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 Ten of Coins	The Full Moon Eight of Cups		The Waning Moon Three of Coins
	Significator #1 Five of Wands	Significator #2 Eight of Swords
The Dark 0 – The Fool	The Secret of the High Priestess Nine of Cups		The Light King of Cups
	The Next Step Knight of Wands

Significator #1 

Finding a way to make a chaotic situation be productive instead. Rising above the chaos and turmoil around you. 'You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs'. Complications or problems in your life can be overcome with some effort. The end of struggles. You are being held back by your conflicted feelings about something.

Significator #2 

Gaining a healthy perspective of your problems. Ability to move forward after conquering self-imposed limitations. Not letting other people impose limitations or restrictions on you. Breaking through obstacles.

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

The need to work harder, to cooperate more, or to improve your skills. Recheck your work to be sure that things are being done correctly. People working at cross-purposes. Criticism from people who doesn't understand the job being done. Lack of the required resources to meet your goal.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

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.

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

A good time to go into business for yourself or to take your career to the next level. Good dealings with big businesses or institutions. Wealthy people are involved. An inheritance. Trying to see beyond material things.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

A situation that requires compassion, mercy, or empathy. Someone who lends a sympathetic ear. Being persuasive, diplomatic and tactful. Being guided by morality, integrity, and ethics. Being able to rise above the emotional turmoil around you. Someone close to you needs your compassion and understanding.

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

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

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

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 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. 

A success turns sour or has hidden problems. Too much of a good thing. Overindulgence or debauchery. Smugness, vanity, or selfishness that comes as a result of success. Beware of friends who take advantage of your good fortune or generosity.