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![]() Justice (La Justice) |
The Full Moon![]() Seven of Cups |
The Waning Moon![]() Valet of Swords |
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Significator #1![]() The World (Le Monde) |
Significator #2![]() Nine of Cups |
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The Dark![]() The Sun (Le Soleil) |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Seven of Swords |
The Light![]() Four of Coins |
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The Next Step![]() King of Batons |
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Significator #1
The World
(Le Monde)
Symbolism:
Symbolism:
A dancing figure surrounded by a wreath occupies the center, representing completion and harmony. The four corners of the card feature symbols of the elements or the four cherubs, signifying unity. The figure holds wands or batons, symbolising mastery and balance.
Meaning:
The World signifies completion, fulfilment, and wholeness. It represents the successful culmination of a journey and the integration of all aspects of your life. This card invites you to celebrate your achievements while embracing the interconnectedness of existence. It heralds a time of balance, unity, and alignment with your purpose. The World also indicates readiness for new adventures following the conclusion of one phase.
In relationships, it signifies harmony and mutual understanding. Spiritually, it reflects enlightenment and integration with the cosmos.
Keywords:
Completion, fulfilment, harmony, unity, wholeness, success, integration, achievement, enlightenment, new beginnings.
Significator #2
Nine of Cups
Symbolism:
Nine cups are arranged in a full, symmetrical configuration, with decorative elements emphasising abundance and satisfaction. The design symbolises contentment, emotional fulfilment, and the realisation of personal wishes.
Meaning:
The Nine of Cups is often referred to as the 'wish card', symbolising contentment, emotional satisfaction, and the realisation of desires. It reflects a period of comfort and abundance, encouraging gratitude for blessings received.
In relationships, it signifies harmony and mutual happiness. Spiritually, it highlights the importance of appreciating your journey and celebrating accomplishments.
Keywords:
Contentment, fulfilment, joy, gratitude, abundance, satisfaction, blessings, emotional harmony, celebration, wishes granted.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Valet of Swords
Symbolism:
The Valet of Swords is shown standing confidently, holding a sword upright or at an angle, symbolising readiness and curiosity. The figure's alert posture reflects themes of observation, intellect, and the early stages of mastering mental or communicative skills.
Meaning:
The Valet of Swords symbolises intellectual curiosity, observation, and new ideas. It encourages exploring knowledge and being open to learning. However, it also warns of hasty communication or judgment.
In relationships, it suggests a need for honest dialogue or the exploration of new dynamics. Spiritually, it represents the first steps toward understanding profound truths.
Keywords:
Curiosity, observation, new ideas, communication, learning, honesty, vigilance, intellect, youthful energy, exploration.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Seven of Cups
Symbolism:
Seven cups are arranged in an intricate and slightly asymmetrical pattern, surrounded by flourishing floral designs, hinting at dreams and desires. The card represents choices, imagination, and the allure of possibilities, some of which may be illusory.
Meaning:
The Seven of Cups represents imagination, options, and the challenge of discerning between reality and illusion. It signifies the allure of possibilities and warns against becoming overwhelmed by fantasies or unrealistic expectations.
In relationships, it suggests idealisation or confusion about choices. Spiritually, it reflects the need to ground your aspirations in practicality while staying connected to your vision.
Keywords:
Imagination, options, illusion, temptation, choice, fantasy, dreams, discernment, creativity, vision.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Justice
(La Justice)
Symbolism:
Justice sits on a throne, holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The sword represents truth and decisiveness, while the scales signify balance and fairness. Her gaze is direct, indicating clarity and impartiality. The symmetrical composition of the card underscores equilibrium and order.
Meaning:
Justice represents truth, fairness, and the consequences of one's actions. It urges you to act with integrity and to weigh all factors before making decisions. This card often appears when a decision needs to be made or when karma is at play, reminding you that actions have lasting repercussions.
In relationships, Justice emphasises honesty and mutual respect. Spiritually, it calls for alignment between your actions and higher principles.
Keywords:
Truth, fairness, balance, integrity, accountability, karma, decisions, clarity, consequences, order.
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.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
King of Batons
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 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.
Seven of Swords
Symbolism:
Seven swords are arranged in a slightly chaotic or uneven configuration, emphasising complexity and strategy. The design suggests themes of cunning, deception, and the need for careful planning.
Meaning:
The Seven of Swords represents strategy, deception, or avoiding confrontation. It suggests a need to act carefully, but warns against dishonesty or taking shortcuts. This card encourages cleverness but with integrity.
In relationships, it may indicate secrecy or mistrust. Spiritually, it suggests the importance of facing the truth rather than evading it.
Keywords:
Strategy, cunning, deception, avoidance, stealth, dishonesty, planning, mistrust, cleverness, truth-seeking.
