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 VII – The Chariot	Triggering Causes
Four of Cups	Necessary Conclusions	Knight of Swords
Significator #1	Seven of Pentacles, Reversed	Significator #2
Three of Cups	Next Step	Two of Swords
	Six of Pentacles
	Surprising Experiences Eight of Wands
	Outcome XXI – The World, Reversed

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

Three of Cups

The Three of Cups is a card of celebration, community, and emotional fulfilment. It represents friendship, reunions, and the bonds that connect us to others. This card depicts three women raising their cups in a celebratory toast, symbolising the collective joy from shared experiences and emotional connection. The Three of Cups is about coming together with others, celebrating achievements, and embracing the support and love of close-knit relationships. It invites you to recognise the importance of community, connection, and the joy of celebrating life's moments with others.

This card highlights the significance of shared happiness and mutual support. It suggests you are in a time of emotional alignment, surrounded by friends, family, or loved ones who bring positive energy and a sense of belonging. The Three of Cups reminds you to cherish and nurture the relationships that bring joy into your life and celebrate the beauty of togetherness.

In Relationships: The Three of Cups signifies joy, celebration, and harmony. It can indicate a time of emotional fulfilment within a relationship when both partners share mutual respect, fun, and emotional connection. This card suggests love is flowing freely, and you and your partner are in a time of mutual happiness and affection. For singles, the Three of Cups suggests that social gatherings, celebrations, or events could lead to a meaningful connection or the blossoming of new love. It can also point to the importance of maintaining close friendships and nurturing relationships outside of romance, as these connections will enrich your emotional world.

In Work: The Three of Cups signifies teamwork, collaboration, and shared success. This card suggests you are working well with others, and your efforts are supported by a network of colleagues, friends, or partners. The Three of Cups highlights the power of community and collaboration in achieving professional goals, encouraging you to celebrate milestones and successes with others. It may also indicate a time when you receive recognition or support from a team, group, or network, leading to greater opportunities for growth and advancement. The card encourages you to value the contributions of those around you and celebrate collective achievements.

Spiritually: The Three of Cups represents a time of emotional and spiritual fulfilment through connection with others. It suggests you may find strength and insight in community, whether through spiritual groups, friends, or shared practices. This card highlights the importance of emotional support, group experiences, and collective celebrations in your spiritual journey. The Three of Cups encourages you to honour your spiritual connections with others and seek out groups or communities that align with your spiritual values. It also signifies a time of joyous spiritual discovery and the emotional rewards of sharing your path with like-minded individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

Two of Swords

The Two of Swords represents indecision, stalemate, and the need for balanced judgement. This card appears when you are faced with a difficult decision or unable to see the truth of a situation. The swords in this card often depict a figure blindfolded, symbolising the inability to see the full picture or to make a clear choice. The Two of Swords asks you to balance intellect and emotions, carefully weigh the options, and trust in your ability to make the right decision when the time is right. It signifies a period of inner conflict, where the mind is divided, and external circumstances may not provide clear answers.

The Two of Swords calls for a pause and contemplation, urging you to seek clarity within before acting. It is a reminder that the solution may not be readily apparent, and decisions made without proper reflection could lead to regret. The card encourages you to take time to research, assess both sides of the situation, and approach the decision with balance and fairness. The blindfold suggests that clarity may come with time, and while you may not have all the answers now, you will gain insight as you approach the issue rationally.

In Relationships: The Two of Swords indicates a relationship stalemate or a decision that needs to be made. This card suggests there may be a situation where you are avoiding confronting difficult truths or making a choice in your romantic life. It could indicate a relationship where communication has stalled or there is a lack of clarity regarding the next steps. The Two of Swords encourages you to be honest with yourself and your partner, addressing the emotional blockages or uncertainties that may exist. It is a reminder that avoiding a decision or shutting out emotions will not resolve the situation.

In Work: The Two of Swords signals indecision or mental conflict regarding a job, project, or career path. This card suggests you may be at a crossroads in your professional life, unsure of which direction to take. The Two of Swords asks you to carefully evaluate the options available, ensuring you are not making decisions based on external pressure or fear. It may also indicate a time when you feel stuck or unable to make progress, either because of hesitation or external factors. The card encourages you to reflect on your goals, trusting that clarity will come with patience and introspection.

