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Ankh Spread

Ankh Spread

 

 

Difficulty: Kind of tough

The Ankh Spread is for questions about the causes behind trends. It is similar to the Celtic Cross and Secret of the High Priestess spreads, but it covers the reasons behind the circumstances in question differently, perhaps giving a better explanation of why things are the way they are.

The loop of the upper section of the ankh reveals the spiritual background and causes of the situation, while the stem of the base focuses on prospects for the outcome.

The first two tarot cards represent the two parent causes of the situation. They will either complement each other or show two opposing sides of a conflict, depending on how they relate. These are the significator cards of the Ankh spread.

3. This tarot card shines light upon the early causes of the trend in question.

4. Pinpoints the causes that triggered the current situation.

5. Reveals the spiritual perspective of the subject at hand.

6. This card examines the reasons why this course of action had to unfold, as a means to this end.

At this point, it is good to pause to soak in the meaning of the first six cards before moving forward to the last three cards. The last three reveal prospects for the future.

7. The Next Step gives clues about the immediate future.

8. Surprising Experiences encountered en route to the result.

9. This represents the result.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Ankh Reading

Early Causes Higher Perceptions

XII – The Hanged Man		 Triggering Causes


III – The Empress		 Necessary Conclusions

V – The Hierophant, Reversed
Significator #1

XVIII – The Moon		 Significator #2


XIX – The Sun 		Next Step

IV – The Emperor
 

0 – The Fool		  
  Surprising Experiences

XX – Judgement, Reversed		  
  Outcome

XXI – The World, Reversed		  

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

XIX – The Sun

The Sun represents vitality, success, joy, and clarity. This card embodies the life-giving energy of the sun, symbolising illumination, abundance, and a time of personal growth and flourishing. A radiant sun shining down on a child riding a horse signifies optimism, confidence, and clarity. It invites you to bask in the warmth of positivity, truth, and success, indicating that your path is now clear and full of potential. The child symbolises innocence, pure joy, and the freedom to experience life with openness and enthusiasm, while the horse represents strength and forward movement.

The Sun brings light to the darkness, dispelling confusion and uncertainty. It represents a time of abundance and accomplishment, when you are aligned with your true self and can move forward with confidence. This card is a sign of success, happiness, and fulfilment, urging you to embrace your personal power and enjoy the blessings coming your way. It is also a reminder to remain grounded and find joy in the present moment.

In Relationships: The Sun signifies happiness, clarity, and mutual understanding. It suggests the relationship is in a positive phase, where both partners are experiencing joy, harmony, and fulfilment. This card encourages open communication, playfulness, and celebration and may indicate a time of growth, commitment, or a deepening of the bond. The Sun also highlights the importance of self-love and confidence, suggesting that when you are happy with yourself, your relationship will reflect this positive energy. It can also indicate a new love or a fresh start in a current relationship.

In Work: The Sun signals a time of achievement, recognition, and progress. It indicates that your hard work is paying off, and you are experiencing success in your professional life. This card encourages you to continue pursuing your goals optimistically, as you are on the right path towards fulfilment. The Sun represents a clear direction, signalling that now is an excellent time to take bold action, share ideas, or step into the spotlight. It suggests new opportunities may arise, bringing abundance and growth. This card also highlights the importance of enjoying the journey, finding joy in the work, and celebrating achievements, both big and small.

Spiritually: The Sun represents enlightenment and personal growth. This card signifies a time when your spiritual path is illuminated, offering a clear understanding of your purpose and connection to the divine. The Sun encourages you to embrace your authentic self, shine your light brightly, and approach life with joy, positivity, and openness. It indicates a time of spiritual awakening or a period of growth where you feel connected to your higher self and the universe. The Sun reminds you that the truth is always available and that by embracing it, you can achieve spiritual fulfilment and enlightenment.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

IV – The Emperor

The Emperor represents authority, structure, leadership, and stability. As the fourth card of the Major Arcana, it embodies order, discipline, and the ability to create and maintain systems that provide security and success. Sitting upon a grand throne adorned with ram's heads, symbols of strength and leadership, the Emperor exudes power. He is the ruler of his domain, symbolising mastery over the material world and the ability to make decisions confidently. His crown and sceptre reinforce his role as a sovereign figure who governs with authority.

