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  Deuce of Coins |
The Full Moon  Five of Swords |
The Waning Moon  Ten of Cups |
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Significator #1  Nine of Cups |
Significator #2  XVIII – The Moon (La Lune) |
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The Dark  Queen of Batons |
The Secret of the High Priestess  Three of Batons |
The Light  Nine of Coins |
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The Next Step  Seven of Coins |
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Significator #1
Nine of Cups
The Nine of Cups is a card of contentment, fulfilment, and the realisation of emotional desires. It is sometimes referred to as the 'wish card', symbolising the joy of achievement.
Symbolism: Nine cups are arranged in a symmetrical, flowing pattern, with flourishing decorations that reflect abundance and satisfaction. The balanced structure suggests harmony and emotional success.
In Relationships: Emotional satisfaction and a harmonious relationship. It may signify a wish fulfilled in love.
In Work: Recognition and rewards for hard work. Enjoy the fruits of your labour and celebrate your achievements.
Spiritually: The card reflects gratitude and alignment with your inner truth, inviting you to celebrate your blessings.
When ill-dignified: Complacency, overindulgence, or self-centredness. It warns against taking emotional fulfilment for granted.
Significator #2
XVIII – The Moon (La Lune)
The Moon symbolises intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. It reflects the realm of dreams, illusions, and emotions, inviting you to explore the depths of your psyche and confront hidden truths.
Symbolism: The Moon casts its dim light over a mysterious scene: a dog and a wolf howl beneath its glow, representing the duality of tame and wild instincts. A crayfish emerges from the water, symbolising the hidden depths of the subconscious rising to the surface. The two towers suggest boundaries between reality and the unknown.
In Relationships: Emotional complexity, hidden dynamics, or the need to trust your intuition. Beware of illusions or misunderstandings.
In Work: A period of uncertainty or unclear direction. It encourages careful reflection and trusting inner instincts over external noise.
Spiritually: The Moon calls for introspection and exploration of the shadow self through dreams, intuition, and subconscious symbols.
When ill-dignified: Confusion, deception, or fear of the unknown. It warns against being lost in illusions or succumbing to anxiety.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Deuce of Coins
The Deuce of Coins represents balance, adaptability, and the management of priorities. It highlights the flow and rhythm of practical matters.
Symbolism: A blue ribbon bearing the name B.P. Grimaud links two coins, symbolising the interplay between dual forces. The design reflects the need for equilibrium and flexibility in navigating change.
In Relationships: Finding a balance between personal and shared responsibilities.
In Work: Juggling tasks or managing resources effectively. It encourages adaptability in the face of change.
Spiritually: The card represents the balance between spiritual and material pursuits, urging the seeker to maintain harmony.
When ill-dignified: Instability, over-commitment, or neglecting one priority in favour of another. It warns against losing balance in your endeavours.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Nine of Coins
The Nine of Coins signifies independence, self-sufficiency, and the enjoyment of material and personal success. It reflects the rewards of hard work and discipline.
Symbolism: Nine coins are arranged in a flourishing design, surrounded by decorative elements that evoke luxury and abundance. The card's richness emphasises comfort and personal fulfilment.
In Relationships: A stable and independent relationship or a time of personal fulfilment before pursuing a partnership.
In Work: Success achieved through your own efforts. It highlights financial stability and personal satisfaction.
Spiritually: The card reflects the contentment of being in harmony with your inner and outer worlds.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, isolation, or neglecting connections in favour of material pursuits. It warns against taking success for granted.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Queen of Batons
The Queen of Batons represents creative leadership, warmth, and the nurturing of ideas and relationships. She inspires confidence and demonstrates the power of blending intuition with action.
Symbolism: Seated on her throne with a commanding yet approachable presence, the Queen holds her baton with purpose. The aura of growth and vitality surrounds her, emphasising her connection to creativity and nurturing energy.
In Relationships: The card signifies loyalty, passion, and the deepening of bonds through mutual inspiration. It suggests a partner who brings warmth and confidence to the relationship.
In Work: It highlights leadership, creativity, and the ability to inspire a team or execute a vision with determination and grace.
Spiritually: The Queen calls for alignment with your inner fire, trusting your intuition to guide your creative and spiritual pursuits.
When ill-dignified: Overconfidence, manipulation, or burnout. It warns against using charm for selfish gains or losing balance in the pursuit of ambitions.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Seven of Coins
The Seven of Coins signifies patience, evaluation, and long-term planning. It reflects the need to assess progress and make adjustments for future growth.
Symbolism: Seven coins are arranged in an uneven pattern, with budding leaves suggesting slow but steady growth. The design emphasises reflection and the rewards of cultivation.
In Relationships: A relationship enters a reflective phase, where mutual effort and commitment are assessed.
In Work: Progress may feel slow, but perseverance and thoughtful adjustments will yield results.
Spiritually: The card urges the seeker to remain patient and trust the process of spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: Impatience, dissatisfaction, or poor planning. It warns against abandoning efforts prematurely or ignoring the need for evaluation.
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.
Three of Batons
The Three of Batons signifies expansion and the realisation of early progress. It is a card of growth through exploration and the courage to venture into new realms.
Symbolism: Three batons interlace harmoniously, with flourishing leaves that reflect growth. The triangular crossing suggests stability in motion, as progress unfolds from a solid foundation.
In Relationships: Relationships flourish through shared aspirations and mutual support. It may indicate exploring new horizons together.
In Work: Initial successes lead to broader opportunities. This card encourages continued effort and long-term vision.
Spiritually: A reminder to expand your perspective and trust the journey towards greater understanding.
When ill-dignified: Frustration or delays in progress. It warns against complacency or overconfidence.