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 Swords |
The Full Moon  Deuce of Cups |
The Waning Moon  Six of Swords |
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Significator #1  Knight of Cups |
Significator #2  Five of Batons |
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The Dark  Valet of Coins |
The Secret of the High Priestess  XVII – The Star (L'Étoile) |
The Light  XIIII – Temperance |
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The Next Step  VI – The Lovers (L'Amoureux) |
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Significator #1
Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups represents the pursuit of emotional and creative fulfilment, guided by intuition and romantic ideals. He encourages action aligned with your heart while remaining mindful of over idealism or escapism.
Symbolism: The Knight rides a steady horse, presenting a cup as if offering his heart or inspiration. His calm and focused expression reflects his dedication to his emotional or creative quest, while the horse's motion suggests steady progress.
In Relationships: This card signifies romance, devotion, or deepening emotional bonds. It encourages pursuing love with sincerity and charm but warns against being overly idealistic.
In Work: The Knight highlights the importance of pursuing work that resonates emotionally or creatively. It may suggest bringing artistry and passion to your efforts.
Spiritually: The Knight urges you to follow your heart's guidance and align your actions with your inner emotional truths.
When ill-dignified: Emotional inconsistency, escapism, or being too passive. It cautions against pursuing unrealistic ideals without grounding them in reality.
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.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Six of Swords
The Six of Swords represents transition, recovery, and the journey towards calmer waters. It is a card of progress through reflection and leaving behind what no longer serves.
Symbolism: Six curved swords are arranged in an oval pattern, suggesting motion and harmony. The floral motifs emphasise renewal and the promise of growth through change.
In Relationships: Moving forward together after difficulties, or the need to let go of a relationship for emotional peace.
In Work: Transitioning to a new role or project. It reflects progress and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Spiritually: The card invites the seeker to release burdens and embrace the journey towards enlightenment.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, or clinging to the past. It warns against avoiding necessary transitions.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Deuce of Cups
The Deuce of Cups symbolises emotional unity, balance, and harmonious partnerships. It represents the coming together of energies in love, friendship, or collaboration.
Symbolism: Two elegant cups stand symmetrically, connected by a shared floral motif, symbolising the bond between two entities. The balanced design reflects harmony and mutual respect.
In Relationships: A romantic bond deepens, or a new partnership begins with mutual understanding and affection.
In Work: Collaboration and teamwork thrive, fuelled by shared values and trust.
Spiritually: The card reflects the union of dualities within oneself, urging the seeker to embrace inner harmony.
When ill-dignified: Disconnection, imbalance, or strained partnerships. It warns against selfishness or a lack of reciprocity in relationships.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Deuce of Swords
The Deuce of Swords symbolises balance, duality, and the tension of decision-making. It represents a moment of stillness before action, where the mind seeks clarity amidst opposing forces.
Symbolism: Two curved blades cross symmetrically, forming a stable yet tense arrangement. The floral designs in the space between them suggest that harmony can emerge through directed thought and balance.
In Relationships: A crossroads where choices must be made, often involving compromise or addressing hidden issues.
In Work: A need to weigh options. Progress depends on thoughtful analysis and avoiding haste.
Spiritually: The card reflects the need to reconcile inner dualities to achieve mental and emotional peace.
When ill-dignified: Indecision, avoidance, or emotional detachment. It warns against stagnation or failure to confront the truth.
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.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
VI – The Lovers (L'Amoureux)
The Lovers signifies choice, connection, and the interplay between opposing forces. It represents the power of free will in aligning with one's deepest values and desires.
Symbolism: A central figure stands between two others, often interpreted as a choice between duty and desire or contrasting influences. Above, Cupid aims an arrow, symbolising divine inspiration or the fateful pull of love. The figures' expressions suggest conflict and harmony, reflecting the complexity of relationships.
In Relationships: Profound connections, romantic choices, or a pivotal decision within a partnership. It highlights emotional and spiritual harmony.
In Work: A crossroads where important decisions must align with personal values. Collaboration or partnerships may play a key role.
Spiritually: The Lovers calls for integrating dualities—earthly and divine, passion and reason—on the path to wholeness.
When ill-dignified: Indecision, temptation, or imbalance. It warns of superficial attractions or ignoring inner truth in key decisions.
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.
XVII – The Star (L'Étoile)
The Star is a card of hope, inspiration, and renewal. It symbolises divine guidance and the gentle flow of healing energy after hardship.
Symbolism: A nude figure kneels beside a stream, pouring water onto the land and back into the source, representing the cyclical nature of renewal and the flow of inspiration. Above her, stars shine brightly, offering hope and illumination.
In Relationships: Healing and harmony. It suggests vulnerability and openness to connection.
In Work: Inspiration and the emergence of new opportunities. A time for trust in your creative vision.
Spiritually: The Star invites you to align with your higher purpose, finding peace in the guidance of the cosmos.
When ill-dignified: Doubt, loss of faith, or feeling disconnected from inspiration. It warns against losing hope during challenging times.