The Emperor is a symbol of structure and organisation, signifying the need for discipline and clear boundaries. He encourages taking responsibility, setting goals, and leading with strength and integrity. The Emperor calls for action grounded in practical wisdom and a solid understanding of the frameworks that govern our lives. His presence indicates the importance of authority in achieving long-term success and the need to stand firm in your beliefs and decisions.

In Relationships: The Emperor represents stability, security, and leadership. It suggests that a solid foundation is necessary for a relationship to thrive. You may be called upon to take on a more protective or responsible role or seek a partner who offers stability and structure. This card can also signify the need for boundaries and mutual respect within a relationship. The Emperor emphasises the importance of leadership and protection.

In Work: The Emperor is a powerful card of success, structure, and authority in the professional realm. It suggests you may be in a position of leadership or will soon be called to take charge of a situation or project. This card encourages discipline, responsibility, and strategic planning in career goals. The Emperor advises you to approach your work with a strong sense of organisation and control, building a foundation to support long-term growth and achievement. Success is likely through creating order and taking decisive, informed action.

Spiritually: The Emperor represents the manifestation of spiritual authority and the use of disciplined energy to create structure and order in one's spiritual practice. It invites you to approach your spiritual journey with focus and responsibility. This card suggests that spiritual growth can be achieved through setting intentions, building a solid foundation, and taking determined action. The Emperor also calls for integrating spiritual teachings into everyday life, using wisdom and strength to create stability.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

III – The Empress

The Empress represents fertility, abundance, nurturing, and creativity. This card embodies the power of creation in all its forms, whether the birth of new ideas, projects, or actual life. The Empress sits upon a throne adorned with symbols of nature, such as a crown of stars and a field of grain, indicating her connection to the natural world. She exudes warmth and compassion, representing the qualities of motherhood, care, and emotional support. She is a symbol of nurturing energy, encouraging growth and the flourishing of all that is tended to with love and patience.

Her flowing robes and the abundance of the natural world around her signify that the Empress brings prosperity and well-being. She holds a sceptre, symbolising her dominion over the material world, and sits amidst lush greenery, suggesting that fertility and growth are hers to command. The Empress represents the creative force that can transform ideas into tangible forms. She reminds us of the importance of self-care, nurturing others, and the healing power of love and empathy.

In Relationships: The Empress signifies a time of nurturing and care. It suggests that love will flourish when both partners express their emotions and support each other's growth. This card can indicate a deep, loving connection, or emotional abundance in one's romantic life. It may also point to the potential for starting a family, deepening commitment, or creating new foundations in relationships. The Empress reminds you to embrace love with an open heart and a spirit of generosity.

In Work: The Empress signals a time of creativity and growth in one's professional life. It suggests that hard work and nurturing will lead to fruitful results. This card can also indicate a period of abundance, where new opportunities will manifest. The Empress encourages you to care for your projects with patience and love, as this will lead to lasting success. She may also point to the importance of self-care and work-life balance to sustain long-term achievement.

Spiritually: The Empress represents the divine feminine energy and the spiritual aspects of nurturing, creativity, and abundance. It invites you to embrace your creative potential and nurture your inner growth. This card calls for a heart open to the blessings of the universe. The Empress also encourages connection with nature for spiritual nourishment. She embodies the nurturing force of the universe, reminding us that creation begins with love and care.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

V – The Hierophant, ReversedThe Hierophant represents tradition, spiritual guidance, conformity, and the pursuit of higher knowledge. It embodies the connection between the material and the spiritual worlds, serving as a bridge between earthly concerns and divine wisdom. The Hierophant, a spiritual leader sits between two pillars, symbolising the balance between different belief systems or realms of existence. He holds a sceptre and makes a gesture of blessing, representing his role as a guide to spiritual enlightenment and as an authority on sacred teachings.

Reversed, the Hierophant can indicate a rejection of traditional values, questioning established belief systems, or feeling trapped by convention. It may suggest that you are struggling with the pressure to conform or feeling disconnected from a spiritual or moral framework. This card reversed encourages you to explore new ways of thinking and seek personal truth, even if it goes against societal norms or expectations. It also suggests the need to break free from dogmatic thinking and find spiritual guidance that resonates with you.

