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 Ace of Swords	The Full Moon II – The Priestess		The Waning Moon Seven of Cups
	Significator #1 IV – The Emperor	Significator #2 Youth of Coins
The Dark XIV – Temperance	The Secret of the High Priestess XIX – The Sun		The Light I – The Magician
	The Next Step Seven of Coins

Significator #1 

Seeing everything as being black and white or 'set in stone'. An abuse of power and authority. Challenging authority through insubordination. Being burdened with too much responsibility. A failure to act rationally. A coward, tyrant, or bully. Having issues with your father.

Significator #2 

Good news related to finances and material goods. A new opportunity to make money, or a fresh new approach to business. Starting at the ground floor and working your way up. Meeting someone who is able to provide material benefits.

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

Daydreams, an overactive imagination, or general confusion make it hard to make a decision. Being wistful and fanciful. Seeing things the way you want (or fear) them to be, not as they are. You are being tested by alluring temptations. A confusing conflict between what your heart wants and what your head says. The need to weigh things more carefully and rationally.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Intuitively understanding underlying factors or unconscious motivations. Follow the guidance of your dreams. Meditation and contemplation is important now. Inner peace and tranquillity. Spirituality.

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

Discovering a painful truth. Someone is trying to deceive you or misinform you. Cruel or unfair intentions. Undeserved criticism. Close-mindedness. Advice to be less aggressive and more understanding.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

You need more knowledge, experience or skills in order to succeed. Someone is being a trickster or huckster – sly, cunning or sneaky.

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

Inflexibility causes problems in resolving issues. An inability to be open to others' viewpoints or to find a middle ground or compromise in a troublesome situation. Taking extreme measures when a more balance approach is required. Adhering to either extreme of abstinence or self-indulgence.

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

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.

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. 

Partial success or success after some delays. 'Hiding your light under a bushel'. A missed opportunity. A need for a more energetic approach. Someone who is arrogant, egocentric, or self-absorbed.