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![]() XXI – The World |
The Full Moon![]() XIII – Death |
The Waning Moon![]() Six of Swords |
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Significator #1![]() Six of Coins |
Significator #2![]() Knight of Coins |
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The Dark![]() 0 – The Fool |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Ace of Coins |
The Light![]() XII – The Hanged Man |
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The Next Step![]() Two of Cups |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
Knight of Coins
Beginning to see tangible results. Achieving material prosperity. A possible new source of income; working a second job. Diligence, prudence, and hard work. Working hard to prove yourself.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Six of Swords
An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
XIII – Death
Experiencing a dramatic or significant change in your life. A realisation that there is no turning back; a bell can't be un-rung. A time to discard whatever is not adding to your life. When one door closes, another will open. Taking 'down time' that is necessary for renewal, new growth, and transformation. Dealing with issues regarding death and dying.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
XII – The Hanged Man
Patience. Humility. Making a small sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. Seeking redemption. Entering a 12-step program. 'Letting go and letting God'. A unique perspective on a situation. Putting a project on hold in order to properly evaluate the situation.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
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 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.
Ace of Coins
Opportunity is knocking. This is a good time to start a new business venture or to create a firm financial foundation for yourself. A new project is likely to be profitable. Someone is bringing important financial news. 'Sowing your wild oats'.
