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 Two of Wands	Triggering Causes
Six of Wands	Necessary Conclusions	Ace of Cups
Significator #1	Three of Cups	Significator #2
Two of Cups, Reversed	Next Step	Four of Wands
	Five of Wands, Reversed
	Surprising Experiences Five of Pentacles
	Outcome Ten of Swords, Reversed

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

Two of Cups, Reversed

The Two of Cups represents love, unity, and partnership. As a card that embodies the union of two individuals, this card symbolises the harmonious connection between two people, whether romantic, platonic, or professional. Two individuals exchange a cup, reflecting mutual respect, love, and emotional understanding. The Two of Cups signifies the unity of opposites or complementary forces, creating a harmonious relationship built on mutual trust, affection, and shared values. It is a card of union, where the emotional energy flows freely between two people, fostering partnership and emotional fulfilment.

Reversed, the Two of Cups can indicate disharmony, imbalance, or miscommunication in relationships. You may experience a lack of emotional connection with your partner or feel disconnected from your own feelings or desires. In romantic relationships, the reversal may suggest that one or both individuals are not fully invested or are struggling to find common ground. This card may also indicate that you are having difficulty forming meaningful partnerships or are facing challenges in creating mutual understanding and emotional balance with others. The reversed Two of Cups encourages you to address imbalances, communication issues, or emotional blocks, and work towards healing and restoring harmony.

In Relationships: The Two of Cups signifies a deep, harmonious connection between two people. This card indicates a time of mutual love, respect, and emotional balance. It can point to strengthening the relationship, with both partners working together to deepen their emotional bond and support each other's growth. The Two of Cups can also suggest the beginning of a new, meaningful romantic relationship where both individuals align in their values and desires. For singles, this card signals the potential for meeting someone with whom you share a strong emotional connection, possibly leading to a fulfilling relationship. It reminds you that love is about balance, equality, and the mutual exchange of care and support.

In Work: The Two of Cups represents a successful partnership or collaboration. This card suggests you may enter into a business partnership, project, or team dynamic that fosters cooperation, mutual respect, and shared success. The Two of Cups highlights the potential for fruitful alliances, where both parties bring complementary strengths and work together towards a common goal. This card encourages you to embrace collaboration, communicate openly, and approach your work relationships with empathy and respect. It may also indicate a time when you find emotional satisfaction and fulfilment in your professional life through supportive partnerships or working within a harmonious team.

Spiritually: The Two of Cups symbolises a deep, soul-level connection and the union of the self with a higher power or spiritual truth. This card suggests you are experiencing a period of spiritual alignment where your personal beliefs and practices are in harmony with your inner self. It can also represent a spiritual partnership, where two individuals come together with a shared spiritual purpose or goal, creating a sense of unity and support. The Two of Cups encourages you to cultivate spiritual connections that nurture and elevate your soul, whether through relationships with others or a deepened connection to your spiritual path. It suggests a time of healing and emotional balance, where you are open to receiving divine guidance and embracing love in all its forms.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

Four of Wands

The Four of Wands represents celebration, harmony, and the achievement of a milestone. The fourth card in the Suit of Wands signifies a moment of joy and recognition, where efforts have led to a secure foundation. Depicted as a celebration or wedding, the Four of Wands marks a time when you can relax and celebrate your successes. The card shows people dancing, celebrating, or standing under a wreath of flowers, symbolising the completion of a task or project achieved with unity and collaboration. The Four of Wands is about coming together to mark a significant achievement or a period of peace.

This card reflects a time of stability, contentment, and security, where all the hard work has paid off, and now you can enjoy the fruits of your labour. It encourages you to celebrate your success, take pride in your achievements, and share that joy with others. The Four of Wands also signifies the importance of community and support, reminding you that the road to success is often paved with the help of those around you. It is a reminder to acknowledge and honour those who have supported your journey.

In Relationships: The Four of Wands indicates a joyful, stable, and harmonious period. This card often symbolises milestones such as engagements, weddings, or moving in together, as it represents a time when the couple has reached a significant moment of unity and celebration. It can also indicate a relationship that brings security, peace, and mutual support. For those in long-term partnerships, the Four of Wands can signify a period of renewed stability, where both partners feel more connected and aligned in their shared goals. For those who are single, this card suggests a happy, stable relationship may be on the horizon, one that offers both emotional fulfilment and belonging.

