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  0 – The Fool (Le Mat) |
The Full Moon  III – The Empress (L'Impératrice) |
The Waning Moon  X – The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune) |
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Significator #1  XV – The Devil (Le Diable) |
Significator #2  VI – The Lovers (L'Amoureux) |
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The Dark  II – The Priestess (La Papesse) |
The Secret of the High Priestess  I – The Magician (Le Bateleur) |
The Light  VII – The Chariot |
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The Next Step  XI – Strength (La Force) |
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Significator #1
XV – The Devil (Le Diable)
The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the power of the shadow self. While it warns of unhealthy attachments, it also offers an opportunity to confront and integrate the darker aspects of human nature.
Symbolism: A horned figure dominates the scene, with two smaller chained figures below, symbolising bondage to desires or fears. The loose chains suggest that this bondage is self-imposed and can be escaped. The card's imagery reflects both the allure and consequences of indulgence.
In Relationships: Obsessive or co-dependent relationships. It may indicate intense passion or unhealthy dynamics.
In Work: Temptation to take shortcuts or pursue goals at the expense of ethics. A need to reassess priorities.
Spiritually: The Devil challenges you to confront your shadow self and transform fears into liberation.
When ill-dignified: Escapism, addiction, or manipulative behaviours. It warns of being trapped in destructive patterns.
Significator #2
VI – The Lovers (L'Amoureux)
The Lovers signifies choice, connection, and the interplay between opposing forces. It represents the power of free will in aligning with one's deepest values and desires.
Symbolism: A central figure stands between two others, often interpreted as a choice between duty and desire or contrasting influences. Above, Cupid aims an arrow, symbolising divine inspiration or the fateful pull of love. The figures' expressions suggest conflict and harmony, reflecting the complexity of relationships.
In Relationships: Profound connections, romantic choices, or a pivotal decision within a partnership. It highlights emotional and spiritual harmony.
In Work: A crossroads where important decisions must align with personal values. Collaboration or partnerships may play a key role.
Spiritually: The Lovers calls for integrating dualities—earthly and divine, passion and reason—on the path to wholeness.
When ill-dignified: Indecision, temptation, or imbalance. It warns of superficial attractions or ignoring inner truth in key decisions.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
X – The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune)
The Wheel of Fortune symbolises the ever-turning cycles of life, fate, and destiny. It teaches the importance of adaptability and trust in the rhythms of change.
Symbolism: The wheel is adorned with figures ascending and descending, representing the rise and fall of fortunes. Its circular motion evokes the cyclical nature of existence, while divine forces implied by the card's design suggest that some aspects of life are beyond human control.
In Relationships: Changes in relationship dynamics or the appearance of new opportunities. Trust in the flow of events.
In Work: A shift in circumstances, often bringing unexpected opportunities. Stay flexible and open to change.
Spiritually: The Wheel of Fortune reflects the interconnectedness of life's cycles, encouraging surrender to the divine plan.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change or clinging to outdated patterns. It warns of losing perspective during times of transition.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
III – The Empress (L'Impératrice)
This card signifies the creative force in its most abundant and fertile form. It represents growth, nurturing, and the life-giving power of nature.
Symbolism: Her sceptre symbolises authority rooted in creativity and love, while the shield bearing an eagle emphasises vision and protection. The Empress's seated posture on her throne exudes a sensual yet controlled energy, symbolising the harmony between fertility and structure. Her crown and flowing robes represent her connection to divine beauty and earthly abundance.
In Relationships: The blossoming of love or a nurturing, supportive relationship. It is a call to cultivate affection with care and patience.
In Work: A time of prolific creativity and the manifestation of projects. Trust your ability to bring ideas to fruition.
Spiritually: The Empress guides you to honour your divine creative potential, celebrating the interplay between spirit and matter.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, stagnation, or excessive control. It warns against smothering growth or being consumed by material concerns.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
0 – The Fool (Le Mat)
The Fool represents the untamed spirit and unshackled freedom of the soul. He wanders without boundaries, embodying movement, exploration, and detachment from worldly concerns. This card invites us to embrace change and unpredictability with courage and spontaneity.
