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 Two of Wands	The Full Moon Six of Wands		The Waning Moon I – The Magician
	Significator #1 XVII – The Star	Significator #2 Youth of Wands
The Dark Youth of Cups	The Secret of the High Priestess Three of Swords		The Light XIII – Death
	The Next Step Ace of Swords

Significator #1 

Finding, regaining, or holding on to hope. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The calm after the storm. Meditation. Seeking inner tranquillity or a spiritual awakening. A time to develop a special talent or ability.

Significator #2 

Someone who is friendly, boisterous, enthusiastic, and often mischievous. Entering into an undertaking with eagerness and daring. Beginners' luck. An initiation. Enthusiasm that inspires creative solutions. Someone who brings good news or reinvigorates a situation with youthful energy. The start of something big.

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

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.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Success is not immediately forthcoming. Not receiving the recognition you deserve, or not getting the support you need. Victory leads to pride.

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

A struggle between two people (or groups of people) that is fair and neither party has a clear advantage. No one is completely to blame – 'It takes two to tangle'. Arriving at a reasonable resolution to a conflict. It's time to 'put the pedal to the metal' in order to succeed.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

Experiencing a dramatic or significant change in your life. A realisation that there is no turning back; a bell can't be un-rung. A time to discard whatever is not adding to your life. When one door closes, another will open. Taking 'down time' that is necessary for renewal, new growth, and transformation. Dealing with issues regarding death and dying.

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

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.

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

The discovery of a new insight. Beginning to 'Know Thyself'. A learning experience. Being open to new ideas or points of view. Justice, fairness, and honour. Success after a struggle. The mental clarity to overcome conflicts.

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. 

Facing a harsh reality. The pursuit of truth, no matter how painful it may be. A need to work through a pain experience or memory. Learning a hard lesson. Doing what you have to in order to survive. Making a necessary sacrifice. A period of loneliness.