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 IX – The Hermit		The Waning Moon King of Swords
	Significator #1 Six of Coins	Significator #2 Youth of Cups
The Dark Nine of Coins	The Secret of the High Priestess Seven of Coins		The Light XIX – The Sun
	The Next Step Eight of Cups

Significator #1 

Refusal or inability to pay off a debt. Financial sources drying up. Refusal of a request for money. A commercial or business venture needs more capital. A time to watch your spending. An unhealthy dependency on the generosity of others.

Significator #2 

The possibility or beginning of a romance. Making a new or renewed commitment to another person. Discovering new feelings about a situation or person. Opening your heart to someone; the need to be more open-hearted about a situation. Using your imagination.

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

Good advice or a fair decision. Tough-minded common sense. Being able to make fair and impartial decisions. Your knowledge, intelligence, and expertise are respected. A trusted advisor or expert. 'Knowledge is Power'.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Pulling back in order to gain space to think things through. Taking the time necessary to review a situation on your own or with the help of a disinterested third party. Renunciation of material claims or desires. Embracing simplicity. 'Money can't buy you happiness'. An unorthodox teacher (a 'guru') has much to teach you.

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

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. 

Enjoying or celebrating success. Having energy and vitality, being optimistic and active. Triumph over obstacles. Recognition for work done. Trusting others and experiencing a sense of unity. Coming out of a dark period. Critical reasoning leads to clarity and understanding.

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

The ability to take care of yourself. Financial security and stability. Having a 'prosperity consciousness'. Contentment with what you have. A comfortable and happy home life. Gardening or working around the house.

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

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 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. 

Reaping what you have sown. Rewards have not yet arrived, but your continued hard work will bring favourable results down the line. Reassessing your goals or the strategy for achieving your goals.