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 Cups |
The Full Moon![]() Eight of Wands |
The Waning Moon![]() Seven of Wands |
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Significator #1![]() Three of Swords |
Significator #2![]() Eight of Coins |
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The Dark![]() Two of Swords |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Two of Coins |
The Light![]() Ace of Cups |
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The Next Step![]() 0 – The Fool |
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Significator #1
Three of Swords
Avoiding painful truths. Unscrupulous actions. Having no regrets for your actions. Moving on and leaving the past behind you. Struggling to recover from psychological wounds.
Significator #2
Eight of Coins
Willingly doing the work required for success, everything down to the lasts detail. Dedication to your job. 'Practice makes perfect'. Success comes one step at a time. A need to pay close attention to details. Working at home or for yourself. Industriousness.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Seven of Wands
The need to stand your ground and defend your position – with success being the probable outcome. Facing your problems head on. Effort, fortitude, and bravery can bring about victory. Taking the moral high ground. Feeling able to overcome your problems; being confident that you are well-positioned and in the right.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Eight of Wands
Go for it! Clear skies and smooth sailing ahead. Rapidly moving toward the achievement of your goals. Good news is coming. Renewed vigour and energy for an endeavour. Spontaneity. Embarking on an exciting journey. Operating out of a sense of urgency.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Two of Cups
Enjoying the company of another person. A new friendship or romance is developing. Being transformed by your love. Cooperation is needed after a conflict or dispute. Someone needs to be the bigger person to end a conflict. The amicable resolution of a conflict. 'Kiss and make up'.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Ace of Cups
A tentative or fragile relationship requires better care. A relationship is not proceeding as hoped, such as a love that is unrequited or a friendship that turns out to be superficial. A need for more love and compassion. Feelings of loneliness. The need to set emotional boundaries with a friend, colleague, or lover.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Two of Swords
Decisiveness, objectivity. It's time to make an important decision in order to move forward. A wise or clever decision or compromise. Seeing both sides of an argument. Settling an argument. Arriving at a truce.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
0 – The Fool
A time to begin something new, especially when done without bias or preconceived notions. 'Leap and the net will appear'. Keep an open mind. A situation with promise or potential. 'Beginners luck'.
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.
Two of Coins
An inability to balance or juggle all of your obligations and commitments. Someone has bitten off more than they can chew and are feeling overwhelmed. Mishandling of finances. 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul'.
