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 Hanged Man (Le Pendu)	The Full Moon Three of Swords		The Waning Moon Nine of Coins
	Significator #1 Ten of Cups	Significator #2 Ten of Batons
The Dark Three of Coins	The Secret of the High Priestess The Fool (Le Mat)		The Light Four of Swords
	The Next Step The Hierophant (Le Pape)

Significator #1 

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 

Symbolism:
Ten batons create a complex, interwoven pattern, with leaves pushing through to signify growth under pressure. The imagery conveys burdens, responsibilities, and the weight of achievement, balanced by the promise of fulfilment.

Meaning:
The Ten of Batons represents burdens, responsibility, and the weight of obligations. It signifies a period of hard work or feeling overburdened by tasks and commitments. While this card warns against burnout, it also reminds you that the effort is leading toward a goal or resolution.

In relationships, it reflects shared responsibilities or the strain of unbalanced dynamics. Spiritually, it suggests the need to let go of unnecessary baggage to continue forward.

Keywords:
Burden, responsibility, obligation, hard work, completion, exhaustion, effort, duty, strain, perseverance.

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

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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Symbolism:
Three swords intersect, forming a dynamic triangular arrangement, often accompanied by minimal decoration. This design represents conflict, heartache, or the challenging growth that follows emotional or mental pain.

Meaning:
The Three of Swords signifies heartache, betrayal, or grief. It is a card of emotional pain but also serves as a reminder of the healing and growth that follow. This card encourages you to confront and process your pain to move forward.

In relationships, it reflects loss, separation, or betrayal. Spiritually, it emphasises the transformative power of overcoming emotional trials.

Keywords:
Heartbreak, sorrow, betrayal, grief, emotional pain, healing, loss, separation, growth, transformation.

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

Symbolism:
The Hanged Man is shown suspended upside-down by one foot from a live tree, with his free leg bent to form a cross-like shape. His serene expression suggests surrender rather than distress. This represents enlightenment gained through sacrifice or altered perspective. The tree may symbolise the axis mundi, a bridge between worlds.

Meaning:
The Hanged Man symbolises surrender, letting go, and viewing situations from a different perspective. It suggests a pause or suspension of action, encouraging reflection and patience. This card often appears when you need to relinquish control or embrace sacrifice to gain deeper understanding.

In relationships, it can signal a need for a fresh outlook or willingness to adapt. Spiritually, it points to awakening through non-resistance and the acceptance of higher truths.

Keywords:
Surrender, perspective, patience, sacrifice, reflection, letting go, enlightenment, suspension, adaptation, non-resistance.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

Symbolism:
Four swords are arranged symmetrically, often forming a square or cross-like pattern, symbolising rest and reflection. The imagery suggests a pause for recuperation, stability, and the need for introspection before moving forward.

Meaning:
The Four of Swords symbolises the need for rest, reflection, and recovery. It encourages taking time to recharge after challenges and to prepare for future endeavours. This card highlights the importance of mental clarity through stillness.

In relationships, it may indicate a pause or need for space. Spiritually, it represents retreating into contemplation to find peace.

Keywords:
Rest, recovery, introspection, stillness, clarity, pause, preparation, healing, reflection, mental rejuvenation.

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

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

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 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 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.