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 XI – Justice	The Full Moon Queen of Swords		The Waning Moon Six of Wands
	Significator #1 III – The Empress	Significator #2 Ace of Wands
The Dark I – The Magician	The Secret of the High Priestess XXI – The World		The Light Ace of Swords
	The Next Step Eight of Swords

Significator #1 

The Mother archetype, which implies mothering qualities such as nurturing, compassion, devotion, creativity, and fertility. An endeavour is coming to fruition. Love and sexuality. Hard work that pays off.

Significator #2 

A flash of inspiration; a spark of excitement. The excitement of a new interest, venture or enterprise. Someone with the energy to start a new project. Being creative with how you handle things. A revived passion or enthusiasm.

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

Success is not immediately forthcoming. Not receiving the recognition you deserve, or not getting the support you need. Victory leads to pride.

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

Having a keen understanding of other people. Wisdom based on past hardship and sorrow. Being brutally honest is what's called for now. Independence and self-reliance are more important than emotional ties. Not a great time for romance.

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

Having Inner strength. Resolving problems with patience, composure, compassion or understanding. An ability to control your baser instincts. Facing trials and hardships with courage. Finding a peaceful resolution to an angry or violent situation. Seeing the best in others.

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

Discovering a painful truth. Someone is trying to deceive you or misinform you. Cruel or unfair intentions. Undeserved criticism. Close-mindedness. Advice to be less aggressive and more understanding.

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

You need more knowledge, experience or skills in order to succeed. Someone is being a trickster or huckster – sly, cunning or sneaky.

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

Self-imposed limitations. Feeling powerless in a situation. Having a victim mentality. 'Paralysis of analysis' (i.e., lack of progress due to over analysing something). Inability to understand your situation or to communicate it clearly to others. A need to understand your concerns, reservations, or fears in order to conquer them. Being hampered by blind faith in something. Not seeing 'the forest for the trees'.

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. 

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.