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![]() III – The Empress |
The Waning Moon![]() Ten of Coins |
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Significator #1![]() Ten of Cups |
Significator #2![]() Six of Coins |
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The Dark![]() Three of Coins |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() XXI – The World |
The Light![]() Eight of Cups |
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The Next Step![]() 0 – The Fool |
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Significator #1
Ten of Cups
A good situation is disrupted. The end of a good time in life. Family problems or disruptions in your home life. Having an overly idealistic view of what a relationship should be like. Happiness that proves to be as fleeting as a rainbow. An unhappy childhood or a dysfunctional family life.
Significator #2
Six of Coins
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.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Ten of Coins
Being burdened with financial responsibilities. The need to liquidate your assets. Investments do not turn out as expected. Financial dealings fall apart sending you back to square one. Problems with big businesses or institutions. A bad time to start new business dealings.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
III – The Empress
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 Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Two of Cups
Romantic notions are blinding you to the reality of the hard work required for a successful relationship. Reluctance or resistance to enter a relationship. An air of mistrust or tension between two people. The ending of a love affair, friendship, or partnership. A disagreeable end of a conflict.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Eight of Cups
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 Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Three of Coins
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
0 – The Fool
Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.
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.
XXI – The World
A satisfying completion, the fulfilment of your desires, attaining a goal, achieving deserved recognition. You have learned much from the hard work put into reaching your goal. Being ready to wrap things up. Overcoming limitations, such as poverty, a handicap, etc. Feeling your connection to another person or group of people.
