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 IV – The Emperor, Reversed |
The Full Moon XVIII – The Moon |
The Waning Moon XIV – Temperance |
|
Significator #1 VII – The Chariot |
Significator #2 VIII – Strength, Reversed |
||
The Dark II – The High Priestess |
The Secret of the High Priestess XIII – Death, Reversed |
The Light X – The Wheel of Fortune |
|
The Next Step 0 – The Fool, Reversed |
|||
Significator #1
VII – The Chariot
The Chariot represents determination, willpower, victory, and control. It embodies the energy of triumph over obstacles, achievement through effort, and the mastery of one's emotions and environment. A strong figure drives a chariot, guided by inner strength and unwavering resolve. The charioteer holds the reins, symbolising the control and discipline needed to direct the forces of will, both within and without. Two sphinxes pull the chariot, looking in opposite directions, representing the balancing of opposing forces that must be harmonised to achieve success.
The Chariot is a card of action and victory, signalling that through persistence, focus, and determination, you have the power to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. This card emphasises the importance of controlling your emotions, desires, and external circumstances to move forward confidently. The Chariot reminds us that success often comes from hard work, resilience, and the ability to stay focused on the desired outcome when the path is difficult.
In Relationships: The Chariot signifies a time of forward movement and decisive action. It suggests you are ready to take control of your romantic life and move past obstacles or doubts. This card can indicate overcoming challenges, gaining clarity about your desires, or taking the lead in matters of the heart. The Chariot encourages you to stay determined and confident, pursuing love with focus and a clear sense of direction. It may also signal a period of growth in a relationship where both partners are moving forward together with shared goals and mutual understanding.
In Work: The Chariot is a powerful card, representing the determination and drive needed to achieve professional goals. It signifies a time to harness your inner strength and take decisive action towards your ambitions. This card encourages you to stay focused on your objectives, overcoming any obstacles or challenges that may arise. The Chariot reminds you that success will be achieved through perseverance, self-discipline, and maintaining control over external distractions. It can also indicate a journey of personal and professional growth, where you can push past your limits to achieve greatness.
Spiritually: The Chariot represents the mastery of one's inner forces and the ability to direct energy towards personal transformation. This card encourages you to use your willpower and focus to overcome spiritual challenges and obstacles, remaining determined on your path of growth and enlightenment. The Chariot invites you to embrace your power, channelling it towards spiritual advancement. It also speaks to the importance of balance and self-control, urging you to stay grounded and focused as you move forward on your spiritual journey.
Significator #2
VIII – Strength, Reversed
Strength represents courage, resilience, patience, and control. It embodies the power of taming inner fears, overcoming adversity with gentleness, and having the fortitude to face challenges with grace. A woman calmly holding the jaws of a lion signifies the balance between power and compassion, where strength comes not from force, but from a sense of inner calm and self-confidence. The woman's serene expression conveys that this strength is not aggressive, but is instead the ability to remain composed in the face of difficulty, harnessing personal power through self-discipline and understanding.
Reversed, Strength can indicate a lack of confidence, difficulty controlling emotions, or an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. It may suggest you are feeling weak, overwhelmed, or unable to tap into your inner strength, possibly because of fear or self-doubt. This card reversed advises you to reconnect with your sense of inner power, find calmness in the midst of chaos, and face your challenges with patience and trust in yourself. It may also indicate that you are struggling with your approach to difficult situations, possibly using force or aggression rather than compassion and patience.
In Relationships: Strength speaks to the power of patience, understanding, and unconditional love. It suggests you may be called upon to show compassion and support, particularly in times of difficulty or uncertainty. This card signifies the need for gentle, yet firm, emotional strength in navigating challenges, and reminds you that love is based on mutual respect, trust, and the ability to remain calm and supportive through all circumstances. It encourages you to act from a place of empathy, understanding that love is about partnership and compassion.
In Work: Strength represents the inner resilience needed to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of professional challenges. It suggests your path to success will require patience, determination, and a steady hand in difficult situations. This card advises you to rely on your inner strength, confidence, and emotional intelligence to navigate challenges in the workplace, whether dealing with difficult colleagues, demanding tasks, or career setbacks. Strength encourages you to move forward with grace and conviction, trusting that inner resilience will lead you to success.
Spiritually: Strength signifies the mastery of the self, the ability to conquer one's inner demons, and the courage to follow one's spiritual path. This card calls you to dig deep within yourself for the fortitude to face your fears, heal emotional wounds, and cultivate peace. Strength emphasises that true power comes from compassion, inner harmony, and the ability to work through difficulties with faith and patience. It invites you to trust your spiritual journey and allow understanding to guide your growth.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
XIV – Temperance
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.
Temperance encourages you to find a middle ground, avoid extremes, and seek moderation in your choices and actions. It invites balance not only in the material world but also in the emotional and spiritual realms. This card speaks to the need to blend various aspects of life—whether work and play, self-care and socialising, or mind and body—into a cohesive whole that nurtures well-being and inner peace. It suggests that patience and a calm, measured approach will lead to the best results.
