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 Ten of Swords	Triggering Causes
Ten of Pentacles	Necessary Conclusions	King of Cups
Significator #1	Ace of Cups	Significator #2
Nine of Pentacles	Next Step	Three of Wands
	Ace of Swords
	Surprising Experiences Three of Cups
	Outcome Queen of Cups

The Nine of Pentacles indicates the freedom to enjoy the fruits of one's labour, having a certain level of success, and now being able to appreciate the good things in life.

Also indicated is the ability to live life on one's own terms. One is free to explore his or her deepest desires, go after what he/she really wants with financial security,... as well as appreciate the simple pleasures in life. The road to personal freedom and happiness may be provided by financial security and comfort, and at one and the same time smile at the gratification in your experiences with a wonderful attitude of YOU as your best asset!

The Three of Wands card indicates your new world is in place, and success is implied. As enthusiastically as you made this place for yourself, look to your planning to drive success. Now is a grand time for partnerships in work or career. Travel may be indicated or communications with distant places as you have a good perspective from the new place you've created.

The 10 of Pentacles indicates prosperity, close relationships, inheritance. Practical stability and the tangible material physical world are signified by the Pentacle symbol, but the true meaning of this card is found intuitively each time it appears in the context of the reading. Meld close relationships, prosperity, and inheritance in context to tenor the overall reading.

Also indicated is to appreciate ties and enrichment. Sometimes a surprise inheritance is something you were born with.

* 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 Cups indicates that you are a protective figure with abundance and prosperity. Rather than a guide showing the path, you are supportive and protective, a friend and companion on the track of life. Your abilities to inspire in simple conversation shine as those around you sip from the cup of your abundant energy. At this time rather than being half empty or half full, your cup is simply a wonderful place to put a flower. Shine in the joyousness of your milieu. Now is a great time to have a get-together.

Be it small or be it big, flow with those you care about, flow in your context. The cup of your abundant energy indicates you can have a party anywhere you go.

Ruin and anguish are indicated. Both physical pain and otherwise. Similar to The Tower when received reversed, though, the worst has already passed. Big breath! Anything visible is something better. You've pulled through.

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.

Things may have come to a head and the worst is indicated to have passed. It may feel like rock bottom, but at least rock bottom is a solid support for your feet.

* 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 Ace of Cups indicates opening up to love, to new life beginning. Opening up to the psychic and spiritual realm is also indicated. Trust your intuition. Receive the blessing of your psychic messages. That's a voicemail code to remember! Only think the good ones into action. The rest. . .let them rest. Initiate your emotional and intuitive cycle of nurturing love and restoring joy. Your cup is filled with dreams, visions, and inspirations welling up from within. Share them. Take a walk and crank your iPod on the beach!

* 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 Ace of Swords card indicates to stick to the point, make yourself clear. Prepared, stand up for yourself. Meditate options objectively before taking the next logical step. Understand or identify the cause by feeling it. You get what you want by trusting your own personal convictions and inner voice implicitly.

Be mindful of impersonal, indifferent, or even bossy expressions. Cut through the bull while protecting your privacy. Do not let down your guard, and visualise your guard and armour as your health. Keep your wits about you. Feelings rule here over reasons or explanations.

Ideas are present with the Ace of Swords, but with no certainty towards placement. The Ace of Swords presents your present opportunity to cut through the confusion, and shed some new light on the situation that is causing difficulties. Change the light in your home. Wide open blinds! Blast-wash with light. Your ideas are there. Let them cut in to your dance! This is the daily sword-sharpening devotion. Let its roots flower in patience. There is a discipline of the ritual in plants. First year roots. Second year foliage. Third year fruits and flowers.

Swords often represent some type of communications. A problem that you've created for yourself in your own mind, involvement in a situation where a clear decision isn't present, or you've been looping, record-skipping, can't see an end in sight. It is indicated to cut through and look at the core of what is being communicated to you.

Reversed, the Ace of Swords could mean an opportunity that won't really make any difference to the situation. Don't be fooled. Continue your daily sharpening and feel your inner landscape. Your only outburst is recommended to be a smirk of a smile inside or out amidst and during your whetstone strokes, sharpening your sword. Breath is prayer. Pray as breath. Sharpen as breath.

The 3 of Cups indicate seeking fulfilment through working with someone or group, personal growth experienced by developing friendships and partnerships. Trees help each other when they grow in clumps.

* 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 Queen of Cups indicates harmony with your emotional and intuitive realm. Relying on inner guidance, one's perspective is well-suited to respond to external influences from a flowing inner perspective that is thick and rich. Take charge in matters regarding your inner life. Your emotions draw upon the wisdom of the ages. Imagination. Creative. Loving. Supportive.

Odds are you are very impressionable at this time. In the positive this indicates a strong feeling-sense, and ability to be sensitively and effectively responsive. As still waters run deep, there are hidden depths not readily apparent.

The Queen of Cups indicates naturally charismatic leadership, an ability to express your emotions confidently at this time.

* 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.