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  Four of Batons |
The Full Moon  Four of Cups |
The Waning Moon  Valet of Coins |
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Significator #1  III – The Empress (L'Impératrice) |
Significator #2  Eight of Swords |
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The Dark  XIIII – Temperance |
The Secret of the High Priestess  Ace of Swords |
The Light  V – The Pope (Le Pape) |
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The Next Step  Ace of Coins |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
Eight of Swords
The Eight of Swords represents restriction, fear, and feeling trapped. It reflects limitations that are often self-imposed and calls for clarity and courage to break free.
Symbolism: Eight swords create a tightly woven, restrictive pattern. The intricate design evokes entrapment, yet the sprouting flowers suggest the possibility of growth through perseverance.
In Relationships: Feeling stuck or unable to express your emotions. It calls for open dialogue and introspection.
In Work: A sense of being overwhelmed or constrained by external pressures. Clarity and decisive action can release you.
Spiritually: The card urges the seeker to confront fears and release mental barriers on the path to freedom.
When ill-dignified: Paralysis by fear, victimhood, or refusal to take action. It warns against allowing self-doubt to control your life.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Valet of Coins
The Valet of Coins represents curiosity, learning, and the exploration of material opportunities. It reflects a novice's energy, focused on growth and the potential for prosperity.
Symbolism: The Valet stands holding a single coin, examining it attentively. His simple yet fancy attire reflects his connection to practicality and his aspiration towards refinement. His stance suggests openness to new possibilities and a willingness to learn from experience.
In Relationships: A budding relationship or a fresh perspective on an existing one. It may indicate someone earnest and dependable but inexperienced in emotional matters.
In Work: The beginning of a new project, study, or skill development. This card encourages patience and diligence in pursuing goals.
Spiritually: The Valet invites you to ground yourself in practical wisdom while exploring your spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: Procrastination, immaturity, or lack of focus. It warns against undervaluing opportunities or avoiding responsibility.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Four of Batons
The Four of Batons represents stability, celebration, and the grounding of initial achievements. It reflects a moment of harmony and shared joy.
Symbolism: Four interwoven batons create a doubled cross, signifying stability and order. The balanced growth of leaves mirrors the fulfilment of early efforts and the foundations of future success.
In Relationships: Harmony and commitment. It may indicate joyful gatherings or milestones.
In Work: The achievement of an important goal or the establishment of a stable foundation for future endeavours.
Spiritually: A celebration of inner balance and alignment with the rhythms of life.
When ill-dignified: Restlessness or dissatisfaction with stability. It warns against taking harmony for granted or resisting change.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
V – The Pope (Le Pape)
The Hierophant bridges the earthly and the divine, symbolising tradition, spiritual guidance, and the transmission of sacred knowledge. He represents the connection between the seeker and a higher truth through structure and ritual.
Symbolism: The Hierophant sits between two pillars, a gesture of blessing extended towards two kneeling figures below him. His triple cross sceptre represents spiritual authority, while the two fingers pointing to his heart suggest access to divine mysteries. His serene expression reflects wisdom tempered with compassion.
In Relationships: A relationship built on shared values. It can also signify guidance or mentorship within a partnership.
In Work: Success through adherence to structure, tradition, or established methods. Seek advice from a mentor or institution.
Spiritually: The Hierophant invites the seeker to explore established spiritual paths, finding wisdom in teachings passed down through generations.
When ill-dignified: Dogmatism, resistance to change, or blind adherence to tradition. It warns against sacrificing individuality for conformity.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Ace of Coins
The Ace of Coins symbolises the pure essence of material abundance, stability, and potential. It represents the seed of prosperity and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for success.
Symbolism: A single coin stands at the centre, adorned with floral motifs and a rectangular border. Its design reflects wealth and harmony, suggesting that prosperity is aligned with natural order and balance.
In Relationships: A grounded and stable beginning where trust and security are prioritised.
In Work: A promising opportunity or new venture in the material realm, offering long-term potential for success.
Spiritually: The card reflects alignment with earthly abundance and the ability to manifest your spiritual aspirations in tangible ways.
When ill-dignified: Missed opportunities, greed, or focusing only on material gain. It warns against neglecting deeper values in pursuit of wealth.
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.
Ace of Swords
The Ace of Swords represents the pure essence of intellect, clarity, and decisive action. It signifies a breakthrough or a new beginning rooted in truth and the power of the mind.
Symbolism: A single sword rises vertically, adorned with a crown and floral motifs, symbolising victory, divine truth, and mental clarity. The upward direction penetrating the crown emphasises the potential to cut through illusions and reveal higher wisdom.
In Relationships: Clear communication paves the way for a deeper connection. It may signal the start of a relationship based on mutual understanding.
In Work: A fresh idea or decisive action propels you forward. It's a time for mental focus and setting clear goals.
Spiritually: The card reflects awakening through truth and the ability to discern the path forward with clarity.
When ill-dignified: Miscommunication, over analysis, or harsh judgements. It warns against using intellect as a weapon or avoiding necessary action.