Ankh Spread

Difficulty: Kind of tough

The Ankh Spread is for questions about the causes behind trends. It is similar to the Celtic Cross and Secret of the High Priestess spreads, but it covers the reasons behind the circumstances in question differently, perhaps giving a better explanation of why things are the way they are.

The loop of the upper section of the ankh reveals the spiritual background and causes of the situation, while the stem of the base focuses on prospects for the outcome.

The first two tarot cards represent the two parent causes of the situation. They will either complement each other or show two opposing sides of a conflict, depending on how they relate. These are the significator cards of the Ankh spread.

3. This tarot card shines light upon the early causes of the trend in question.

4. Pinpoints the causes that triggered the current situation.

5. Reveals the spiritual perspective of the subject at hand.

6. This card examines the reasons why this course of action had to unfold, as a means to this end.

At this point, it is good to pause to soak in the meaning of the first six cards before moving forward to the last three cards. The last three reveal prospects for the future.

7. The Next Step gives clues about the immediate future.

8. Surprising Experiences encountered en route to the result.

9. This represents the result.

Your Ankh Reading

Early Causes	Higher Perceptions Four of Wands	Triggering Causes
Ten of Swords	Necessary Conclusions	Eight of Pentacles
Significator #1	Nine of Swords	Significator #2
Five of Wands	Next Step	Six of Pentacles
	XX – Judgement
	Surprising Experiences Four of Swords
	Outcome Four of Cups

The 5 of Wands card indicates stiff competition, not necessarily fair, with no clear winner implied. All are separate entities. Challenge with an unclear outcome, enterprise, and glory rule the wands. Like revving the engine but the clutch is in, strong competition often indicates obstacles. Do not stop the fight. Add new perspective that the competition is missing. Anger is a fabulous reminder that there are still a few things still misunderstood. At one and the same time feel the wonders of the contexts outside you, of your actions in context, and contexts inside you.

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

The 6 of Pentacles indicates giving and receiving in life's epic spiral. This is no charity. The 6 of Pentacles indicates justice in reciprocity, the power of an everyday devotion, honest communication.

Visualise the giving and receiving in a vast spiral, which is part of life. Not charity in action, it is justice. We are only doing what we should, caring for each other in both times of hardship and times of plenty. We give what we get; we get what we give. It's a circle where no one loses, a circular branch giving and receiving at all scales in every direction.

The Page of Swords indicates a developing of understanding. Curiosity. Analysis. Thorough creativity in your vision. Now is the time you can penetrate through to the truth or essence of a thing or situation, or thoughtfully will it to reify. Mental facility and skill, an ability to communicate ideas, and receiving news are also indicated.

The 8 of Pentacles indicates supporting and directing growth in the context of being satisfied with ourselves and what we do. You do not need to perfect yourself to be loved. The meaning of your work occurring in the act AND abundantly gifting you fulfilment is at the core of this card. Within your means and resources expand your means and resources. Your work is best suited to you when it is a labour of love, always trying something new with solid foundations. With solid foundations feelings of depletion indicate misspent efforts. Feelings of abundance and fulfilment with strong foundations indicate effective progress.

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

The Four of Wands indicates the joy of coming together for a purpose and the growth and happiness that can result. A surprise or thrill out of the blue may be in store for you. You may meet someone unexpectedly. Planned celebrations or the freedom of building something together with someone are also indicated. Build it together and you will reap abundance.

The 9 of Swords indicates that situations or events are nearing completion, or have just been completed and another plateau waits. This is a card about the pain in the false summit of mental anguish. Though misery, suffering, desolation, and illness may be present, the path is indicated to be clear.

Understand the false summit of a mountain climb as a trail-marker of progress and an immediate horizon rather than a destination. Pass through this time, through your false summit without judgment on yourself as you will only pick up things that weigh yourself down. Sprint through! And simply find enjoyment in the scenery as you continue.

There's maybe a diamond in your rough experience right before you. Right before you so big and so there you aren't seeing it. It is your experience. Feel it. Experience, and no more. Contemplate or meditate at this time in your thoughtfully aware actions. It's indicated to be one of those places where the farmer's wisdom shines. If you realise you're in a hole, stop digging. A shovel is an indelicate tool for this time. Visualise your experience AS the situation. Own up and try a new perspective. . .YOURS!!!

Judgment indicates a weightlessness of memory in mind that exacts a heavy toll or provides one with a breadth of self-born experience. It is indicated to not dig in your dirt at this time in respect for your own dead. In respectful remembrance forget them to sprouting and flowering naturally as you simply amend your soil.

It is indicated that you alone carry your memories into the present, no more at the mercy of your past, than you are of old photo albums. Take more pictures! Judgment indicates the respectful remembrance of perennials poking their noses up in newly amended soil.

Now is indicated to be a time where the cycles of your memories will flourish.

The 4 of Swords indicates coming to fruition or the manifestation of an idea, along with a foundation or 'space' where things can grow.

Also indicated is a preparation time. Grow YOUR diamond in YOUR rough times. Here. . .never hurry, never rest. Pace. Enhance your preparedness without locking your muscles into play. Direct a calm flow.

Reversed, the 4 of Swords indicates renewed activities, your batteries recharged, your metaphorical oil changed. Good opportunities are ahead, but use discretion in your dealings at present. Literally, hand yourself over to yourself as you say “take care.”

The 4 of Cups indicates one's desires manifesting, good fortune, good luck. Enjoying the fruits of one's labours is indicated. Stagnation is a possibility. . .so is a continual attentive, patient, and present care to your enjoyment! Enjoy what you have made! Responsibility at this time is indicated to be thorough and inherent.