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![]() King of Cups |
The Full Moon![]() Youth of Coins |
The Waning Moon![]() Two of Swords |
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Significator #1![]() Six of Swords |
Significator #2![]() Knight of Wands |
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The Dark![]() Youth of Wands |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Four of Cups |
The Light![]() Six of Cups |
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The Next Step![]() Queen of Cups |
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Significator #1
Six of Swords
An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.
Significator #2
Knight of Wands
Being rash, unpredictable, undependable, impatient, pushy, or headstrong. Not looking where you are going. Being a 'loose cannon'. Jumping the gun creates problems. Over committing yourself. A need to let things unfold naturally.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Two of Swords
A dilemma with no clear answer in sight. An ugly conflict, perhaps where one party is being deceitful or underhanded. A stalemate. A no win situation. A forced or unsatisfactory decision or resolution to a problem. Avoiding making a decision until you're forced to.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Youth of Coins
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 Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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 Light is what is clearly recognized.
Six of Cups
An innocent enjoyment of life and its simple pleasures. Making a peace offering to restore domestic harmony. A reunion with old friends; finding a childhood friend. A need to revisit or resolve some aspect of the past. Coming to terms with old memories or forgiving past transgressions.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Youth of Wands
A proverbial 'wild child' – someone who is unruly and unmanageable, perhaps even savage. Someone who was abused as a child. Immature social skills. Bad or upsetting news. The possible violation of a confidence.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Queen of Cups
Gentleness, tenderness, and fidelity. Someone who loves romance or has great compassion for others. A time when feelings and hunches are reliable guides. A caring friend who offers support. Showing others kindness and unconditional love.
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.
Four of Cups
Awakening from a period of boredom or apathy. Finding motivation. Recognition that you need to find meaning in your life. Increased social engagements and interactions. Being open to new opportunities.
