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![]() Knight of Cups |
The Full Moon![]() Seven of Batons |
The Waning Moon![]() The Hanged Man (Le Pendu) |
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Significator #1![]() Judgement (Le Jugement) |
Significator #2![]() Three of Cups |
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The Dark![]() Four of Batons |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Three of Batons |
The Light![]() Ace of Batons |
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The Next Step![]() Valet of Coins |
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Significator #1
Judgement
(Le Jugement)
Symbolism:
An angel blows a trumpet as figures rise from coffins below, symbolising resurrection and awakening. The praying hands of the figures reflect surrender and acceptance. The bright light of the angel signifies divine calling and revelation, while the mountains in the background represent challenges overcome.
Meaning:
Judgement represents awakening, self-assessment, and rebirth. It signals a time to evaluate your past and make amends, preparing for a new chapter. This card often appears when you are called to align with your higher purpose and embrace transformation.
In relationships, it suggests healing, forgiveness, or a new beginning. Spiritually, it encourages connection with your true calling.
Keywords:
Awakening, transformation, rebirth, judgement, self-assessment, forgiveness, redemption, clarity, divine calling, renewal.
Significator #2
Three of Cups
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 Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
The Hanged Man
(Le Pendu)
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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Seven of Batons
Symbolism:
Seven batons intersect in a slightly irregular pattern, with fresh leaves sprouting at their joints, suggesting perseverance amidst challenges. The imagery conveys determination, resilience, and the courage to stand one's ground.
Meaning:
The Seven of Batons represents defending your position, standing firm against opposition, and asserting yourself amidst challenges. It emphasises courage and persistence in maintaining your beliefs or goals, even when faced with adversity. This card highlights the importance of self-confidence and holding your ground.
In relationships, it can indicate overcoming external pressures or standing together in unity. Spiritually, it reflects the need to remain steadfast on your path despite doubts or criticism.
Keywords:
Defiance, resilience, courage, perseverance, self-defence, opposition, determination, conviction, assertiveness, strength.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Knight of Cups
Symbolism:
The Cavalier of Cups is shown riding a steady horse, holding a cup as if offering or presenting it, symbolising emotional pursuit and romantic ideals. The card reflects themes of charm, devotion, and the quest for emotional or creative fulfilment.
Meaning:
The Knight of Cups represents romance, charm, and the pursuit of emotional or artistic goals. It suggests taking action based on intuition and feelings, but warns against overidealizing or being overly passive.
In relationships, it indicates a romantic approach or a deepening of emotional bonds. Spiritually, it highlights the importance of aligning your actions with your heart's desires.
Keywords:
Romance, charm, idealism, emotional pursuit, creativity, intuition, action, inspiration, deepening bonds, heartfelt journeys.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Ace of Batons
Symbolism:
A single upright baton surrounded by leaves emerges from a hand reaching through a portal, symbolising potential and growth. The floating leaves emphasise vitality and new beginnings, while the portal hints at divine inspiration.
Meaning:
The Ace of Batons heralds the spark of inspiration and the potential for creative or personal growth. It represents an opportunity to take bold action, start new projects, or pursue passions. This card encourages embracing fresh ideas and allowing enthusiasm to guide you.
In relationships, it can signify passion or the beginning of an exciting chapter. Spiritually, it represents awakening and alignment with your creative force.
Keywords:
Inspiration, potential, creativity, passion, action, growth, opportunity, vitality, enthusiasm, new beginnings.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Four of Batons
Symbolism:
Four batons form a stable, rectangular frame adorned with budding leaves, signifying balance and structure. This card represents a foundation of support and a sense of accomplishment in one's endeavours.
Meaning:
The Four of Batons represents celebration, stability, and harmony. It marks a time to pause and appreciate achievements or milestones. This card often symbolises community, shared joy, and the fulfilment of goals.
In relationships, it indicates harmony, commitment, or joyful gatherings. Spiritually, it reflects alignment with your surroundings and a sense of belonging.
Keywords:
Celebration, harmony, stability, joy, milestones, unity, achievement, community, gratitude, fulfilment.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Valet of Coins
Symbolism:
The Valet of Coins holds a single coin, gazing at it with curiosity or reverence, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and potential in material matters. The figure's youthful demeanour reflects themes of learning, new opportunities, and the beginning stages of financial or practical growth.
Meaning:
The Valet of Coins represents curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge in the material world. It signifies a willingness to learn and grow in financial or practical matters. This card urges exploration of new opportunities, particularly in the areas of career, studies, or investments, and highlights the importance of diligence in taking the first steps toward prosperity.
In relationships, it suggests new beginnings based on mutual growth and shared ambitions. Spiritually, it reflects the eager pursuit of knowledge that leads to material success.
Keywords:
Curiosity, learning, practicality, opportunities, growth, ambition, diligence, exploration, material world, new beginnings.
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.
Three of Batons
Symbolism:
Three batons intersect symmetrically, sprouting leaves that symbolise growth and creative expansion. The harmonious arrangement suggests progress, stability, and the nurturing of new ventures.
Meaning:
The Three of Batons signifies progress, expansion, and the realisation of plans. It suggests that initial efforts are beginning to yield results and encourages continued focus and perseverance. This card represents growth through exploration and the courage to venture beyond your comfort zone.
In relationships, it reflects shared goals and moving forward together. Spiritually, it symbolises broader horizons and the pursuit of greater understanding.
Keywords:
Expansion, progress, growth, foresight, exploration, achievement, opportunity, enterprise, perseverance, vision.