In Relationships: The Hierophant speaks to the importance of tradition, commitment, and spiritual alignment. It may indicate that you seek a relationship grounded in shared values, moral beliefs, or spiritual practices. This card may also suggest the need to commit to a relationship in a formal or traditional manner, such as marriage, or to honour the teachings that come from longstanding cultural or familial expectations. The Hierophant reminds us that relationships can thrive with mutual respect, understanding, and adherence to shared principles.

In Work: The Hierophant suggests you may need to follow a structured path or seek guidance from an established authority in your field. It may mean that success can be achieved through conformity to established norms, practices, and systems. This card encourages you to pursue your professional goals with discipline and a respect for tradition, while also considering mentorship or further education to deepen your knowledge. The Hierophant may also point to a career in teaching, counselling, or religious or spiritual fields, where the transfer of knowledge is central.

Spiritually: The Hierophant represents the pursuit of spiritual knowledge through structured systems, such as religion, philosophy, or spiritual teachings. This card invites you to seek wisdom from established sources through sacred texts, a religious leader, or a disciplined spiritual practice. The Hierophant suggests the path to enlightenment can be found by following tradition, honouring teachings, and connecting to a community of like-minded individuals. It also emphasises the importance of faith, devotion, and moral integrity on the spiritual path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

XII – The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man represents surrender, suspension, perspective, and letting go. This card embodies pausing to reflect and seeing life from a different angle. A figure hanging upside down by one foot signifies a period of stillness or suspension, where forward movement is halted and a new way of thinking must emerge. The figure's serene expression and the halo around his head suggest that this pause is not one of suffering, but an intentional and transformative moment of introspection. The Hanged Man teaches that sometimes we must detach from our usual way of living or thinking to experience growth, release, and enlightenment.

This card invites you to reconsider your current approach or perspective, suggesting that action alone cannot solve a situation or challenge, but through patience, acceptance, and a shift in viewpoint. The Hanged Man encourages the acceptance of temporary discomfort, trusting that letting go of control will ultimately lead to a more profound understanding of oneself and the situation at hand.

In Relationships: The Hanged Man suggests a time of reflection and reconsideration. It may indicate a need to pause and view the partnership from a different angle, possibly encouraging you to look beyond surface issues and explore deeper emotional truths. This card often points to a period of waiting or suspension, where things may feel stagnant or on hold, but where growth still occurs. The Hanged Man invites you to release expectations or rigid beliefs about love and instead be open to new perspectives and understandings. It also encourages self-sacrifice for the sake of the relationship, though with caution, ensuring the sacrifices made are not one-sided.

In Work: The Hanged Man points to a time of pause, reflection, or a shift in perspective regarding professional goals. It may suggest that you are in a phase where movement or progress is temporarily halted, and the key to success lies in rethinking your approach or strategy. This card advises patience and a willingness to let go of previous expectations or rigid plans to allow for new ideas and approaches to emerge. The Hanged Man can also indicate sacrifice or selflessness in your work, perhaps taking on a project or task that feels limiting or uncomfortable for the sake of a greater purpose or long-term gain. It teaches that growth often comes through patience and seeing things from a new angle.

Spiritually: The Hanged Man represents a necessary pause in one's spiritual journey, where the seeker is invited to let go of ego, attachments, and the need for control in order to achieve enlightenment. This card encourages you to release old beliefs, perspectives, and patterns to embrace a higher consciousness. The Hanged Man speaks to the process of surrender, where spiritual growth is achieved by stepping away from the material world and allowing oneself to be guided by faith, intuition, and trust in the universe. It is a reminder that some of the most profound spiritual growth occurs during times of stillness, waiting, or letting go.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

XVIII – The Moon

The Moon represents intuition, illusion, the subconscious, and hidden truths. It invites you to explore the realm of the unconscious mind, dreams, and intuition. A moonlit landscape with a wolf and a dog howling at the moon, a path winding through rocky terrain, and a crab emerging from the water symbolises the mysterious and sometimes deceptive nature of the mind. The moonlight casts shadows, obscuring as much as it illuminates. It invites you to look beyond appearances to understand deeper meanings or hidden emotions. This card suggests there may be illusions, confusion, or uncertainty in a situation, and it encourages you to trust your intuition to navigate through the unknown.

The Moon calls for introspection, asking you to explore your inner world and pay attention to your dreams and emotional responses. It signals a time when the mind may be clouded or things are not what they seem on the surface. The Moon invites you to trust your inner wisdom and be cautious of deception and self-deception.

