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

	Higher Perceptions 0 – The Fool (Le Mat)
Early Causes Three of Coins		Triggering Causes Five of Swords
	Necessary Conclusions Ten of Batons
Significator #1 VII – The Chariot		Significator #2 Five of Batons
	Next Step Nine of Swords
	Surprising Experiences Ten of Coins
	Outcome VIIII – The Hermit (L'Hermite)

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

Five of Batons

The Five of Batons symbolises conflict, competition, and the energy of creative tension. It challenges the seeker to navigate dynamic forces to achieve growth.

Symbolism: Five batons intersect in a crossing pattern, forming two triangles. Despite the opposition, leaves sprout at the junctions, suggesting that conflict can lead to creative breakthroughs.

In Relationships: Disagreements or challenges that require honest communication and compromise.

In Work: Competition or conflicting ideas in the workplace. Success comes through persistence and collaboration.

Spiritually: The card reflects internal struggles and the need to reconcile opposing desires to find clarity.

When ill-dignified: Escalating conflict, lack of cooperation, or destructive rivalry. It warns against letting tensions derail progress.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

Three of Coins

The Three of Coins signifies collaboration, craftsmanship, and the rewards of skilful effort. It represents the value of teamwork and the recognition of one's abilities.

Symbolism: Three coins are arranged in a triangular pattern, surrounded by simple yet elegant floral vines. The arrangement reflects stability and progress through cooperative effort and mastery.

In Relationships: A relationship thrives through mutual support and shared goals. It encourages building something lasting together.

In Work: Recognition for your skills or successful collaboration on a project. This card highlights the importance of working well with others.

Spiritually: The card reflects the refinement of your spiritual practices and the importance of learning from others.

When ill-dignified: Disorganisation, lack of collaboration, or undervaluing your skills. It warns against neglecting teamwork or overestimating individual effort.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

Five of Swords

The Five of Swords signifies conflict, tension, and the cost of victory. It reflects the complexities of human interaction, where ambition and ego can lead to hollow triumphs.

Symbolism: Four curved blades form an oval frame around one straight sword, with floral details disrupted by their arrangement. The imagery suggests discord and the difficulty in maintaining harmony.

In Relationships: Disputes or misunderstandings. It highlights the importance of humility and compromise.

In Work: Office politics or struggles for dominance may create tension. Focus on ethical choices and long-term goals.

Spiritually: The card challenges you to evaluate the price of your actions and realign with your inner truth.

When ill-dignified: Manipulation, deceit, or unnecessary hostility. It warns against prioritising personal gain over integrity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

Ten of Batons

The Ten of Batons symbolises burdens, responsibilities, and the weight of success. It reflects the challenges of carrying too much, but also the potential for completion and fulfilment.

Symbolism: Ten batons form a dense, interwoven framework, with leaves struggling to emerge. The complexity of the design reflects the heavy responsibilities and pressures of achievement.

In Relationships: A relationship burdened by imbalances or external pressures. Communication is key to restoring harmony.

In Work: Overwork or carrying too many responsibilities. Delegation may be necessary to achieve long-term success.

Spiritually: The card invites you to release unnecessary burdens and focus on your spiritual priorities.

When ill-dignified: Overwhelm, failure to delegate, or losing sight of the goal. It warns against taking on more than you can handle.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords symbolises anxiety, guilt, and mental anguish. It reflects the weight of worries and the need to confront inner fears to regain peace.

Symbolism: Nine swords form a dense, oppressive pattern. The arrangement conveys the overwhelming nature of mental burdens, while the floral elements suggest that relief is possible through clarity and self-compassion.

In Relationships: Overthinking or guilt may strain a relationship. It calls for open communication to alleviate fears.

In Work: Stress or self-doubt may block progress. Addressing the root causes will restore confidence.

Spiritually: The card encourages releasing guilt and cultivating self-forgiveness to move forward.

When ill-dignified: Nightmares, relentless worry, or avoidance of problems. It warns against allowing anxiety to take over.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Ten of Coins

The Ten of Coins symbolises legacy, prosperity, and long-term security. It reflects the culmination of efforts to create a stable and abundant future for yourself and others.

Symbolism: Ten coins are arranged in a pair of X's, forming a harmonious and interconnected pattern. The abundance of detail reflects wealth, tradition, and the enduring rewards of hard work.

In Relationships: A stable and enduring partnership that focuses on building a shared future. It suggests family or community ties.

In Work: The successful completion of a project or the establishment of lasting financial security.

Spiritually: The card reflects the integration of material success with spiritual fulfilment, encouraging gratitude and generosity.

When ill-dignified: Materialism, stagnation, or the fear of losing what has been built. It warns against clinging to tradition at the expense of growth.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

VIIII – The Hermit (L'Hermite)

The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, and the pursuit of inner wisdom. He invites the seeker to retreat from distractions and focus on the guiding light within.

Symbolism: An old man walks with a staff, holding a lantern that illuminates his path. The lantern symbolises the light of wisdom gained through introspection and experience. His posture suggests humility and patience, while his cloak emphasises withdrawal from the external world.

In Relationships: A period of self-reflection or a need for solitude to gain clarity on emotional matters.

In Work: A time for careful planning and introspection. Wisdom lies in patient deliberation rather than immediate action.

Spiritually: The Hermit invites the seeker to turn inward, embracing solitude as a space for spiritual awakening and self-discovery.

When ill-dignified: Isolation, fear of introspection, or excessive withdrawal. It warns against cutting oneself off from others or resisting inner truth.