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 King of Pentacles	Triggering Causes
IX – The Hermit	Necessary Conclusions	Four of Cups
Significator #1	Page of Swords	Significator #2
Two of Pentacles	Next Step	V – The Hierophant
	Eight of Pentacles
	Surprising Experiences XV – The Devil
	Outcome XIII – Death

The Two of Pentacles card indicates that you have power in your balance, striving for equality and choosing not to indulge in instant gratification at the expense of your own purpose. Based upon your values, you are responsible in taking on only what you can handle. Choice and negotiation are your assets.

The Two of Pentacles card reversed suggests that it might be tempting to give up in the face of conflict or romantic stagnation, especially if it seems like you're facing a 'catch-22' or a 'lesser of two evils' decision. When it comes to your partner, you may not be on the same wavelength regarding this matter. Be conscious of the two-way street of overcompensation. . .It should work itself out.

While it may be a hassle or a struggle, making an effort to dance the fine line between practical realities and sensual pleasures can put you in position to resolve this issue. Remember that concentrating too much on the positive or negative makes an opening for maliciousness. Be what IS as you balance! Communication, voicing your issue may bring forth balance.

The Hierophant indicates infusing you, your mind-body-beautiful, with the divine, bringing your dreams clearly down to earth. Your spirit is radiating. Bring your dreams to reality from within you!

This time is well-suited for enhancing meaningful things in your life.

The Hermit indicates inner activity and the clarity you see in the mysteries and seeming lack of form in darkness, indicates walking the cloister of your mind. You may be acutely aware of cycles of experience completed at this time. Identify them clearly and meditate on them from within. Be inwardly active. Others may not see what you see or feel what you feel. The Hermit is not stationary. Do not maintain or hold static perspectives. Now is a poignant time to sense YOUR perspective, and believe what you feel. * 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 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.

* 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 King of Pentacles indicates the Master Builder, building concrete and psychic structures together. Everything built here stands the test of time as it is living of its own accord and rooted strongly. There is an uncompromising quality with clean lines spare of ornament. This is not the domain of the glorious, but of grand simplicity with strength and wit and directness of gesture. In regard to an architecture of clean lines spare of ornament visualise the human body.

This is the card of strong foundations already built under your dreams. Proper reinforcement and formwork is not a requirement, was the norm, and all exceeds expectations. Formwork was sloughed off as forgotten memory, afterbirth. Reinforcement enhances and strengthens the structure, and is embedded. Quick fixes make for shallow roots. This is the card of developed roots and healthy and prominent accomplishments.

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.

* 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 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.

The Devil indicates earthly desires rising in you. Mind that such feelings are nothing to fear, be ashamed of, or avoid so long as you are compassionate with yourself. Inhibitions can enslave as easily as excesses.

It is indicated that your expectations can be blind spots OR magical and invisible connections between things. It is also indicated to be mindful of your intensities. Your tethers are loose at this time. Don't let your intensities take you by surprise as you use the greater mobility.

Earthly desires can light you up and inspire you and make you feel great! Unrequited anything may be hurtful. Abolish your toxins of fear and you may very well feel the purity of your desires. Ambitions you have may be frightening and dangerous, but feel how they can be less frightening and dangerous than the subtle decay present if your hands are idle.

This is a strong time to start learning how it feels to be honest and alive inside and out!

Death indicates transformation. It is indicated to sacrifice unnecessary preconceptions you hold. The old you is evolving. A Phoenix is rising as a birth's introduction. Visualize a winter garden where things are resting for renewal. Patience is in fact a virtue of the Death card. Your perennial ideas and actions may naturalize to come back in different places more vibrantly.

If you are distressed at this time, mind your timing and placement. Do not trample on the new things in your life that appear small. Renewal and awakening may begin subtly. More is present than meets the eye.

Haste is not indicated. Slow your pace to be patiently present.