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![]() The Fool (Le Mat) |
The Full Moon![]() Nine of Coins |
The Waning Moon![]() The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fo |
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Significator #1![]() Ten of Cups |
Significator #2![]() Deuce of Cups |
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The Dark![]() Five of Coins |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Ace of Swords |
The Light![]() Four of Coins |
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The Next Step![]() Five of Cups |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
Deuce of Cups
Symbolism:
Two elegant cups face one another, often connected by floral motifs or a shared ornament, symbolising harmony and partnership. The balanced arrangement reflects unity, mutual understanding, and the joy of connection.
Meaning:
The Two of Cups symbolises partnerships, unity, and mutual respect. It highlights emotional and spiritual connections, often in the form of love, friendship, or collaboration. This card suggests balance and equality, emphasising the importance of giving and receiving in harmony.
In relationships, it signifies a deep bond, often romantic but not exclusively. Spiritually, it reflects the balance between inner and outer worlds or the union of opposing forces.
Keywords:
Union, partnership, love, harmony, balance, connection, mutual respect, cooperation, intimacy, equality.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
The Wheel of Fortune
(La Roue de Fo
Symbolism:
The Wheel of Fortune depicts a large wheel with figures ascending and descending its sides. It symbolises fate, luck, and the cycles of life. The turning motion suggests impermanence and change.
Meaning:
The Wheel of Fortune represents the ever-turning cycles of life, where fortune can rise or fall unexpectedly. This card signals change, opportunity, and the need to adapt. It reminds you to embrace the flow of events and trust in the greater pattern.
In relationships, it can indicate changes or new phases. Spiritually, it highlights the interconnectedness of life and the importance of surrendering to destiny's rhythms while remaining attuned to opportunities that arise.
Keywords:
Change, cycles, destiny, luck, opportunity, karma, adaptability, transition, impermanence, evolution.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Nine of Coins
Symbolism:
Nine coins create a lush and balanced configuration, often surrounded by decorative flourishes or vines, representing abundance and independence. This card evokes themes of self-sufficiency, material comfort, and enjoying the fruits of one's labour.
Meaning:
The Nine of Coins symbolises self-sufficiency, comfort, and the rewards of hard work. It represents a state of contentment and luxury, achieved through independence and personal effort. This card encourages enjoying the fruits of one's labour and finding satisfaction in the material world without becoming overly attached to it.
In relationships, it may suggest a partner who values independence, or a period of solo fulfilment. Spiritually, it reflects the satisfaction that comes from aligning with one's personal goals and being at peace with one's accomplishments.
Keywords:
Self-sufficiency, luxury, abundance, independence, contentment, achievement, comfort, success, personal fulfilment, reward.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
The Fool
(Le Mat)
Symbolism:
A carefree figure, often carrying a small bag or bundle, walks toward the unknown with a dog nipping at their heels, symbolising the risks of new beginnings. Their gaze is upward, indicating innocence and trust, while their attire features bright, mismatched colours, emphasising their unconventional nature.
Meaning:
The Fool represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and the embrace of life's uncertainties. This card encourages stepping into the unknown with optimism and trust, even if the path ahead seems uncertain or risky. It speaks to freedom, potential, and the ability to approach life with a beginner's mind.
In relationships, the Fool may suggest a fresh start or a need for openness and vulnerability. Spiritually, it represents a journey of self-discovery and the willingness to trust the universe.
Keywords:
New beginnings, spontaneity, innocence, freedom, potential, adventure, risk, trust, exploration, unconventionality.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Four of Coins
Symbolism:
Four coins form a square or balanced arrangement, surrounded by minimal decorative elements, representing stability and security. The imagery suggests a strong foundation in material matters but cautions against rigidity or hoarding.
Meaning:
The Four of Coins symbolises security, stability, and material control, but also warns against hoarding or being overly protective of one's resources. While it can signify financial stability and successful accumulation of wealth, it also warns against becoming too attached to material things, leading to stagnation or fear of change.
In relationships, it suggests possessiveness or controlling behaviour. Spiritually, it calls for letting go of attachment to material possessions and finding balance in one's relationship with the material world.
Keywords:
Security, stability, control, possession, greed, materialism, hoarding, attachment, wealth, fear of loss.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Five of Coins
Symbolism:
Five coins create an irregular arrangement, with sparse decoration reflecting struggle or imbalance. This card symbolises financial hardship, instability, and the opportunity to find support during challenging times.
Meaning:
The Five of Coins represents financial loss, scarcity, or hardship. It reflects feelings of isolation or being "shut out" from security or comfort. However, this card also offers the reminder that help is often available if one is willing to seek it, whether in the form of external support or a change in mindset.
In relationships, it indicates feelings of neglect or abandonment. Spiritually, it encourages reaching out for support and reframing one's perspective on hardship to find hope in the darkest times.
Keywords:
Loss, scarcity, hardship, abandonment, isolation, financial struggle, poverty, lack, seeking help, resilience.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
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 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.
Ace of Swords
Symbolism:
A single, upright sword dominates the design, often crowned with laurels or floral motifs, symbolising clarity and power. This card evokes themes of mental focus, decisive action, and the emergence of truth.
Meaning:
The Ace of Swords signifies a breakthrough, clarity of thought, or the beginning of intellectual endeavours. It heralds a new phase where truth, logic, and reason will guide your actions. This card encourages decisiveness, honesty, and a commitment to facing challenges with integrity.
In relationships, it may suggest open communication or a new understanding. Spiritually, it represents cutting through illusions to achieve enlightenment.
Keywords:
Clarity, breakthrough, truth, mental focus, logic, decisiveness, honesty, intellectual pursuit, triumph, communication.