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.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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 Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
X – The Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune represents cycles, fate, destiny, and change. The tenth card of the Major Arcana embodies the ever-turning wheel of life, where circumstances shift unpredictably, and the forces of fortune and destiny influence our lives. The Wheel features symbols such as the creatures of Ezekiel's vision and the Sphinx, representing the ongoing movement of time and the interplay between fate and free will. The card speaks to the cyclical nature of existence, where moments of fortune and misfortune rise and fall, reminding us that no situation lasts forever.
The Wheel of Fortune signifies that change is inevitable, and you are entering a phase where luck, external forces, or destiny will play a key role in your life. This card often points to a turning point, suggesting that a shift in circumstances is on the horizon. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to embrace the flow of life, trust in the process, and understand that everything moves in cycles. It calls for acceptance of both the highs and lows, for they are both integral parts of the journey.
In Relationships: The Wheel of Fortune signifies that changes are coming, often unexpectedly. It may indicate a turning point in a romantic relationship, where new dynamics or events will shift the course of the connection. This card suggests you should be open to the ebb and flow of emotions, as relationships go through cycles of growth, transformation, and occasional turmoil. The Wheel reminds us that love is not static, and that fate or timing may play a crucial role in romantic endeavours. It encourages flexibility and acceptance, knowing that changes, while sometimes difficult, bring opportunities for renewal and growth.
In Work: The Wheel of Fortune suggests change is imminent, whether it's a shift in job, career path, or professional circumstances. This card can indicate that your efforts are about to bear fruit or external forces, such as a new opportunity or unexpected event, will alter the course of your professional journey. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to stay adaptable, as fortune may favour you or present challenges that require a shift in perspective. It also signifies that luck or timing will be a factor, and you should be ready to seize opportunities that arise.
Spiritually: The Wheel of Fortune speaks to the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of life. It reminds you that everything is in constant motion, and that spiritual growth often comes through periods of both abundance and hardship. This card encourages you to trust in the divine timing of your journey, knowing that each phase, whether of challenge or ease, has a lesson to offer. The Wheel of Fortune also invites you to recognise that fate plays a role in your spiritual path and be open to the mysteries of the universe, even when things are beyond your control.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
II – The High Priestess
The High Priestess represents intuition, wisdom, and the subconscious mind. This card embodies the mysteries of the unseen and the inner knowledge that transcends logic and reason. She sits between two pillars, one black and one white, symbolising balance and duality. Behind her is a veil decorated with pomegranates, which suggests hidden knowledge and the gateway to deeper understanding. Her serene expression invites you to connect with the voice within.
The High Priestess is a guardian of wisdom and the keeper of secrets. She represents the connection to the unconscious and the flow of intuition, encouraging you to trust what you feel beyond the surface. The moon at her feet signifies the cyclical nature of life and the importance of cycles, rhythms, and the feminine aspects of existence, such as receptivity, intuition, and introspection. The High Priestess reminds us that not all knowledge can be accessed through logic alone; sometimes, the answers lie in silent reflection.
In Relationships: The High Priestess calls for listening to one's inner wisdom in matters of the heart. It suggests you may need to trust your intuition or inner voice, rather than relying only on external circumstances. This card can indicate a deep connection or a relationship in a period of mystery or uncertainty. It encourages introspection and observation, rather than impulsive action, to navigate the emotional and intuitive aspects of love.
In Work: The High Priestess encourages you to trust your inner wisdom when making career decisions. It may signal a time when knowledge and insight, rather than outward action, are necessary to move forward. This card suggests that sometimes the best way to approach career growth is through reflection, careful observation, and connecting with your deeper instincts. The High Priestess may also indicate hidden opportunities or knowledge available, but not yet revealed. Patience and trust in your intuition will be key in navigating the path forward.
Spiritually: The High Priestess represents spiritual growth and the pursuit of higher knowledge. She invites you to embrace the deeper mysteries of life—to seek enlightenment through inner reflection, meditation, and connection with the subconscious. She symbolises the unfolding of wisdom from a connection to the divine and the unseen realms. The High Priestess encourages a journey of introspection, intuition, and spiritual depth.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
0 – The Fool, Reversed
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.
Reversed, the Fool can indicate a fear of stepping into the unknown, an avoidance of change, or a reluctance to take risks. It may suggest that you are holding back from starting a new journey because of doubts, insecurities, or an overreliance on the familiar. The Fool reversed warns against acting impulsively, leading to unnecessary mistakes. It can also signal naivety or a lack of preparedness when faced with challenges, urging you to approach new beginnings more responsibly.
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.
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.
XIII – Death, Reversed
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.
Reversed, Death can indicate resistance to change, an unwillingness to let go, or a fear of the inevitable transformations that life presents. It suggests you may be holding on to outdated beliefs, relationships, or situations that no longer serve you, preventing growth and hindering progress. The reversed Death card warns that delaying the inevitable or resisting change can cause stagnation, and the refusal to transform will eventually lead to greater discomfort. It encourages you to embrace endings to make room for new beginnings, reminding you that transformation is essential for personal growth.
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.