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  IX – The Hermit |
Triggering Causes |
 XIII – Death |
Necessary Conclusions |  IV – The Emperor, Reversed |
| Significator #1 |  XV – The Devil |
Significator #2 |
 XVI – The Tower, Reversed |
Next Step |  III – The Empress |
 XIV – Temperance, Reversed |
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Surprising Experiences  VI – The Lovers, Reversed |
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Outcome  V – The Hierophant |
Significator #1
XVI – The Tower, Reversed
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation. This card symbolises the collapse of established structures that were built on unstable foundations. A tall tower being struck by lightning, with people falling from it, signals that something in your life is about to be drastically altered, often through unexpected events or revelations. While the image may appear dramatic, the Tower invites a necessary shake-up or disruption that clears the way for transformation. The destruction is not meant to be detrimental, but to reveal the truth and tear down false beliefs, patterns, or illusions that no longer serve your best interests.
Reversed, the Tower can indicate resistance to change or a fear of upheaval. You may be avoiding the collapse of an outdated structure, clinging to what is familiar out of fear of the unknown. This card reversed warns that delaying or denying the inevitable changes will only lead to greater chaos in the future. The reversed Tower also speaks to the possibility of avoiding the truth, which may be keeping you trapped in an illusion. It encourages you to face the situation head-on, release your attachment to the old, and embrace the transformation required for personal growth and freedom. The Tower reversed suggests the sooner you accept the need for change, the sooner you can rebuild on a stronger foundation.
In Relationships: The Tower indicates a sudden and unexpected change—this could be an argument, a breakup, or a moment of shocking revelation that forces both partners to confront underlying issues. While the upheaval may be painful, it offers an opportunity to rebuild the relationship from a more authentic place, free of illusions or false expectations. The Tower urges you to face uncomfortable truths and let go of outdated beliefs or patterns preventing the relationship from developing. This card can also signify a need to release unhealthy attachments to make way for a more genuine connection.
In Work: The Tower suggests an unexpected disruption in your professional life. This could be a sudden job loss, a major shift in a project, or the breakdown of a system that no longer works. The Tower indicates that a structure built on unstable ground is collapsing, and while this may initially seem like a crisis, it is ultimately a catalyst for change and growth. You are encouraged to embrace the chaos as an opportunity to reassess your goals and approach, shedding old methods or beliefs that no longer align with your vision of success. The Tower signals the need for radical change, pushing you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace radical new possibilities.
Spiritually: The Tower represents a profound awakening, where your beliefs or worldview may be shattered to make room for deeper understanding and enlightenment. This card invites you to confront the illusions or false constructs that have kept you from seeing the truth of your spiritual path. The Tower represents the moment of revelation that breaks down the ego, allowing the individual to see things more clearly. It is a reminder that spiritual growth often requires moments of upheaval, where the old self is destroyed to make way for the new. The destruction of the old is essential for the emergence of wisdom and self-awareness.
Significator #2
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.
Early Causes
XIII – Death
Death represents transformation, endings, and rebirth. It is a symbolic death, signifying the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another. A skeletal figure on horseback with a scythe reminds us that change is inevitable and letting go of the old makes room for the new. It signifies the natural cycle of life, where death is a transition, not an end. This card calls for releasing what no longer serves, allowing you to shed old habits or beliefs holding you back from growth.
Death may appear when you face a period of significant change or the need to release attachments. It encourages you to embrace these transitions with trust and understanding, knowing that they are part of the cycles of life. The end of something can be an opportunity for renewal, as old patterns give way to new possibilities. Death is not to be feared but embraced as a natural part of the journey of life.
In Relationships: Death signifies the end of a phase, which could be a breakup, a transformation in how two people relate, or letting go of old patterns that no longer work. This card indicates that the relationship may be going through a period of change, and it encourages you to embrace that change rather than resist it. Death invites rebirth—whether the opportunity to renew the relationship by letting go of baggage or the possibility of closing the chapter to make space for new, healthier connections. This card reminds us that endings, though painful, are necessary for growth and new beginnings.
In Work: Death signifies a major transformation, signalling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It may indicate the closing of a professional project, a career change, or a shift in goals or direction. While this may initially feel unsettling, Death suggests this change is an opportunity for growth through an alternative career path, a different role, or a fresh approach to work. This card encourages you to release old ways of working or thinking that no longer serve you and embrace the unknown with an open mind. Death signals that sometimes it's necessary to let go of the old to make space for new opportunities and success.
Spiritually: Death represents the ultimate transformation, the shedding of old identities, and the continual evolution of the soul. This card speaks to the process of spiritual rebirth, where you may be called to let go of outdated beliefs or practices that no longer resonate with your higher self. It encourages you to embrace the process of spiritual evolution, where each phase of life offers the opportunity to transform and grow in new ways. Death invites the seeker to release the attachments that bind them to the material world and focus on inner growth, understanding that spiritual evolution is a continual process of shedding and renewal.
