiguity, dishonour, reflection, ethical choices, tension.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Six of Swords
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.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
King of Coins
Symbolism:
The Roy of Coins is a regal figure seated on a throne, holding a coin casually, conveying wealth and stability. This card embodies mastery over material resources, leadership in financial matters, and the wisdom to build and sustain long-term success.
Meaning:
The King of Coins represents mastery over the material world. He embodies financial security, success, and the ability to manage wealth and resources effectively. This card signifies achievement and stability, as well as the wisdom that comes with long-term success.
In relationships, it suggests a reliable, prosperous partner who offers security and stability. Spiritually, it reflects the mastery of the material world and the ability to use wealth for the benefit of both oneself and others.
Keywords:
Mastery, wealth, financial security, success, stability, resources, prosperity, achievement, leadership, responsibility.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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 Light is what is clearly recognized.
The Sun
(Le Soleil)
Symbolism:
The Sun shines brightly over two joyful children, symbolising innocence and vitality. A wall represents protection and growth. The radiant light of the sun signifies clarity, success, and the life force itself.
Meaning:
The Sun represents joy, success, and illumination. It heralds a period of clarity, achievement, and fulfilment. This card encourages positivity, optimism, and self-expression, reminding you to celebrate life's blessings.
In relationships, the Sun signifies warmth, harmony, and mutual happiness. Spiritually, it points to enlightenment and connection with divine light.
Keywords:
Joy, success, clarity, vitality, positivity, enlightenment, achievement, growth, warmth, celebration.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
The Devil
(Le Diable)
Symbolism:
The Devil is portrayed as a horned figure with two chained human figures below, representing bondage to materialism or desires. The chains are loose, suggesting self-imposed limitations. Their animalistic features symbolise the materialism and polarity of nature.
Meaning:
The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the shadow side of human nature. It highlights unhealthy attachments, addictions, or fears that may be holding you back. This card calls for awareness and the courage to break free from self-imposed limitations.
In relationships, it warns of codependency or power imbalances. Spiritually, the Devil challenges you to confront and integrate your shadow self.
Keywords:
Temptation, bondage, materialism, addiction, fear, control, power, shadow self, self-awareness, liberation.
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.
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.
