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  II – The Priestess (La Papesse) |
The Full Moon  XXI – The World (Le Monde) |
The Waning Moon  X – The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune) |
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Significator #1  XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu) |
Significator #2  XVI – The Tower (La Maison Dieu) |
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The Dark  XX – Judgement (Le Jugement) |
The Secret of the High Priestess  XV – The Devil (Le Diable) |
The Light  XIIII – Temperance |
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The Next Step  III – The Empress (L'Impératrice) |
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Significator #1
XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, perspective, and the wisdom gained through sacrifice. It signifies the pause required for deeper insight and the willingness to let go of attachments to achieve spiritual growth.
Symbolism: A figure hangs upside down from a grafted tree, forming an almost serene cross-like posture. The inversion suggests seeing the world from a different perspective, while the living tree structure reflects the connection to spiritual growth. His tranquil expression emphasises acceptance and enlightenment through suspension.
In Relationships: A need for patience, reflection, or a fresh perspective on a relationship. It can also suggest letting go of control.
In Work: A time to pause, reassess, and allow things to unfold. Solutions may come from viewing challenges differently.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man invites the seeker to embrace surrender as a path to awakening and profound understanding.
When ill-dignified: Stubbornness, resistance to change, or avoiding necessary sacrifices. It warns against remaining stuck in unproductive situations.
Significator #2
XVI – The Tower (La Maison Dieu)
The Tower signifies sudden upheaval, revelation, and the destruction of false structures. It is a powerful reminder that chaos and doom often precede transformation and growth.
Symbolism: A tower struck by lightning blows its top as figures fall to the ground. The lightning represents divine intervention, while the tumbling balls and figures symbolise the collapse of illusions and false foundations. The falling crown signifies the downfall of pride. Despite its dramatic imagery, the card hints at liberation and renewal.
In Relationships: A dramatic change, often revealing truths that must be addressed.
In Work: Sudden challenges or shifts that dismantle old systems. It's a chance to rebuild on a stronger foundation.
Spiritually: The Tower urges the seeker to let go of illusions and embrace the profound truth revealed in moments of crisis.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, denial, or clinging to crumbling structures. It warns against ignoring the signs of impending transformation.
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.
XXI – The World (Le Monde)
The World is the culmination of the journey, representing fulfilment, harmony, and unity. It signifies the integration of all aspects of life and the successful completion of a cycle, opening the way to new beginnings.
Symbolism: A central figure dances within a laurel wreath, symbolising victory and wholeness. The four corners often depict symbolic creatures (the lion, ox, eagle, and man), representing the elements, the fixed signs of the zodiac, or the four faces of a cherubim. The wreath signifies completion and eternity.
In Relationships: A harmonious, complete relationship or fulfilment of long-term goals in love. It reflects unity and shared purpose.
In Work: The successful culmination of a project or phase. Recognition and achievement mark this time of completion.
Spiritually: Le Monde invites the seeker to embrace the interconnectedness of all things, celebrating unity with the divine and readiness for new journeys.
When ill-dignified: Incompletion, stagnation, or feeling unfulfilled despite external success. It warns against losing sight of the bigger picture or resisting closure.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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 Light is what is clearly recognized.
XIIII – Temperance
Temperance embodies balance, harmony, and the art of blending opposites into a unified whole. It is a card of moderation and integration, calling for patience and the gentle flow of energies.
Symbolism: An angelic figure pours water between two vessels, symbolising the interplay of opposites and the alchemical transformation process. One cup is blue, and the other is red, suggesting a balance between the material and the spiritual.
In Relationships: Harmony and mutual understanding within relationships. It suggests compromise and blending energies for a greater whole.
In Work: A need for patience and adaptability. Success comes through steady effort and the balancing of resources.
Spiritually: Temperance invites you to harmonise opposing aspects of your being and align with the universal flow.
When ill-dignified: Imbalance, impatience, or excess. It warns against pushing too hard or failing to find equilibrium.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
XX – Judgement (Le Jugement)
Judgement signifies awakening, transformation, and the call to a higher purpose. It represents a time of reckoning and renewal, offering the opportunity to align with divine will and embrace rebirth.
Symbolism: An angel blows a trumpet from above, awakening figures rising from coffins below. The trumpet symbolises divine calling, while the figures' praying hands reflect surrender and readiness for transformation. The scene suggests liberation and the promise of a new phase of existence.
In Relationships: Healing, forgiveness, or a transformative phase. It may signify a second chance or a fresh start.
In Work: A moment of clarity or a major decision that aligns your work with your higher purpose. Renewal is on the horizon.
Spiritually: Judgement calls you to awaken to your true calling, embrace forgiveness, and prepare for a spiritual rebirth.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, self-doubt, or avoidance of accountability. It warns against ignoring the call to transform.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
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 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.
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.