In Work: The Four of Wands indicates the completion of a major project or a professional milestone. It marks a time of celebration for the hard work and teamwork that has gone into achieving a goal. This card signifies recognition, security, and the reward of efforts well spent. It may suggest that you are in a period of consolidation, where your career is solidifying, and you can take a moment to relax and enjoy the stability you've worked hard to create. The Four of Wands also points to a time when collaboration, support from colleagues, or a sense of community at work leads to greater success. It's a reminder that both individual effort and collective support are necessary for long-term success.

Spiritually: The Four of Wands represents peace, stability, and the celebration of one's personal growth. It indicates a period of contentment and spiritual alignment where you feel grounded and secure in your path. This card can suggest harmony and integration between different aspects of the self, such as mind, body, and spirit. The Four of Wands encourages you to celebrate the progress made on your spiritual journey and enjoy the peace and balance you have achieved. It may also represent a time with a supportive spiritual community or finding peace in your connection with others who share your beliefs.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

Six of Wands

The Six of Wands represents victory, recognition, and public acclaim. The sixth card in the Suit of Wands signifies a time of achievement and rewards from overcoming challenges. Depicted as a figure riding a horse, holding a wreath of victory while others cheer from the sidelines, the Six of Wands symbolises triumph, success, and recognition for hard work. This card signifies acknowledgment of one's efforts by peers, colleagues, or the wider community. The Six of Wands speaks to both internal pride and external validation, encouraging you to take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments.

This card reflects a time when you have reached a milestone or completed a significant project, and now you are enjoying the recognition and admiration of others. The Six of Wands suggests your efforts have been noticed, and you are basking in the glow of your success. It encourages confidence and celebrates the idea that you are on the right track, and your achievements reflect your determination and skill. While the card heralds victory, it also reminds you to remain humble and share your success with those who have supported you along the way.

In Relationships: The Six of Wands indicates a successful time. It suggests the couple is being recognised for their unity, and their love is flourishing. This card can represent celebration in love, such as an engagement, a wedding, or a deepening of commitment. It speaks to a time when the relationship feels supported by both partners and their communities. For those who are single, the Six of Wands may suggest that you will soon find success in your romantic endeavours, whether through attracting a new partner or gaining the recognition you deserve in love. This card encourages self-confidence, showing you are ready for a rewarding romantic experience.

In Work: The Six of Wands is a sign of achievement, victory, and recognition. It indicates that you have completed a project or reached an important professional milestone. This card celebrates your dedication, skill, and leadership, along with the acknowledgment you will receive from others for your hard work. It may indicate receiving a promotion, a job offer, or public recognition for your contributions. The Six of Wands encourages you to take pride in your success and enjoy the validation that comes with it, while also reminding you to stay grounded and humble. This card also suggests your career is on an upward trajectory, and your efforts are being noticed by the right people.

Spiritually: The Six of Wands signifies a time of spiritual victory and personal growth. You may feel accomplishment in your spiritual journey, having overcome a difficult phase, or gain deeper insight. This card suggests your spiritual practices are yielding positive results and that you are being acknowledged for your dedication. It also indicates confidence and alignment with your higher self, allowing you to share your wisdom and experiences with others. The Six of Wands encourages you to take pride in your spiritual journey while remaining humble and open to continued growth. It suggests you are on the right path and that your spiritual victories are worth celebrating.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups signifies emotional fulfilment, new beginnings in love, and the potential for meaningful connections. It represents the flow of pure, unfiltered emotion and the start of a fresh emotional chapter. This card is a symbol of a new opportunity for love, self-love, compassion, and emotional growth. The depiction shows a chalice overflowing with water, representing the abundance of emotional energy, creativity, and spiritual connection available to you. The Ace of Cups suggests you are entering a period where you can experience emotional renewal.

This card represents the start of a new emotional journey, whether opening the heart to a new love, a fresh emotional perspective, or a deeper connection with oneself. The Ace of Cups encourages you to be open to your feelings, embrace vulnerability, and welcome the overflow of emotional experiences that will bring fulfilment. It is a time to drink deeply from the well of emotions, intuition, and creativity.

In Relationships: The Ace of Cups signifies new beginnings, emotional breakthroughs, or the renewal of love. This card indicates a time of emotional connection and intimacy, where the relationship may take on a new level of understanding and affection. The Ace of Cups may point to the blossoming of love, compassion, or a deeper bond between partners. For singles, this card signals the potential for a new, fulfilling romantic relationship. The Ace of Cups also invites you to think about your own emotional well-being, suggesting that love begins with a connection to oneself.