Spiritually: The Two of Swords represents inner conflict or a need to balance one's beliefs. This card suggests you may feel torn between two paths, practices, or ways of thinking. The Two of Swords encourages you to look inward, seeking clarity and guidance from your higher self. It is a reminder that spiritual growth often requires tough decisions, and the ability to balance opposing forces within the self is key to moving forward. You may need to quiet the mind, remove distractions, and connect with your intuition to find the answers you seek.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

Four of Cups

The Four of Cups represents contemplation, introspection, and a feeling of emotional stagnation or dissatisfaction. This card depicts a figure sitting under a tree, with three cups in front of them and a fourth cup offered by a hand coming from a cloud, which the figure seems to overlook. The Four of Cups symbolises a time when you may be disconnected, unfulfilled, or indifferent to opportunities for emotional growth. It reflects a state of emotional withdrawal or discontent, where you are focused on what is lacking rather than appreciating the blessings present.

This card encourages you to examine your emotional state and question why you may be disengaged or disillusioned. The Four of Cups is often a reminder that fulfilment and joy may come from shifting perspective, being open to new experiences, and learning to appreciate the beauty and opportunities around you. It may suggest a need to break free from emotional apathy and reconnect with your sense of wonder, gratitude, and openness.

In Relationships: The Four of Cups suggests emotional discontent, emotional withdrawal, or dissatisfaction. One partner may feel disconnected, or the relationship may experience a period of stagnation where feelings are no longer being nurtured. This card encourages you to reflect on the current state of your romantic life and consider whether you are overlooking or taking for granted the opportunities for deeper connection and growth that are present. For singles, the Four of Cups suggests you may feel uninspired or disconnected from the idea of love, perhaps because of past disappointments or an emotional wall you have built. It calls for you to be open to new possibilities and not close yourself off from potential connections.

In Work: The Four of Cups indicates dissatisfaction or emotional disconnect from one's work. You may feel unfulfilled by your current job or professional situation and find it difficult to see the value in your efforts. This card suggests a period of introspection when you may need to reassess your career path and what motivates you. The Four of Cups encourages you to look for new opportunities, be open to change, and shift your perspective to rediscover passion and fulfilment in your professional life. It can also suggest a feeling of stagnation in the workplace, urging you to take proactive steps to bring more excitement to your career.

Spiritually: The Four of Cups represents a period of emotional withdrawal, where you may feel disconnected from your spiritual path. It suggests you may experience spiritual apathy or frustration, possibly because of a lack of inspiration or feeling stuck. This card encourages you to examine your spiritual practices and reflect on whether you are engaged or have become too complacent. The Four of Cups invites you to look beyond the surface and be open to new spiritual insights, experiences, or connections that may reinvigorate your journey. It may also suggest that you take time for introspection to reconnect with your deeper sense of purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

Knight of Swords

The Knight of Swords represents action, intellect, and ambition. This card embodies a bold, determined, and sometimes impulsive energy. The Knight of Swords charges forward with a clear objective, acting swiftly and decisively, fuelled by passion and mental focus. His sword symbolises the sharpness of his mind and his ability to cut through confusion, but his swift movement can sometimes result in hasty decisions or a lack of consideration for the consequences. The Knight of Swords urges you to take action with conviction and purpose, but it also cautions that moving too fast without thought may lead to mistakes or conflict.

The Knight of Swords can represent a person in your life who is assertive and direct in their communication, often quick to speak their mind and take charge. This figure may also symbolise you, urging you to embrace your intellectual strengths and assert your will, but to be mindful of the need for careful thought. This card suggests a period where quick thinking and decisive action are required to achieve success, but it reminds us that rushing into things without proper planning can be risky.

In Relationships: The Knight of Swords represents fast-paced, direct energy. You may be rushing into a relationship, desiring to move things forward quickly or to assert your desires boldly. This card suggests a time of intellectual connection, where you may be eager to discuss important matters or clear up misunderstandings. However, it may also indicate a tendency towards arguments or misunderstandings if communication is too blunt or one person is too headstrong. The Knight of Swords encourages you to speak your truth and take decisive actions in your romantic life but warns against being too forceful or rushing things without considering the feelings of others.

