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  III – The Empress (L'Impératrice) |
The Full Moon  Queen of Swords |
The Waning Moon  Ace of Coins |
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Significator #1  Four of Coins |
Significator #2  Valet of Swords |
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The Dark  0 – The Fool (Le Mat) |
The Secret of the High Priestess  Eight of Cups |
The Light  I – The Magician (Le Bateleur) |
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The Next Step  XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu) |
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Significator #1
Four of Coins
The Four of Coins represents stability, security, and the consolidation of resources. The square flower in the centre suggests a firm foundation but also warns of rigidity or excessive attachment to material possessions.
Symbolism: Four coins form a square, symbolising solidity and structure. The simplicity of the arrangement reflects material grounding, while the lack of movement suggests potential stagnation.
In Relationships: A relationship built on stability, but one that may lack spontaneity. It calls for finding balance between security and emotional openness.
In Work: Financial or professional stability, but a need to avoid becoming overly conservative or resistant to growth.
Spiritually: The card invites you to ground yourself but warns against clinging too tightly to the material world.
When ill-dignified: Greed, possessiveness, or fear of loss. It warns against hoarding resources or stifling growth due to fear of change.
Significator #2
Valet of Swords
The Valet of Swords represents intellectual curiosity, a keen sense of observation, and the exploration of new ideas. He encourages vigilance and the willingness to learn, while reminding us to think before acting or speaking.
Symbolism: The Valet stands alert, holding a sword with both readiness and caution. His posture reflects an eagerness to explore new knowledge and ideas, while the open background suggests the vast potential of untapped intellectual pursuits.
In Relationships: This card suggests a need for honest and thoughtful communication. It can indicate the start of a new dynamic or the discovery of deeper truths within a connection.
In Work: The Valet encourages taking the first steps towards learning or developing new skills. It signifies a time to research and remain open to innovative ideas.
Spiritually: The Valet reflects the early stages of a mental or philosophical journey, urging you to approach truths with curiosity and discernment.
When ill-dignified: Hasty judgements, miscommunication, or intellectual arrogance. It warns against speaking without thinking or neglecting critical observation.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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 Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords represents wisdom, clarity, and the ability to make balanced decisions through intellect and discernment. She encourages a blend of compassion and reason when approaching challenges.
Symbolism: Seated with poise on her throne, the Queen holds her sword upright, a symbol of her unwavering commitment to truth and fairness. Her serene expression and elevated position suggest clarity of thought and emotional maturity.
In Relationships: This card reflects fairness, honesty, and emotional clarity. It highlights the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining open, respectful dialogue.
In Work: The Queen advises making thoughtful, well-informed decisions. She represents the ability to lead with integrity and insight, even in challenging situations.
Spiritually: The Queen symbolises the wisdom gained from life's trials and the mastery of using intellect to navigate emotional and spiritual truths.
When ill-dignified: Coldness, rigidity, or harsh judgements. It warns against being detached or being a jerk in your interactions.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
I – The Magician (Le Bateleur)
The Magician represents skill, potential, and the power to shape reality. As the first step in the Major Arcana, he symbolises the individual's awareness of their tools and the initiation of personal mastery.
Symbolism: The table before him holds simple tools—a cup, a coin, a blade, and a wand—representing the raw elements of life and their mastery. His wide-brimmed hat, resembling the lemniscate, speaks of infinite potential and dynamic creativity. The uneven terrain below mirrors his capacity to balance uncertainty with control.
In Relationships: A time to take initiative or charm your way into new connections. The Magician highlights personal magnetism but warns against manipulation.
In Work: A signal to harness your skills and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Confidence and action are key.
Spiritually: The Magician is the bridge between spirit and matter, teaching you to use divine gifts responsibly.
When ill-dignified: Deception, arrogance, or scattered energy. It warns against using talents for selfish or destructive ends.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
0 – The Fool (Le Mat)
The Fool represents the untamed spirit and unshackled freedom of the soul. He wanders without boundaries, embodying movement, exploration, and detachment from worldly concerns. This card invites us to embrace change and unpredictability with courage and spontaneity.
Symbolism: The dog biting at the Fool's leg symbolises the tension between freedom and earthly constraints. His staff and bundle represent the burdens and wisdom accumulated on life's journey, carried with both carelessness and purpose. The colourful jester's attire signifies his eccentricity and adaptability, while his forward gaze reflects an openness to the unknown.
In Relationships: A new, unpredictable connection or the need for more spontaneity in existing relationships. Beware of recklessness.
In Work: Embarking on a risky or unconventional path, where intuition takes precedence over plans.
Spiritually: The Fool embodies the soul's leap into the vast unknown, trusting the divine order of chaos.
When ill-dignified: Naivety, poor judgement, or a lack of grounding. It warns of becoming aimless or distracted by superficial pursuits.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, perspective, and the wisdom gained through sacrifice. It signifies the pause required for deeper insight and the willingness to let go of attachments to achieve spiritual growth.
Symbolism: A figure hangs upside down from a grafted tree, forming an almost serene cross-like posture. The inversion suggests seeing the world from a different perspective, while the living tree structure reflects the connection to spiritual growth. His tranquil expression emphasises acceptance and enlightenment through suspension.
In Relationships: A need for patience, reflection, or a fresh perspective on a relationship. It can also suggest letting go of control.
In Work: A time to pause, reassess, and allow things to unfold. Solutions may come from viewing challenges differently.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man invites the seeker to embrace surrender as a path to awakening and profound understanding.
When ill-dignified: Stubbornness, resistance to change, or avoiding necessary sacrifices. It warns against remaining stuck in unproductive situations.
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.
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.