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 XV – The Devil (Le Diable)
Early Causes XXI – The World (Le Monde)		Triggering Causes Four of Cups
	Necessary Conclusions King of Coins
Significator #1 Seven of Cups		Significator #2 XIIII – Temperance
	Next Step IIII – The Emperor (L'Empereur)
	Surprising Experiences Ten of Cups
	Outcome Six of Cups

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups represents imagination, choice, and the allure of possibilities. It warns of illusion and the importance of discernment when faced with multiple options.

Symbolism: Seven cups form an intricate pattern, their arrangement suggesting complexity and the uncertainty of choices. The floral embellishments evoke imagination and the pull of dreams, both promising and deceptive.

In Relationships: Idealisation of a partner or confusion about what you desire.

In Work: Opportunities arise, but careful evaluation is needed to separate genuine prospects from illusions.

Spiritually: The card reflects the richness of the inner world but calls for grounding and clarity in spiritual pursuits.

When ill-dignified: Overwhelm, fantasy, or escapism. It warns against being paralysed by options or losing touch with reality.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

Four of Cups

The Four of Cups signifies a moment of refined contemplation, a pause to appreciate the richness present while considering what more could enhance emotional fulfillment. It suggests a life abundant in comforts yet calling for deeper engagement to rediscover true pleasure.

Symbolism: Four cups form a balanced and harmonious structure, symbolising emotional stability and refined satisfaction. Their symmetry suggests a state of ease but also the potential for indulgence to lead to complacency. The imagery encourages a conscious appreciation of luxury and the pursuit of deeper emotional refinement.

In Relationships: A period of emotional contentment that may lead to a desire for something more profound. This is a time to rekindle passion, indulge in shared pleasures, and cultivate the richness of connection.

In Work: A phase of stability and success where motivation must now be fueled by inspiration rather than necessity. Seek new heights of creative fulfilment and elevate your ambitions beyond the merely comfortable.

Spiritually: The card calls for a refined awareness of the beauty and abundance in life. It encourages gratitude, mindfulness, and the pursuit of deeper emotional and spiritual fulfilment beyond material satisfaction.

When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, boredom, or taking things for granted. It warns against becoming too accustomed to comfort and missing the opportunity to elevate life to an even greater level of richness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

King of Coins

The King of Coins represents mastery, security, and leadership in the material realm. He embodies the culmination of efforts to achieve prosperity and the wisdom to manage it responsibly.

Symbolism: The King sits on his throne, holding a coin against his thigh. His rich attire and the solid, grounded posture of his figure reflect his wealth, stability, and ability to create and sustain abundance. His gaze suggests foresight and the ability to guide others.

In Relationships: A stable, protective partner who values commitment and security. The card encourages cultivating trust and shared goals.

In Work: Leadership, financial success, and the ability to manage resources wisely. This card highlights mastery in your field and the respect of peers.

Spiritually: The King teaches the value of integrating spiritual wisdom with material responsibility, urging you to be a steward of their blessings.

When ill-dignified: Greed, arrogance, or misuse of power. It warns against becoming overly controlling or neglecting emotional connections in pursuit of material gain.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

IIII – The Emperor (L'Empereur)

The Emperor embodies structure, authority, and the power of order. He is the architect of stability, encouraging discipline and leadership in the material world.

Symbolism: The Emperor's throne and square-shaped setting symbolise structure and the solid foundation of his rulership. The sceptre and orb he holds reflect his control over earthly domains. His gaze is firm and unyielding, emphasising responsibility and focus.

In Relationships: Stability, loyalty, and shared goals define relationships under the Emperor's influence. It may also indicate a partner with strong authoritative traits.

In Work: Success through organisation, discipline, and strategic planning. Leadership is both a gift and a responsibility.

Spiritually: The Emperor teaches the balance between setting boundaries and allowing the divine to flow within the constraints of the physical world.

When ill-dignified: Rigidity, stubbornness, or misuse of power. It warns against being controlling or dismissive of emotional needs.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups represents emotional fulfillment, contentment, and the culmination of heartfelt desires. It signifies not just happiness, but a sense of satiety—where life's pleasures and emotional riches have reached their peak. This is a moment of completion, yet it also hints at the question: what comes next?

Symbolism: Nine cups form a strong foundation, supporting a single cup above them. This suggests a fullness of experience, where emotional harmony is achieved, yet the upper cup hints at something beyond—an ideal or a higher state of being. The absence of floral adornment focuses attention inward, emphasising that true fulfillment arises from within, not from external embellishments.

In Relationships: A state of emotional satisfaction, where love, connection, and shared joy flourish. It suggests bonds that have reached their natural fulfilment, yet a moment to reflect on what sustains love beyond its peak.

In Work: The realisation of success and stability, where satisfaction is achieved, yet the challenge now lies in maintaining passion and purpose beyond material completion.

Spiritually: A profound connection with the universe and the realisation that satisfaction comes from within. This card suggests an elevated state of emotional and spiritual fulfilment, yet invites contemplation on what lies beyond completion.

When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, complacency, or disillusionment after achieving one's desires. It warns against mistaking temporary satisfaction for lasting fulfilment and urges gratitude for present abundance.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

Six of Cups

The Six of Cups signifies nostalgia, innocence, and the joy of heartfelt connections. It calls for embracing kindness, generosity, and the wisdom of the past.

Symbolism: Six cups are arranged in two rows of three, adorned with flourishing flowers that evoke growth and harmony. The balance and beauty of the imagery reflect the simplicity and purity of emotional fulfilment.

In Relationships: A connection rooted in history or a rekindling of past affection. It may suggest returning to simpler, joyful dynamics.

In Work: Opportunities stemming from past relationships or revisiting old ideas with a fresh perspective.

Spiritually: The card encourages childlike wonder and openness, urging the seeker to draw wisdom from experiences.

When ill-dignified: Dwelling too much on the past or being stuck in outdated patterns. It warns against idealising nostalgia at the expense of present growth.