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 Strength (La Force)	The Full Moon King of Batons		The Waning Moon Ten of Swords
	Significator #1 Six of Cups	Significator #2 Knight of Swords
The Dark Six of Batons	The Secret of the High Priestess Death (La Mort)		The Light Three of Coins
	The Next Step Eight of Coins

Significator #1 

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.

Significator #2 

Symbolism:
The Cavalier of Swords pulls his horse up onto two legs, with a raised sword indicating action and decisiveness. The dynamic imagery evokes themes of boldness, quick thinking, and the pursuit of challenges with mental and physical agility.

Meaning:
The Knight of Swords represents action, ambition, and the pursuit of goals with determination. It encourages boldness but warns against recklessness or being too impulsive. This card suggests moving quickly to overcome obstacles but maintaining focus.

In relationships, it may signal a fast-moving connection or conflict resolution. Spiritually, it reflects the quest for truth and higher understanding.

Keywords:
Ambition, determination, action, boldness, impulsiveness, focus, pursuit, courage, urgency, resolution.

The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past. 

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.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Symbolism:
The Roy of Batons is seated on a sturdy throne, holding a baton with authority, exuding strength and charisma. The card symbolises mastery of creative energy and the ability to inspire and guide others toward success.

Meaning:
The King of Batons represents vision, leadership, and the ability to manifest goals through determination and action. He symbolises authority tempered by creativity and the courage to lead with integrity. This card encourages boldness and a visionary approach to challenges.

In relationships, it suggests mutual respect and the strength of shared ambitions. Spiritually, it reflects mastery over your creative potential and alignment with your purpose.

Keywords:
Leadership, vision, authority, creativity, ambition, mastery, integrity, boldness, inspiration, courage.

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

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.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

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

Symbolism:
Six batons are arranged in a balanced and symmetrical configuration, with flourishing leaves representing triumph and vitality. This card evokes themes of victory, recognition, and the successful culmination of efforts.

Meaning:
The Six of Batons signifies victory, recognition, and public acknowledgment of achievements. It reflects success earned through effort and encourages confidence in your abilities. This card invites you to celebrate your accomplishments while remaining humble.

In relationships, it suggests mutual support and shared success. Spiritually, it symbolises alignment with your purpose and the rewards of perseverance.

Keywords:
Victory, success, recognition, confidence, triumph, achievement, support, accomplishment, honor, celebration.

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

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 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:
A skeletal figure wielding a scythe moves through a barren landscape. Heads, hands, and flowers lie beneath the scythe, symbolising the inevitable end of all things. Despite its grim imagery, the card signifies renewal and the promise of rebirth.

Meaning:
Death represents transformation, endings, and the clearing away of the old to make space for the new. This card doesn't predict physical death but rather signifies a profound shift or transition. It invites you to release attachments and embrace the inevitability of change.

In relationships, Death can mark the end of a phase, whether through growth or closure. Spiritually, it emphasises rebirth, renewal, and the cycles of life.

Keywords:
Transformation, endings, rebirth, change, renewal, transition, letting go, closure, release, metamorphosis.