In Work: The Ace of Cups suggests a fresh start, a new opportunity that brings emotional fulfilment and satisfaction. It may indicate a job or project that aligns with your passions and brings joy, creative inspiration, or a sense of purpose. This card invites you to pursue work that resonates with your emotional needs and allows for personal expression. The Ace of Cups also represents creativity and the ability to bring heart-centred intentions into your work. You are encouraged to listen to your intuition and follow the opportunities that nourish your emotional well-being, leading to a more fulfilling professional life.

Spiritually: The Ace of Cups represents the potential for spiritual awakening, intuition, and connection to the divine. It indicates a time of heightened awareness, where you may feel more attuned to your inner voice or the flow of universal energy. This card suggests you are open to receiving guidance and experiencing deeper fulfilment. The Ace of Cups is a reminder to trust in the flow of life, be open to new insights, and nurture a connection with the higher self. It also encourages you to engage in practices that nourish the soul and foster emotional healing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

Two of Wands

The Two of Wands represents planning, decision-making, and exploring possibilities. As the second card in the suit of Wands, it marks the stage where inspiration and initial excitement develop into a more thoughtful, strategic approach. Depicted as a figure between two tall staffs holding a globe and looking out over a vast landscape, the Two of Wands symbolises a moment of looking ahead and considering the future. This card indicates you are standing at a crossroads, contemplating your next steps and weighing your options. The globe represents the world of possibilities, while the staffs represent the energy and determination needed to move forward.

The Two of Wands suggests you have a vision of something larger and are beginning to take steps towards realising it. It encourages you to assess your goals and carefully consider the actions needed to bring them to fruition. This card often signals the beginning of a journey or a project that involves a degree of risk, as you venture beyond your comfort zone. The Two of Wands invites you to embrace your ambition and take a proactive approach. Still, it also reminds you to plan and consider possible outcomes before making significant decisions.

In Relationships: The Two of Wands suggests you are at a decision-making point in your romantic life. You may be contemplating whether to move forward with a relationship or whether it's time to explore other possibilities. This card indicates a strong sense of attraction and potential, but you may need to make a choice or assess how your desires align with the reality of the relationship. For those already in a partnership, the Two of Wands may indicate a time of expansion, where both partners are considering new directions together. It encourages exploration, communication, and mutual decision-making. This card can also indicate that you are contemplating a long-distance relationship or a shift in the dynamics of an existing relationship.

In Work: The Two of Wands represents planning, foresight, and taking the first steps towards a larger goal. You may be considering a new professional opportunity, expanding your business, or exploring an alternative career path. This card suggests you have already gained some experience or knowledge and are looking ahead to the next stage of your professional journey. The Two of Wands encourages taking calculated risks and boldly pursuing new opportunities. It also reminds you to be patient, as success may require careful planning and thoughtful consideration. This card can indicate that you are preparing to step into a leadership role or begin a new venture, but thoughtful consideration of the options is necessary before making a decision.

Spiritually: The Two of Wands signifies a moment of self-reflection and contemplation on the path ahead. This card invites you to look at your spiritual journey and consider what you desire to manifest. It may indicate a time when you are weighing different spiritual practices or philosophies, trying to determine which path feels most aligned with your higher self. The Two of Wands encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new spiritual experiences or ideas that may broaden your understanding of yourself and the universe. It also symbolises the need for inner exploration and preparation for the next phase of spiritual growth. You may be considering whether you are ready to make a deeper commitment or take the next step on your spiritual path.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

Five of Wands, Reversed

The Five of Wands represents conflict, competition, and the challenges that arise from differing opinions or approaches. It indicates tension or struggle, often within a group or community. Depicted as multiple figures engaged in a chaotic situation, each holding a wand and vying for position, the Five of Wands symbolises conflict that arises from differences in perspective, ambition, or goals. However, this card does not suggest that the conflict is destructive, but an opportunity for growth and learning through challenges.

Reversed, the Five of Wands can indicate an escalation of conflict, where tensions have become more intense or reached an impasse. It may suggest that you are avoiding confrontation or struggling to resolve disputes, leading to an ongoing sense of frustration or stagnation. The reversed Five of Wands could also point to an environment where competition has become unhealthy, and individuals are working against each other rather than together. This card advises you to reassess your approach to conflict—whether you are feeding into the drama or whether you can find a more constructive way to address the issue at hand. It encourages you to look for ways to collaborate, communicate, and resolve differences before the situation becomes even more difficult to manage.