In Work: The Knight of Swords signifies ambition and drive. You may be pursuing your goals with passion, energy, and speed. This card suggests a time to take action and use your mind to tackle challenges head-on. However, the Knight of Swords also warns against charging forward without a coherent plan, as this could lead to burnout, mistakes, or conflict with others. You are encouraged to use your intellect and determination to push forward but to remain mindful of the bigger picture and potential consequences of your actions. This card may also indicate a new project or opportunity requiring quick thinking and bold action, where success depends on the ability to adapt and act fast.

Spiritually: The Knight of Swords represents a time of pursuing knowledge, truth, or personal growth. You may be seeking answers, trying to cut through confusion or uncertainty in your spiritual journey. This card urges you to take swift action in pursuing your goals, but it also warns against rushing into new practices or philosophies without proper reflection or understanding. The Knight of Swords can indicate a time of mental stimulation and spiritual clarity, where you may feel inspired to dive into spiritual matters. However, it also suggests intellectual understanding alone may not be enough—balance is needed with emotional wisdom and reflection. You are encouraged to use your intellect to enhance your spiritual growth but to avoid overthinking or becoming fixated on theories that might disconnect you from your intuition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

Seven of Pentacles, Reversed

The Seven of Pentacles represents patience, assessment, and the long-term view. This card embodies the energy of re-evaluating progress and taking a moment to reflect on the work and effort invested so far. It depicts a figure looking at a garden or crop they've cultivated, considering the growth that has occurred and pondering whether the investment of time and resources has been worth it. The Seven of Pentacles asks you to pause and assess your progress, take stock of what you have achieved, and determine whether your efforts are leading you towards the desired outcome. It is a card of reflection, patience, and understanding that rewards take time to manifest.

Reversed, the Seven of Pentacles suggests impatience, frustration, or dissatisfaction with progress. You may feel that your efforts are not paying off or question whether your hard work is leading to the desired results. The reversal can also indicate a tendency to give up too soon, to neglect reflection, or to avoid assessing your situation altogether. The Seven of Pentacles reversed urges you to take a step back, reassess your approach, and understand that success takes time and requires continuous effort. It may also indicate that you are rushing through the process or losing sight of the long-term goals in favour of short-term gratification.

In Relationships: The Seven of Pentacles suggests you may be reflecting on the progress of your relationship. This card can indicate a need to reassess where the relationship is heading and whether it is yielding the desired results. You may question whether you have invested enough effort, or if more work is needed to nurture the relationship. It may suggest that the relationship has reached a plateau or both partners are pausing to consider their future together. The Seven of Pentacles encourages patience and contemplation, reminding you that love, like any long-term endeavour, requires ongoing effort and time to flourish. It invites you to reflect on whether the relationship is fulfilling and worth continuing to invest in.

In Work: The Seven of Pentacles signifies a time of assessment, where you take stock of the work you've put into your professional endeavours. It can indicate that you have been putting in significant effort over time and are now reflecting on the progress you've made. The card encourages you to consider whether the work you are doing is leading you towards the outcomes you desire, or if changes need to be made to align your efforts with your goals. The Seven of Pentacles suggests that success is often built through sustained effort, and sometimes it is necessary to take a step back, re-evaluate, and make adjustments before continuing forward. It encourages patience and persistence, reminding you that rewards may take time to materialise.

Spiritually: The Seven of Pentacles represents a time of reflection and evaluation on the spiritual path. You may question your progress in your spiritual practice or life journey. This card invites you to pause and evaluate whether you are moving in the direction you want to go or need to adjust your approach. The Seven of Pentacles suggests spiritual growth is a gradual process that requires patience and consistent effort. It encourages you to trust that your efforts lead towards a deeper understanding, even if the results are not apparent. The card asks you to consider whether you are invested in your spiritual journey and whether you are allowing enough time and space for growth and transformation.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

Six of Pentacles

The Six of Pentacles represents generosity, balance, and the exchange of resources. This card embodies the energy of giving and receiving, and the importance of fairness and reciprocity in material and emotional exchanges. The figure on the card holds scales, distributing coins to those in need, symbolising the act of sharing resources fairly. The Six of Pentacles signifies a period where you may be called upon to give to others, but it also suggests you could find yourself in a position to receive help, support, or resources from others.

