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 VIII – Strength	The Full Moon II – The High Priestess, Reversed		The Waning Moon XVI – The Tower, Reversed
	Significator #1 IV – The Emperor	Significator #2 XX – Judgement, Reversed
The Dark XV – The Devil, Reversed	The Secret of the High Priestess X – The Wheel of Fortune		The Light XII – The Hanged Man, Reversed
	The Next Step XI – Justice

 

 

 

Significator #1 

 

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.

 

 

Significator #2 

 

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 Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past. 

 

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.

 

 

 

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

 

II – The High Priestess, ReversedThe 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.

Reversed, the High Priestess can indicate a blockage or disconnect from one's intuition or inner wisdom. It may suggest that you are ignoring your gut feelings, choosing logic or external influences over your inner knowing. This card reversed may also signal secrecy, deception, or hidden truths yet to be revealed. It urges you to pay attention to what is being left unsaid or to uncover hidden information. Reversed, the High Priestess calls for greater self-awareness and trust in the subconscious mind.

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 Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence. 

 

VIII – Strength

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.

This card represents the courage to face life's challenges, persevere with patience, and trust in the process of growth. Strength reminds us that resilience is built from within, and that sometimes the greatest strength lies in showing vulnerability and compassion rather than exerting dominance. It is an invitation to approach difficult situations with kindness, both towards oneself and others, and trust that inner strength will carry you through.

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 Light is what is clearly recognized. 

 

XII – The Hanged Man, ReversedThe 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.

Reversed, the Hanged Man can indicate resistance to change, an inability to release control, or a feeling of being stuck in an unproductive or stagnant situation. It suggests you may be avoiding necessary reflection or failing to shift your perspective, leading to frustration or a sense of being trapped. This card reversed warns against staying in one place for too long, refusing to adapt, or becoming too attached to old ideas. The Hanged Man reversed encourages you to embrace the discomfort of change, trust in the process of transformation, and allow yourself to let go of outdated or limiting beliefs. It suggests that the key to progress lies in surrendering to the flow of life and viewing things from a fresh perspective.

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.

 

 

 

The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness. 

 

XV – The Devil, Reversed

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.

Reversed, the Devil can indicate a breaking free from bondage, temptation, or unhealthy attachments. It suggests you are beginning to free yourself from negative patterns, addictions, or toxic situations that have held you captive. However, the reversed Devil also cautions that the work of liberation is ongoing. While the chains are loose, it can take time to confront lingering fears or attachments before you are free. This card reversed encourages continued self-awareness, growth, and healing, reminding you that true freedom comes from within and requires conscious effort to remain free from temptation and negative influences.

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 is the near future, where this journey will take you. 

 

XI – Justice

Justice represents fairness, truth, accountability, and the law of cause and effect. It embodies the principle of balance, emphasising the need for integrity, fairness, and impartiality. A figure holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and that truth will always prevail. The sword symbolises clarity, reason, and decision-making, while the scales represent equilibrium, weighing all sides of a situation before making a judgement. This card reminds us that justice is not just about external laws, but about personal responsibility and moral alignment with the truth.

The Justice card indicates you may be faced with a decision that requires fairness, objectivity, and a commitment to what is right. It encourages you to consider all the facts, assess situations without bias, and make decisions based on truth and integrity. Justice also speaks to the consequences of your actions, emphasising that what is sown will be reaped, and suggesting that fairness and ethical behaviour will bring about positive outcomes, while dishonesty or imbalance may lead to negative consequences.

In Relationships: Justice speaks to the need for honesty, fairness, and mutual respect. It may indicate a time for evaluating the dynamics of a relationship, ensuring that both partners treat each other with integrity and fairness. This card encourages you to approach romantic situations with clear communication and seek balance, where both partners' needs are considered and respected. If you are dealing with relationship issues, Justice may suggest the need to take responsibility for your actions or make amends. It can also indicate that the truth will determine the outcome of a romantic situation.

In Work: Justice signals a need for fairness in professional matters, including decision-making, disputes, and negotiations. It encourages you to act with integrity in the workplace, ensuring your actions align with ethical standards and legal requirements. This card may also suggest that you are facing a situation where justice will play a role, such as a legal matter or a need to resolve an issue that requires an impartial viewpoint. Justice reminds you that success will come from fair actions and by making decisions in alignment with your values. It also suggests karmic debts in the professional sphere may be settled, either through rewards for integrity or consequences for dishonesty.

Spiritually: Justice represents the principle of cosmic law, the balance between light and dark, and the understanding that everything is connected through universal laws. This card encourages you to reflect on your actions and beliefs, ensuring they are in alignment with higher truth. Justice invites the seeker to embrace personal accountability, recognising that spiritual growth comes from living a life balanced and true to one's values. It is a reminder that truth and fairness are universal principles that guide the spiritual path and that every action has a karmic effect. In the spiritual realm, Justice asks you to seek equilibrium, balance, and the deeper truth that lies beneath surface appearances.

 

 

 

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. 

 

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.