In Relationships: The Moon suggests there may be confusion, misunderstandings, or illusions. It could indicate that one or both partners are hiding their feelings, or there are secrets to be revealed. This card warns against jumping to conclusions or making assumptions based on surface-level information. The Moon encourages open communication and honesty, urging you to trust your intuition and dig deeper into your emotions. It can also signify a period of emotional uncertainty or mood swings, where clarity may come only after introspection and reflection. This card asks you to be patient with yourself and your partner.

In Work: The Moon suggests there may be hidden factors or uncertainties surrounding a work situation. It encourages you to look beyond the surface. There may be deception, miscommunication, or unclear motivations at play, and you should be cautious about trusting everything you hear or see. This card can also indicate a time of emotional vulnerability in the workplace, when intuition may be more reliable than logic. The Moon invites you to listen to your gut feelings and avoid making decisions without understanding the situation. It may also point to a need for creative or intuitive solutions, as the path forward may not be clear.

Spiritually: The Moon represents the journey into the subconscious mind and the exploration of hidden aspects of the self. This card calls for introspection, inviting you to uncover and confront your fears, desires, and unresolved emotions. The Moon encourages you to pay attention to your dreams, intuition, and inner messages, as these may hold the keys to spiritual growth. However, it also warns of illusions and misleading thoughts, urging you to approach your spiritual journey with caution and awareness. The Moon signifies that the path to enlightenment may be shrouded in mystery, and you must trust your inner wisdom and intuition to guide you.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

0 – The Fool

The Fool represents the beginning of an inner and outer journey, a leap of faith into the unknown where infinite possibilities lie. This card embodies potential and purity. It represents the spirit of new beginnings before experience has shaped the self. The Fool carries a light knapsack, signifying that experiences or material attachments do not burden him. His innocence and openness suggest a state of trust in the universe and a readiness to take risks, unafraid of the unknown.

The Fool stands at the edge of a precipice, symbolising the readiness to step into the unknown. This is a moment of incredible freedom, where the Fool is not concerned with failure or the consequences of his actions, for his journey itself is the goal. The dog at his feet represents loyalty and instinct, encouraging him to follow his intuition without fear. The Fool represents the beginning of all things, the spark of creation itself.

In Relationships: The Fool invites openness, spontaneity, and fresh starts. This card suggests embarking on new romantic experiences without the weight of baggage. It encourages you to approach love with an open heart, ready to explore new connections and uncharted territory. The Fool signifies trust, freedom, and the joy of new beginnings, free from inhibitions.

In Work: The Fool signals a new chapter in one's professional life. It may indicate the start of an exciting journey or project, urging you to embrace change and take a risk for growth and fulfilment. This card encourages stepping out of your comfort zone, trusting that the journey will bring valuable experiences and opportunities despite an uncertain future. The Fool advises boldness and enthusiasm in pursuing career goals, suggesting that success may come from breaking away from conventional paths.

Spiritually: The Fool represents the call to venture beyond the ego, to explore new realms of consciousness and self-awareness. This card invites you to embrace the spiritual journey with innocence and trust, letting go of preconceived notions or rigid beliefs. The Fool encourages surrender to the flow of the universe, letting go of control, and embracing the unknown with faith. It is a reminder that the spiritual path is not about certainty, but the willingness to explore and discover.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

XX – Judgement, Reversed

Judgement represents self-reflection, transformation, and the call to a higher purpose. The twentieth card of the Major Arcana signifies a time of awakening, a moment of reckoning where you are invited to confront your actions, decisions, and beliefs. An angel blowing a trumpet with people rising from their graves to meet their divine call symbolises the opportunity for a fresh start or renewal through self-assessment and spiritual awakening. This card encourages you to reflect on your life, learn from mistakes, and answer the call to grow into a higher version of yourself.

Reversed, Judgement can indicate a fear of change, self-doubt, or an unwillingness to confront past actions or mistakes. It may suggest you are avoiding necessary self-reflection, clinging to old habits, or resisting the call to grow. The reversed Judgement card warns against ignoring the lessons of the past and encourages you to face unresolved issues or feelings to move forward. It may also indicate a time when you are struggling to release guilt, shame, or regret, preventing you from experiencing the transformation and renewal necessary for growth. This card urges you to let go of fear, embrace forgiveness, and trust in the process of personal transformation.

