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 Hierophant (Le Pape)	The Full Moon The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fo		The Waning Moon The Fool (Le Mat)
	Significator #1 Eight of Swords	Significator #2 Valet of Swords
The Dark Three of Cups	The Secret of the High Priestess Ten of Swords		The Light Queen of Coins
	The Next Step Ten of Coins

Significator #1 

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.

Significator #2 

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

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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

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

Symbolism:
The Hierophant sits between two pillars, with his hand raised in blessing and two followers kneeling before him. He holds a triple cross sceptre, symbolising his spiritual authority. The keys at his feet represent access to higher wisdom and the mysteries of life. His robe and crown emphasise tradition and institutional power.

Meaning:
The Hierophant symbolises tradition, guidance, and spiritual learning. He represents the wisdom passed down through teachings, rituals, and institutions. This card may indicate seeking guidance from a mentor, joining a community, or adhering to established norms. It also encourages you to examine your beliefs and values to ensure they align with your inner truth.

In relationships, the Hierophant suggests shared values and a strong moral foundation. Spiritually, he urges you to connect with divine teachings and the collective wisdom of humanity.

Keywords:
Tradition, guidance, spiritual learning, mentorship, wisdom, community, rituals, institutions, moral alignment, shared values.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

Symbolism:
The Reyne of Coins is seated gracefully, holding up a coin. This card symbolises nurturing energy, material comfort, and the ability to create and maintain prosperity in practical and emotional realms.

Meaning:
The Queen of Coins symbolises abundance, nurturing, and practicality. She reflects the ability to balance material success with care for others, often in a domestic or family setting. This card speaks to the importance of creating a nurturing environment where both material and emotional needs are met.

In relationships, it signifies a partner who is caring, practical, and deeply grounded. Spiritually, it represents the abundance that flows from a nurturing, balanced life and the wisdom that comes from caring for one's surroundings.

Keywords:
Nurturing, abundance, practicality, balance, wealth, comfort, family, responsibility, grounded, care.

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

Symbolism:
Three cups are arranged in a triangular pattern, adorned with flowers or vines to evoke celebration and abundance. The image suggests themes of friendship, shared joy, and communal achievements.

Meaning:
The Three of Cups represents celebration, community, and shared joy. It suggests coming together with others to honour achievements or simply enjoy the present moment. This card encourages connection, gratitude, and the recognition of shared blessings.

In relationships, it reflects harmony and support within friendships or groups. Spiritually, it emphasises the importance of shared rituals and collective growth.

Keywords:
Celebration, community, joy, friendship, gratitude, support, connection, abundance, festivity, shared blessings.

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

Symbolism:
Ten coins form a complex and interconnected pattern, adorned with rich, intricate designs that symbolise legacy and wealth. The imagery reflects lasting success, generational stability, and the fulfilment of long-term goals.

Meaning:
The Ten of Coins represents wealth, legacy, and long-term security. It signifies the culmination of efforts to build a stable, prosperous life for oneself and future generations. This card speaks to the material rewards that come from planning and sustained effort over time, especially in the realms of family, heritage, and financial stability.

In relationships, it highlights the importance of family, tradition, and long-term commitments. Spiritually, it represents the fulfilment of material goals and the creation of a lasting legacy.

Keywords:
Legacy, wealth, family, security, prosperity, tradition, stability, inheritance, culmination, long-term success.

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:
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.