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

Significator #1 

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.

Significator #2 

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.

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:
Two coins are positioned symmetrically, often linked by a ribbon or floral decoration, suggesting balance and flow. The design reflects themes of adaptability, resource management, and the harmonious juggling of priorities.

Meaning:
The Two of Coins symbolises balance and adaptability. It speaks to juggling multiple priorities or resources, and the ability to maintain equilibrium in a time of change. This card encourages flexibility in managing material or financial matters, as well as maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

In relationships, it may indicate the need for balance between personal and professional responsibilities. Spiritually, it represents the flow of energy and learning how to maintain harmony amid life's challenges.

Keywords:
Balance, adaptability, flexibility, duality, priorities, change, harmony, juggling, management, resourcefulness.

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

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 Light is what is clearly recognized. 

Symbolism:
Six cups are symmetrically aligned, interwoven with flourishing leaves or flowers, signifying nostalgia and harmonious emotions. The imagery suggests a return to past joys, innocence, or the exchange of heartfelt kindness.

Meaning:
The Six of Cups symbolises nostalgia, innocence, and the joy of revisiting the past. It reflects happy memories, generosity, and the simplicity of pure emotional connections. This card encourages embracing the wisdom of your past while staying present.

In relationships, it may suggest a bond rooted in history or the rekindling of old connections. Spiritually, it calls for a return to childlike wonder and openness.

Keywords:
Nostalgia, innocence, joy, generosity, childhood, memories, emotional connection, simplicity, kindness, openness.

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

Symbolism:
The Chariot shows a warrior standing in a chariot pulled by two horses of contrasting colors, symbolising opposing forces. The warrior wears a crown and holds a wand or reins, signifying control and determination. The canopy above him suggests moving forward from a place of stability into the unknown.

Meaning:
The Chariot signifies triumph through determination, discipline, and focus. It speaks to mastering conflicting forces and steering your life toward success. This card often appears when you are on the brink of achieving a goal, but it reminds you that persistence and self-control are essential.

In relationships, the Chariot suggests navigating challenges together. Spiritually, it emphasises aligning your willpower with your higher purpose.

Keywords:
Triumph, determination, focus, control, discipline, victory, mastery, momentum, perseverance, alignment.

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

Symbolism:
Eight swords form a restrictive and intricate pattern, evoking a sense of entrapment or limitation. The imagery reflects mental constraints, self-imposed boundaries, and the need for clarity to break free.

Meaning:
The Eight of Swords symbolises mental entrapment, self-doubt, or feeling stuck. It suggests that limitations are often self-imposed and can be overcome with clarity and courage. This card encourages you to reclaim your power and break free.

In relationships, it may reflect feelings of being trapped or misunderstood. Spiritually, it invites introspection to break free from limiting beliefs.

Keywords:
Restriction, self-doubt, entrapment, mental barriers, fear, powerlessness, clarity, courage, breaking free, introspection.

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:
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.