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 I – The Magician	The Full Moon Five of Swords		The Waning Moon XVI – The Tower
	Significator #1 Three of Wands	Significator #2 Seven of Cups
The Dark Nine of Swords	The Secret of the High Priestess II – The Priestess		The Light III – The Empress
	The Next Step Three of Swords

Significator #1 

An enterprise that looked promising fails to deliver. Short-sightedness, unrealistic plans, or overconfidence cause problems for a new venture. The road ahead seems filled with roadblocks. A need to expand your horizons. Getting bogged down in details and losing the 'big picture'.

Significator #2 

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

The collapse of a project or situation, especially when it forces you to revaluate your core values. Someone who challenges your beliefs or forces you to revaluate your life. Being forced out of your comfort zone. Losing your temper, i.e., blowing your top.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Malicious, dishonest, inconsiderate, or destructive behaviour. A devious plot. Bad sportsmanship. Doing something you know you shouldn't do. A no-win situation. Attempting to win at any cost. Seeking revenge (vs. justice). Petty politics. Gossip and slander.

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

Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

A project is having problems coming to fruition. Obstacles to creativity, such as writer's block. Sterility or loss. Someone is being unproductive. Having issues with your mother. Being smothered by someone. Chaos. Stagnation.

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

Realisation that fears were blown out of proportion. Things are turning out to be not as bad as expected. Regaining hope or peace of mind. Finding or having someone to comfort you or to help you through difficult times.

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

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.

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. 

Try to listen more to the voice inside your heart. Not being able to express insights to others; your advice will be ignored or misunderstood. Beware of allowing your emotions to influence your decisions or actions. Someone is being secretive. Coldness, Detachment.