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 Four of Wands	Triggering Causes
XXI – The World	Necessary Conclusions	Eight of Cups
Significator #1	XX – Judgement	Significator #2
Knight of Wands	Next Step	Two of Wands
	Youth of Cups
	Surprising Experiences 0 – The Fool
	Outcome VII – The Chariot

Being spontaneous, eager for adventure, bold and courageous in a new enterprise. Living 'in the moment'. Someone who is the life of the party. A willingness to take a chance on a new way of doing things. Embracing change or being an agent of change.

An enterprise is faltering due to infighting. An intractable conflict where neither side is willing to budge an inch. An unfair fight. The need to achieve self-mastery before you can gain the upper hand in a conflict.

A satisfying completion, the fulfilment of your desires, attaining a goal, achieving deserved recognition. You have learned much from the hard work put into reaching your goal. Being ready to wrap things up. Overcoming limitations, such as poverty, a handicap, etc. Feeling your connection to another person or group of people.

The inability to recognise how unhealthy the current situation is or an unwillingness to leave it. Sensing that something is missing in your life, but not knowing what. Experiencing regrets about making a change in your life. Settling for the status quo. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Obstacles are blocking a rite of passage (such as a christening, graduation, wedding, or homecoming). You need to put more effort into creating a solid foundation for the future success of something. Someone is being a 'party pooper' or a 'wet blanket'.

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.

Emotional immaturity or awkwardness in a relationship. Being confused by your feelings for someone or by a relationship. Avoiding a needed examination of your feelings about something. Letting your curiosity get you into trouble.

Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.

Feeling pulled in several directions at once. Feeling a loss of control in your life. An inability to properly master outside influences. Charging ahead rashly. Running roughshod over other people. Losing yourself in the role you have to play in order to succeed. Failure or a very costly victory.