Ankh Spread

Difficulty: Kind of tough

The Ankh Spread is for questions about the causes behind trends. It is similar to the Celtic Cross and Secret of the High Priestess spreads, but it covers the reasons behind the circumstances in question differently, perhaps giving a better explanation of why things are the way they are.

The loop of the upper section of the ankh reveals the spiritual background and causes of the situation, while the stem of the base focuses on prospects for the outcome.

The first two tarot cards represent the two parent causes of the situation. They will either complement each other or show two opposing sides of a conflict, depending on how they relate. These are the significator cards of the Ankh spread.

3. This tarot card shines light upon the early causes of the trend in question.

4. Pinpoints the causes that triggered the current situation.

5. Reveals the spiritual perspective of the subject at hand.

6. This card examines the reasons why this course of action had to unfold, as a means to this end.

At this point, it is good to pause to soak in the meaning of the first six cards before moving forward to the last three cards. The last three reveal prospects for the future.

7. The Next Step gives clues about the immediate future.

8. Surprising Experiences encountered en route to the result.

9. This represents the result.

Your Ankh Reading

Early Causes	Higher Perceptions IV – The Emperor	Triggering Causes
XI – Justice	Necessary Conclusions	VII – The Chariot
Significator #1	II – The Priestess	Significator #2
XIII – Death	Next Step	I – The Magician
	XVI – The Tower
	Surprising Experiences XII – The Hanged Man
	Outcome III – The Empress

Clinging to old ideas, beliefs, situations, or relationships that no longer serve a purpose. Fear of change, or a refusal to change, which may hinder growth or make an inevitable change more painful when it eventually does happen. Being in denial about a significant loss.

Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.

Having Inner strength. Resolving problems with patience, composure, compassion or understanding. An ability to control your baser instincts. Facing trials and hardships with courage. Finding a peaceful resolution to an angry or violent situation. Seeing the best in others.

Taking control of conflicting forces within a project. Moving forward despite these conflicting forces. Using strength of will to get things done. Taking personal responsibility for something. A positive outcome is suggested.

The Father archetype, which implies things like strictness, providing for others, and having respect and recognition from others. The ability to rationally resolve issues and problems. Having structure, stability, and order in your life. An authority figure, a person who is in a position of power.

Try to listen more to the voice inside your heart. Not being able to express insights to others; your advice will be ignored or misunderstood. Beware of allowing your emotions to influence your decisions or actions. Someone is being secretive. Coldness, Detachment.

The end or resolution of a crisis. A time to pick up the pieces and move forward. Alternately, an inability to move forward because you feel confined by powers beyond your control. The discovery that a crisis that you hated was actually 'a cosmic kick in the pants' which has liberated you from a bad situation.

Involuntary sacrifice. Martyrdom or playing the role of a victim. Experiencing reversals or setbacks. Unwillingness to make a sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. A need to step back and get a fresh perspective.

A project is having problems coming to fruition. Obstacles to creativity, such as writer's block. Sterility or loss. Someone is being unproductive. Having issues with your mother. Being smothered by someone. Chaos. Stagnation.