Triggering Causes
IV – The Emperor, Reversed
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.
Reversed, the Emperor can indicate an abuse of power or a lack of control, suggesting that you may be struggling with authority, rigid thinking, or controlling behaviour. This card reversed may point to instability or feeling trapped by rules and structures. It could also indicate the absence of leadership, where you might be failing to take charge of a situation or being stubborn or aggressive. The Emperor reversed urges you to re-evaluate your approach, encouraging you to balance authority with flexibility and lead with integrity.
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.
Higher Perceptions
IX – The Hermit
The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, wisdom, and guidance. It embodies the search for inner truth and deeper understanding through reflection and self-examination. An older figure carrying a lantern and a staff walks alone, symbolising the solitary journey towards enlightenment. The lantern represents the light of wisdom, illuminating the path ahead, while the staff signifies support and the strength gained through life experience. This card suggests a retreat from the external world to seek answers within and find clarity through introspection.
The Hermit invites you to step back from distractions, slow down, and embrace moments of solitude. It encourages personal growth through reflection, spiritual seeking, and the pursuit of knowledge that can only be found within. The Hermit is a guide, showing that wisdom comes not from external sources, but from within one's heart and mind, developed through self-discovery and careful contemplation.
In Relationships: The Hermit signifies a period of introspection, where you may need to take time for yourself before moving forward in a relationship. It suggests a need to step back and reflect on what you seek in love, away from external influences or distractions. This card encourages you to connect with your inner desires and values, understanding yourself better before committing to a romantic relationship. The Hermit also reminds us that love must start from within, and that personal growth and self-awareness are key to building healthy, fulfilling partnerships.
In Work: The Hermit suggests a time of reflection, seeking deeper meaning or purpose in one's professional life. It may indicate the need to step away from daily work life to gain clarity on one's true calling or long-term goals. This card encourages you to trust your intuition and wisdom when making career decisions and not rush into new opportunities until you have reflected on what will bring you true fulfilment. The Hermit can also point to a career in teaching, counselling, or research, where the act of guiding others or seeking knowledge is central to success.
Spiritually: The Hermit represents the pursuit of inner wisdom and enlightenment. This card invites you to withdraw from the noise of the world and focus on your inner spiritual journey. The Hermit encourages you to trust your intuition, meditate, and seek answers through spiritual practices such as prayer or self-reflection. It emphasises the importance of self-discovery and the belief that enlightenment comes from within. The Hermit also suggests that guidance from a spiritual mentor or teacher may be helpful, but the ultimate truth must be found in solitude.
Necessary Conclusions
XV – The Devil
The Devil represents temptation, addiction, materialism, and the shadow self. It embodies the forces that bind us to unhealthy patterns, illusions, and attachments. A powerful, frightening figure symbolises the internal and external forces that trap us in cycles of desire, fear, and self-doubt. This card is about the darker side of human nature—the impulses, obsessions, and habits that may seem alluring at the moment but ultimately prevent growth and freedom. The chains are loosely fitted on the figures, suggesting that the freedom to break free from these constraints is possible, but only when you recognise your own power and the nature of your attachments.
The Devil encourages you to examine where you may be giving away your personal power, whether through unhealthy relationships, addiction, material desires, or limiting beliefs. It calls attention to areas where you may feel stuck or trapped by your own choices, urging you to face these shadow aspects head-on to free yourself from the influence of fear and negative patterns.
In Relationships: The Devil suggests you may be entangled in a toxic or unhealthy relationship dynamic. This could include co-dependency, manipulation, or addiction to the relationship itself. The card warns against staying in situations where attachment or control are the primary forces at play. It may also point to unhealthy patterns in your behaviour, such as fear of intimacy or a reliance on superficial desires rather than deeper emotional connection. The Devil invites you to take a step back and examine your motivations in relationships, encouraging you to break free from unhealthy attachments and embrace healthier, more empowering connections.
In Work: The Devil may indicate that you are trapped in a cycle of materialism, greed, or unhealthy work habits. It could suggest an over-reliance on success or external validation, or feeling bound to a job, career, or ambition that no longer serves your highest good. This card can also point to unhealthy competition, control issues, or toxic environments in the workplace. The Devil encourages you to assess where you are compromising yourself in pursuit of career success or material gain. It suggests that fulfilment comes from aligning with your authentic purpose and breaking free from self-imposed limitations.
Spiritually: The Devil speaks to the shadows within the self—the unresolved fears, ego attachments, and limiting beliefs that keep you from experiencing freedom and enlightenment. This card invites you to confront your inner darkness and the forces that bind you to the lower aspects of your nature. The Devil challenges you to examine your relationship with fear and temptation and recognise how these forces may be blocking your spiritual growth. This card calls for liberation, urging you to break free from whatever is holding you back from experiencing spiritual truth.