Symbolism: The dog biting at the Fool's leg symbolises the tension between freedom and earthly constraints. His staff and bundle represent the burdens and wisdom accumulated on life's journey, carried with both carelessness and purpose. The colourful jester's attire signifies his eccentricity and adaptability, while his forward gaze reflects an openness to the unknown.
In Relationships: A new, unpredictable connection or the need for more spontaneity in existing relationships. Beware of recklessness.
In Work: Embarking on a risky or unconventional path, where intuition takes precedence over plans.
Spiritually: The Fool embodies the soul's leap into the vast unknown, trusting the divine order of chaos.
When ill-dignified: Naivety, poor judgement, or a lack of grounding. It warns of becoming aimless or distracted by superficial pursuits.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
VII – The Chariot
The Chariot represents triumph through willpower and discipline. It is the card of focused determination, suggesting the mastery of opposing forces to achieve a unified goal.
Symbolism: The charioteer stands tall, guiding two horses of contrasting colours, symbolising duality and control. The canopy above him evokes divine protection, while the wheels in motion reflect progress and momentum. His expression is resolute, embodying control amidst dynamic movement.
In Relationships: Moving forward together, overcoming challenges, or achieving harmony despite differences.
In Work: Success through focus, persistence, and strategic action. Victory is attainable through balance and self-control.
Spiritually: The Chariot teaches the alignment of inner and outer forces, calling for the integration of spirit and will to advance.
When ill-dignified: Lack of direction, recklessness, or internal conflict. It warns against being pulled in opposing directions without clarity of purpose.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
II – The Priestess (La Papesse)
The High Priestess is the keeper of wisdom and the custodian of sacred knowledge. She represents introspection, patience, and the search for truths hidden beneath the surface.
Symbolism: Seated and serene, the High Priestess holds an open book, symbolising esoteric teachings and mysteries revealed through disciplined study. Her veil represents the boundary between the seen and unseen, while the calm symmetry of her setting reflects inner equilibrium and balance.
In Relationships: Emotional depth and the unfolding of hidden dynamics. This card encourages trust in intuition over appearances.
In Work: A time for reflection and strategy rather than direct action. The answers lie in careful analysis.
Spiritually: The High Priestess invites the seeker to embrace silence and meditation, revealing the wisdom that resides within.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, secrecy, or confusion. It warns against ignoring inner guidance or withholding necessary truths.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
XI – Strength (La Force)
Strength symbolises the mastery of inner strength, courage, and the harmonisation of primal instincts with spiritual awareness. It teaches that true power lies in patience and understanding rather than brute force.
Symbolism: A figure calmly opens the jaws of a lion, symbolising the mental strength required to tame one's baser instincts. The figure's composed expression reflects confidence and inner control. The lion embodies raw energy and passion, while the gentle interaction suggests a balance between wildness and refinement.
In Relationships: Emotional resilience and understanding strengthen relationships. It may indicate a need for patience and compassion in matters of the heart.
In Work: Triumph through determination and calm perseverance. Success comes from maintaining focus and self-discipline.
Spiritually: Strength reflects the integration of instinct and higher consciousness, inviting you to connect with your inner power.
When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, weakness, or unchecked aggression. It warns against letting fear or uncontrolled passions take the lead.
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.
I – The Magician (Le Bateleur)
The Magician represents skill, potential, and the power to shape reality. As the first step in the Major Arcana, he symbolises the individual's awareness of their tools and the initiation of personal mastery.
Symbolism: The table before him holds simple tools—a cup, a coin, a blade, and a wand—representing the raw elements of life and their mastery. His wide-brimmed hat, resembling the lemniscate, speaks of infinite potential and dynamic creativity. The uneven terrain below mirrors his capacity to balance uncertainty with control.
In Relationships: A time to take initiative or charm your way into new connections. The Magician highlights personal magnetism but warns against manipulation.
In Work: A signal to harness your skills and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Confidence and action are key.
Spiritually: The Magician is the bridge between spirit and matter, teaching you to use divine gifts responsibly.
When ill-dignified: Deception, arrogance, or scattered energy. It warns against using talents for selfish or destructive ends.