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![]() Five of Coins |
The Full Moon![]() The Empress (L'Impératri |
The Waning Moon![]() King of Batons |
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Significator #1![]() Six of Coins |
Significator #2![]() Nine of Swords |
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The Dark![]() Five of Swords |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Deuce of Coins |
The Light![]() The Star (L'Étoile) |
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The Next Step![]() King of Swords |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
Nine of Swords
Symbolism:
Nine swords are arranged densely, often creating an oppressive visual effect, with minimal decorative relief. The design symbolises anxiety, worry, and the weight of mental burdens, urging introspection for resolution.
Meaning:
The Nine of Swords symbolises worry, guilt, or anguish. It reflects a mind overwhelmed by fears or regrets, often magnified by isolation. This card urges you to confront your anxieties directly and seek perspective to regain peace.
In relationships, it can indicate stress or emotional distance caused by overthinking. Spiritually, it calls for releasing inner turmoil and cultivating self-compassion.
Keywords:
Anxiety, guilt, fear, regret, mental anguish, overthinking, isolation, nightmares, perspective, self-compassion.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
The Empress
(L'Impératri
Symbolism:
The Empress sits on her throne, holding a scepter that signifies authority. A shield bearing the symbol of Venus is nearby, emphasising love, fertility, and creation. She is adorned in flowing robes, indicating abundance.
Meaning:
The Empress is the archetype of creation and abundance, representing fertility, nurturing, and growth in all aspects of life. She is a motherly figure who provides support and encouragement, guiding you to cultivate your ideas or relationships into something beautiful. Her presence suggests a time of prosperity and fulfilment.
In relationships, she signifies a loving, nurturing connection. Spiritually, she urges you to embrace the rhythms of nature and the divine feminine within you, celebrating life's creative energy.
Keywords:
Creation, abundance, fertility, nurturing, growth, love, prosperity, nature, creativity, fulfilment.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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 Light is what is clearly recognized.
The Star
(L'Étoile)
Symbolism:
A nude female kneels by a stream, pouring water onto the earth and back into the water, symbolising renewal and flow. Above her, stars shine brightly, representing hope and divine guidance. A bird perched in a tree or nearby adds an air of peace and harmony. The scene exudes serenity and openness.
Meaning:
The Star symbolises hope, inspiration, and renewal. It reminds you to trust in the universe and your own potential. This card often appears after a challenging period, offering reassurance and a sense of peace. It encourages vulnerability and faith in the future.
In relationships, it signifies harmony and healing. Spiritually, the Star points to alignment with your higher purpose and divine inspiration.
Keywords:
Hope, inspiration, renewal, peace, faith, healing, guidance, openness, vulnerability, harmony.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
King of Swords
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 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.
Deuce of Coins
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.
