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  Eight of Cups |
The Full Moon  Eight of Batons |
The Waning Moon  Three of Batons |
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Significator #1  Knight of Batons |
Significator #2  Six of Coins |
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The Dark  Six of Batons |
The Secret of the High Priestess  King of Batons |
The Light  II – The Priestess (La Papesse) |
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The Next Step  XXI – The World (Le Monde) |
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Significator #1
Knight of Batons
The Knight of Batons embodies bold action, passion, and the determination to pursue dreams with unyielding energy. This card encourages moving forward fearlessly but with mindful direction.
Symbolism: Riding a powerful horse, the Knight turns to the left, his baton raised, representing ambition and drive. The landscape is dynamic, reflecting the urgency and intensity of his mission.
In Relationships: The card suggests fiery passion, exciting pursuits, or adventurous connections. It calls for embracing the thrill of love while balancing impulsive tendencies.
In Work: It symbolises bold moves, taking calculated risks, or pursuing a goal with tenacity. The Knight encourages decisive action and warns against hesitation.
Spiritually: The Knight represents momentum and the courage to take steps towards spiritual growth or creative expression. It urges you to trust your inner fire to guide you.
When ill-dignified: Recklessness, impatience, or arrogance. It warns against rushing into situations without preparation or foresight.
Significator #2
Six of Coins
The Six of Coins represents generosity, balance, and the cycle of giving and receiving. It signifies harmony in material matters and the importance of equitable exchange.
Symbolism: Six coins are arranged in a pair of triangles, accompanied by floral motifs that reflect abundance and fairness. The design conveys balance and the flow of resources.
In Relationships: Mutual generosity and support strengthen relationships. It emphasises fairness and balance in emotional give-and-take.
In Work: A time of financial balance or assistance, where efforts are rewarded, or you are in a position to help others.
Spiritually: The card reflects the value of sharing knowledge or resources, reminding the seeker of the abundance that flows from generosity.
When ill-dignified: Inequity, selfishness, or imbalance in giving and receiving. It warns against exploiting generosity or neglecting fairness.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Eight of Batons
The Eight of Batons symbolises rapid progress, momentum, and swift resolution. It encourages focus and decisiveness to make the most of opportunities.
Symbolism: Eight batons align dynamically, creating a sense of motion and direction. The flowers sprouting atop the batons reflect the energy of growth propelled forward rapidly.
In Relationships: Fast-paced developments in relationships or sudden clarity about emotional matters.
In Work: Momentum builds as goals approach completion. This is a time for decisive action.
Spiritually: The card reflects accelerated growth and alignment with a higher purpose. Trust the flow of events.
When ill-dignified: Chaos, missed opportunities, or rushing without purpose. It warns against letting haste lead to mistakes.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Eight of Cups
The Eight of Cups signifies departure, emotional growth, and the courage to leave behind what no longer serves. It is a card of seeking deeper meaning.
Symbolism: This card shows cups arranged symmetrically, with intertwining vines and floral decorations. The structured yet somewhat rigid design reflects an order that may feel confining, symbolising the need to step away from stability for something more fulfilling. The central flower suggests a guiding light or inner calling, reinforcing the theme of seeking deeper meaning beyond the familiar.
In Relationships: Moving on from a relationship that no longer fulfils you or reassessing your emotional needs.
In Work: Leaving a secure position to pursue something more meaningful. Trust your instincts to guide you.
Spiritually: The card encourages the seeker to embark on a quest for truth, leaving behind superficial comforts.
When ill-dignified: Fear of change, stagnation, or clinging to the familiar. It warns against resisting the call to evolve.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
II – The Priestess (La Papesse)
The High Priestess is the keeper of wisdom and the custodian of sacred knowledge. She represents introspection, patience, and the search for truths hidden beneath the surface.
Symbolism: Seated and serene, the High Priestess holds an open book, symbolising esoteric teachings and mysteries revealed through disciplined study. Her veil represents the boundary between the seen and unseen, while the calm symmetry of her setting reflects inner equilibrium and balance.
In Relationships: Emotional depth and the unfolding of hidden dynamics. This card encourages trust in intuition over appearances.
In Work: A time for reflection and strategy rather than direct action. The answers lie in careful analysis.
Spiritually: The High Priestess invites the seeker to embrace silence and meditation, revealing the wisdom that resides within.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, secrecy, or confusion. It warns against ignoring inner guidance or withholding necessary truths.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Six of Batons
The Six of Batons signifies victory, recognition, and the successful culmination of efforts. It represents the rewards of perseverance and leadership.
Symbolism: Six batons form a balanced crossing configuration, with lush foliage growing at their intersections. The design exudes vitality and harmony, symbolising triumph after struggle.
In Relationships: Mutual support and shared successes bring relationships into greater harmony.
In Work: Recognition for hard work and leadership. This card heralds well-earned success and public acclaim.
Spiritually: A time of alignment and confidence in your spiritual journey. Celebrate how far you've come.
When ill-dignified: Vanity, arrogance, or misplaced pride. It warns against resting on laurels or seeking validation at the expense of integrity.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
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.
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.
King of Batons
The King of Batons signifies visionary leadership, mastery of creative energy, and the courage to inspire and guide others. This card represents the fulfilment of ambitions through determination and integrity.
Symbolism: Seated on a throne as a symbol of power and growth, the King holds his baton with authority, exuding confidence. His posture reflects a deep understanding of his role as a leader and creator.
In Relationships: It represents a strong, passionate partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals. The card encourages leading with strength and understanding.
In Work: The King symbolises ambition fulfilled through visionary action, inspiring others, and maintaining integrity. It encourages bold decision-making and confidence in your abilities.
Spiritually: The King reflects mastery of inner fire, urging the seeker to channel their spiritual energy into meaningful action and purpose.
When ill-dignified: Tyranny, arrogance, or a lack of empathy. It warns against using power selfishly or losing sight of the collaborative spirit of true leadership.