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 ![]() X – The Wheel of Fortune |
Triggering Causes |
![]() Seven of Coins |
Necessary Conclusions | ![]() Ace of Coins |
| Significator #1 | ![]() King of Cups |
Significator #2 |
![]() Six of Swords |
Next Step | ![]() Two of Coins |
![]() VIII – Strength |
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Surprising Experiences ![]() XX – Judgement |
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Outcome ![]() Three of Swords |
Significator #1
Six of Swords
Escaping stress and conflict. Seeking peace after a conflict. Cutting your losses and moving on. Stepping back or moving away from a difficult situation to gain a valuable perspective of it. A trip to or a visitor from a faraway place. Trying to overcome a bad habit or self-destructive mindset, perhaps with the help of a support group.
Significator #2
Two of Coins
An inability to balance or juggle all of your obligations and commitments. Someone has bitten off more than they can chew and are feeling overwhelmed. Mishandling of finances. 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul'.
Early Causes
Seven of Coins
Drudgery. Working for 'peanuts'. Doubting long-term benefits of current efforts. Demoralisation, giving up. Feeling oppressed by your work. Wasted effort or a waste of time.
Triggering Causes
Ace of Coins
A new venture is faltering. Desired results are not delivered or will be delayed. Someone is late in providing payment, or payment is not complete. The inability to meet financial obligations. Someone who was 'born with a silver spoon in his mouth'.
Higher Perceptions
X – The Wheel of Fortune
The beginning of a new cycle or a new chapter in life. The end of a difficult situation. Opportunities from unexpected sources. Rapid and/or important changes are coming. Good fortune and luck. Having equanimity saves you from all the drama going on around you.
Necessary Conclusions
King of Cups
Someone who seems caring and sympathetic, but who is manipulating the situation for their own benefit. Someone is acting in a manner that is unethical or morally ambiguous. Being secretive and brooding. The need to be more diplomatic or tactful.
The Next Step
VIII – Strength
Karma. Taking responsibility for your actions. A fair outcome, a decision in your favour. Fighting for a just cause. A balanced approach, impartiality. You need to weigh the pros and cons of a situation in order to make a sensible decision and take appropriate action.
Surprises
XX – Judgement
Renewal, regeneration, and (metaphorical) rebirth. Hearing a calling; experiencing an epiphany. Exhibiting good judgment. Thinking 'outside the box'. Forgiving someone who has wronged you. Opening a new chapter in life or passing a significant milestone.
The Outcome
Three of Swords
Avoiding painful truths. Unscrupulous actions. Having no regrets for your actions. Moving on and leaving the past behind you. Struggling to recover from psychological wounds.