The Next Step
XIV – Temperance, Reversed
Temperance represents balance, harmony, moderation, and healing. This card embodies the principle of integrating opposites and finding equilibrium within oneself and in the world. An angel or ethereal figure pours water from one cup to another, the imagery of Temperance suggests the blending of two elements to create something harmonious. The flowing water symbolises the steady flow of energy, while the angel's wings and serene expression point to a divine guidance in achieving harmony. This card teaches the importance of moderation, patience, and self-control in all areas of life.
Reversed, temperance can indicate imbalance, excess, or a lack of harmony in your life. It suggests you may be overindulging in certain areas, whether in emotions, behaviours, or actions, leading to stress, burnout, or disharmony. This card reversed warns against extreme reactions, impulsiveness, or trying to force situations to align with your desires. It can also indicate a failure to find middle ground in relationships or work, leading to conflict or dissatisfaction. Temperance reversed encourages you to reassess your approach, seek a more balanced and measured path, and take the time to heal areas of your life that feel out of alignment.
In Relationships: Temperance suggests that balance and harmony are key in your relationship. It may indicate the need for moderation in how emotions, time, and energy are shared between partners. This card encourages you to avoid extremes—whether in expectations, communication, or attachment—and instead find a balanced approach that fosters mutual respect, understanding, and patience. Temperance speaks to a steady connection, where both partners support each other's growth while maintaining their individuality. It can also indicate healing in relationships, whether overcoming challenges or finding a new sense of balance and understanding between two people.
In Work: Temperance signifies a time for finding balance in one's professional life. This card encourages you to manage your workload, relationships, and responsibilities with grace and moderation, avoiding burnout and stress. It may suggest the need for collaboration or the blending of unique skills or talents to achieve success. Temperance reminds you that steady, thoughtful progress, rather than hasty or extreme actions, is the key to long-term success. This card can also point to a need for healing in the workplace, whether it's resolving conflicts or restoring calm to a stressful environment.
Spiritually: Temperance represents the pursuit of inner balance and integration. This card invites you to align your physical, emotional, and spiritual selves into a harmonious whole, finding peace through moderation, patience, and acceptance. It encourages you to seek spiritual growth through balance rather than extreme practices or rigid beliefs. Temperance suggests that spiritual enlightenment can be achieved when the seeker is in harmony with both the inner self and the external world. It is a reminder that the path to spiritual fulfilment is about maintaining balance and being open to divine guidance.
Surprises
VI – The Lovers, Reversed
The Lovers represents union, love, choices, and harmony. It embodies the themes of connection within oneself and with others. The Lovers card is depicted with a couple standing together with an angel overseeing them, symbolising divine blessing and the importance of alignment with higher ideals. This card reflects the powerful and transformative nature of love, not just in romantic relationships, but in many partnerships, including those that involve shared values, goals, and emotional bonds.
Reversed, the Lovers can indicate disharmony, a struggle with making decisions, or a lack of alignment in relationships. It may suggest that you are facing conflicts in love or cannot make a clear choice regarding a romantic or professional relationship. This card reversed warns against making decisions from a place of confusion, fear, or external pressure, urging you to take the time to align your heart and mind before making important choices. It can also signify a lack of balance or authenticity in a relationship, where one or both partners may not be fully committed or honest with each other.
In Relationships: The Lovers card speaks to the power of emotional connections and the importance of choosing love and commitment with intention. It signifies the potential for a significant and harmonious relationship, one grounded in mutual respect, attraction, and shared values. This card invites you to make decisions in love with clarity and authenticity, suggesting that love, when chosen wisely, can lead to fulfilment and growth. The Lovers can also signify a turning point in a relationship, where you must make an important choice.
In Work: The Lovers suggests the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values and passions. It may indicate a partnership or collaboration that will lead to success, or the need to make a decision that will impact your professional path. This card encourages you to consider how your work aligns with your deeper goals and choose a path that resonates with your authentic self. The Lovers also emphasises the importance of balancing work and personal life, fostering relationships that support professional success without sacrificing personal happiness.
Spiritually: The Lovers card signifies the unity of opposites, the balance of masculine and feminine energies, and the pursuit of higher harmony. It invites you to seek alignment within yourself, uniting your conscious and unconscious desires, and connect with the divine through love, compassion, and authenticity. The Lovers can also represent the spiritual journey of making choices that reflect your true calling, encouraging you to act in accordance with your higher self and divine purpose. It reminds us that spiritual growth comes from living in harmony with your values.
The Outcome
V – The Hierophant
The 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.
The Hierophant is the embodiment of structured wisdom, offering spiritual teachings that have been passed down through generations. This card suggests you may need to seek counsel or mentorship from a wise figure or should adhere to established traditions and practices to find clarity and direction. The Hierophant reminds us that spiritual growth and enlightenment are often found through established systems, whether through religion, philosophy, martial arts, or other forms of structured knowledge.
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.