This card asks you to consider your relationship with abundance, generosity, and fairness. It points to the value of using resources wisely and encourages you to be mindful of how you give and receive. The Six of Pentacles suggests an opportunity to create a balance in your life by being open to both offering and accepting help. It is a reminder that giving is just as important as receiving and that both actions can create harmony and flow in your life.

In Relationships: The Six of Pentacles indicates a relationship with a healthy exchange of energy between partners. This card suggests a balance between giving and receiving, where both parties contribute equally to the relationship, whether emotionally, materially, or in terms of effort. The Six of Pentacles encourages you to consider whether the relationship is balanced or if one partner gives more than the other. If there is an imbalance, this card advises you to address the issue and ensure that both individuals are contributing fairly. The card also speaks to the idea of supporting one another in times of need and being willing to offer help and care when needed.

In Work: The Six of Pentacles suggests you may experience a period of financial stability, where you can share your resources with others or receive help or recognition for your work. This card may indicate a raise, promotion, or an opportunity to assist others. It speaks to the importance of using your success to support others and create balance within the workplace. The Six of Pentacles can also suggest that you may be in a position to mentor or share your knowledge with others, promoting fairness and equal opportunity. It encourages you to remain generous and fair in professional dealings and trust that your efforts will be reciprocated in future rewards.

Spiritually: The Six of Pentacles represents the balance between giving and receiving within one's spiritual practice. You may be in a position to share your insights, wisdom, or resources with others, or you may require guidance. This card encourages you to embrace the concept of reciprocity in your spiritual journey, understanding that growth comes not just from personal practice but also from helping others and being open to receiving insights. The Six of Pentacles reminds us that spirituality is about balance—about being generous with one's knowledge and resources but being open to receiving guidance and nourishment from others or the universe. It calls for an equal exchange of energy, whether in prayer, meditation, or community.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Eight of Wands

The Eight of Wands represents swift action, progress, and movement. The eighth card in the Suit of Wands indicates a period of rapid development, where things are moving quickly, and you may experience urgency or excitement. Depicted as eight wands flying, the Eight of Wands suggests momentum is building and your goals or desires are quickly taking shape. It signifies a time when things are moving fast, and the energy around you is dynamic and focused. The Eight of Wands encourages you to act decisively, as delays or hesitation may cause you to miss out on opportunities.

This card reflects a time when everything falls into place, and external circumstances align in your favour. The Eight of Wands suggests a period of stagnation or slow progress is ending, and you are entering a phase where things will accelerate. It can represent swift communication, travel, or a sudden change of direction that brings clarity and new possibilities. This card encourages you to embrace this surge of energy, acting swiftly and confidently as you move towards your goals.

In Relationships: The Eight of Wands indicates rapid movement or a sudden shift. This could mean an unexpected romantic gesture, a fast-moving event such as a new relationship, or a significant breakthrough in an existing one. The card suggests things will progress quickly, and you may feel that things are moving at a pace you didn't expect. The Eight of Wands can signify a period of growth and transformation, where things are picking up speed, possibly leading to greater intimacy or commitment. For those who are single, this card points to the possibility of a whirlwind romance or fast developments in a potential partnership. It encourages you to embrace the excitement of love and stay open to where it may lead.

In Work: The Eight of Wands represents fast-moving opportunities, progress, and success that comes swiftly after a period of planning or hard work. This card can indicate an upcoming breakthrough, such as a new job offer, a promotion, or a significant career advancement. The Eight of Wands signals that things are moving quickly, and you must be prepared to act fast to seize opportunities. It may also suggest that projects or initiatives are speeding up, requiring you to stay focused and efficient. The card encourages decisiveness and adaptability, as the pace of success may demand quick thinking and prompt action. It is a reminder that now is the time to capitalise on the momentum and take advantage of opportunities.

Spiritually: The Eight of Wands signifies rapid progress and a time of spiritual acceleration. You may experience breakthroughs, moments of clarity, or heightened awareness. This card represents a time when understanding is advancing at a fast pace, and you may feel as if you are receiving a surge of inspiration or guidance. It suggests you are in a period of heightened energy, when spiritual growth is happening quickly. The Eight of Wands encourages you to stay receptive to spiritual messages and guidance, acting swiftly on intuitive nudges or insights. It signifies that you are on the right path and should trust the flow of progress.

 

 

 

 

 

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.