In Relationships: Judgement indicates a period of self-reflection, where both partners may need to take stock of their actions and experiences. It encourages healing and growth, suggesting that the relationship may undergo a transformative process through open communication, forgiveness, or a fresh perspective. Judgement invites you to release emotional baggage, forgive yourself and your partner, and move forward with greater understanding. This card can also signify a new beginning or a renewed sense of purpose within a relationship, where both partners answer the call to create a deeper, more fulfilling bond. For those who are single, Judgement may indicate a time of inner awakening that leads to the readiness for a new, transformative relationship.

In Work: Judgement represents a moment of self-assessment, where you may feel called to evaluate your professional life and consider whether you are on the right path. This card suggests a time of transformation, when you can release old habits, attitudes, or ways of working that no longer serve you. It may also indicate a turning point where a decision or action comes to fruition, bringing about an important opportunity or revelation. Judgement calls you to embrace your potential and step into a new phase of your career, free from limiting beliefs or fears. This card may also suggest the need for a radical change in your work life, encouraging you to pursue a career path aligned with your soul's purpose.

Spiritually: Judgement represents a call to awaken to a higher level of consciousness and self-awareness. It signifies a time when you are being invited to reflect on your spiritual journey, reconcile with the past, and embrace the opportunity for rebirth and transformation. This card encourages you to shed old beliefs, let go of guilt or judgement, and move forward with a clear sense of purpose and alignment with your soul's true calling. Judgement is a reminder that spiritual growth often involves moments of reckoning, where one confronts their actions and choices to develop into a more enlightened being. It signals that you are ready to embrace your higher self and live a life that reflects your spiritual path.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

XXI – The World, Reversed

The World represents completion, fulfilment, and the culmination of a long journey. It symbolises the achievement of a goal, the harmony of opposites, and the attainment of wholeness and balance. Depicted with a dancer encircled by a laurel wreath, with cherubim representing the four fixed signs of the zodiac (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) in each corner, the World represents the successful completion of a cycle and the joy that comes with realising your potential. The laurel wreath signifies victory and accomplishment, while the dancer's movement indicates the freedom and joy accompanying the realisation of a dream or goal.

Reversed, the World can indicate you are feeling unfulfilled, as if a goal has been left unfinished or a cycle has not been completed. It may suggest that unresolved issues or lessons still need to be addressed before you can move forward with a sense of wholeness. The reversed World may also signify stagnation or a lack of closure, urging you to take action to finish what you've started or to find resolution. This card encourages you to examine what may prevent you from feeling complete, whether it is fear, unfinished business, or unacknowledged growth. It reminds you that fulfilment and closure are within your reach, and the final steps towards achieving your goals require conscious effort.

In Relationships: The World signifies a harmonious, fulfilling relationship or the completion of a significant romantic cycle. It indicates that you have reached a point of emotional maturity, where you feel at peace within yourself and in your connection with your partner. This card suggests a balanced relationship that brings completion and joy. It may also indicate you are ready to enter a new phase of your romantic life, whether that means deepening your commitment, moving towards a more serious partnership, or even moving on from a relationship that has run its course. For those who are single, the World signals the readiness to embrace love more holistically, free from old baggage, and to attract a relationship that aligns with your true self.

In Work: The World signifies the successful completion of a long-term project or goal. It represents recognition, accomplishment, and the fulfilment of professional aspirations. This card suggests you have reached a level of mastery or expertise and are ready to take on new challenges or ventures. It may also signal the end of a phase in your career, offering the opportunity for growth and advancement in a new direction. The World invites you to celebrate your professional success and acknowledge the effort and dedication it took to reach this point. It also suggests that you are prepared for the next step in your journey, having gained the experience necessary to continue evolving in your career.

Spiritually: The World represents enlightenment, integration, and oneness with the universe. This card signifies that you have reached a place of spiritual balance and fulfilment, where you feel aligned with your purpose and at peace with yourself and the world around you. The World encourages you to embrace the interconnectedness of all things and acknowledge the completion of a significant spiritual cycle. It signals that you have gained wisdom and understanding and are ready to integrate that knowledge into daily life. This card invites you to celebrate your spiritual growth and honour the journey that has brought you to this moment of wholeness.