In Relationships: The Five of Wands indicates a time of tension or conflict. This could manifest as disagreements, misunderstandings, or a lack of alignment between partners. It may also suggest competition, whether it's between romantic interests or external pressures affecting the relationship. The Five of Wands asks you to examine the nature of these conflicts—are they really important, or are they distractions? It may indicate that you and your partner need to find common ground and address underlying issues to move forward. This card can also indicate rivalry, whether dealing with external competition or navigating emotional struggles within the relationship.

In Work: The Five of Wands signals a competitive or challenging work environment. You may be facing conflict with colleagues, managers, or even clients, or there may be a struggle to assert your position in a competitive field. This card suggests that, while challenges are present, they are not necessarily insurmountable. The Five of Wands encourages you to stay focused on your goals and use the competition as a motivator for personal growth and innovation. Rather than being discouraged by conflict, you are urged to find ways to collaborate or think creatively to stand out from the crowd. The Five of Wands can also point to a need to choose your battles wisely.

Spiritually: The Five of Wands represents inner conflict or struggles in finding harmony with one's beliefs or spiritual path. This card may indicate that you are facing challenges in reconciling different spiritual practices or may feel torn between different aspects of your spiritual self. The Five of Wands suggests that conflict is part of the spiritual journey, but can also provide valuable lessons in growth, strength, and clarity. This card asks you to examine how you respond to inner and outer conflict and to integrate differing views or beliefs into a more cohesive understanding. It encourages you to embrace challenges as opportunities to refine your spiritual practice, understanding that discord can lead to greater personal and spiritual evolution.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Five of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles represents hardship, struggle, and being left out in the cold. This card embodies the energy of material or financial loss, insecurity, and isolation. It depicts two figures walking through a snowy landscape, disconnected from the warmth and comfort of a nearby building, symbolising being excluded, abandoned, or not supported. The Five of Pentacles suggests you may experience difficulty, whether financial instability, health problems, or emotional lack. The card invites you to reflect on how you view scarcity and struggle and recognise that hardship, while challenging, can also present opportunities for growth and resilience.

This card can point to feelings of fear, scarcity, or loneliness, as you may feel you are facing challenges alone. It's also a reminder that help and support are often closer than you may realise. The building in the background, though it may seem out of reach, represents the possibility of assistance or refuge that can be found if you are open to seeking it. The Five of Pentacles encourages you to avoid becoming too focused on your struggles and be willing to reach out for help or to change your perspective on your situation.

In Relationships: The Five of Pentacles may indicate feelings of isolation or abandonment. You may experience distance from your partner and feel unsupported or misunderstood. This card can also point to financial struggles affecting the relationship, such as job loss or instability, which can lead to feelings of insecurity or worry. The Five of Pentacles advises you to communicate openly with your partner and address any issues causing emotional distance. It encourages you to be open to receiving help or support from your partner, rather than suffering in silence.

In Work: The Five of Pentacles suggests you may be facing financial difficulty, job insecurity, or a lack of recognition in your professional life. This card indicates you may feel disconnected or unsupported in your career or may be struggling to find your footing after a setback. The Five of Pentacles urges you to reach out for support, whether seeking new opportunities, asking for help, or finding ways to strengthen your financial situation. This card also serves as a reminder that difficult times are temporary and that with perseverance and a shift in perspective, you can recover from hardship.

Spiritually: The Five of Pentacles suggests a feeling of spiritual dryness, isolation, or abandonment. You may experience doubts about your faith or disconnection from your spiritual path. This card can also indicate feeling disconnected from the support of a spiritual community or unsupported in your personal beliefs. However, the Five of Pentacles invites you to recognise that even in times of spiritual struggle, help and guidance may be closer than you think. This card encourages you to reach out for support from your spiritual community, mentors, or resources that can help you regain connection, faith, and purpose. The card reminds us that spiritual growth often comes through overcoming difficult periods, and that seeking help or guidance during times of spiritual challenge can lead to deeper understanding and healing.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

Ten of Swords, Reversed

The Ten of Swords represents painful endings, betrayal, and hitting rock bottom. This card signals a time of tremendous distress, often indicating that a situation has reached its peak of destruction, and the only way out is through the aftermath. The image depicts a figure lying face down with ten swords piercing their back, symbolising the ultimate betrayal or defeat. The Ten of Swords signifies a crisis or a moment where you feel like everything falls apart, and you are at the lowest point possible. However, it is important to note that the Ten of Swords also marks the completion of a cycle, meaning that while the end is painful, it is also the beginning of a new chapter.

Reversed, the Ten of Swords suggests that the worst of the pain has passed, and you are beginning to heal from a difficult situation. The reversal indicates that you are emerging from emotional or mental distress, and the worst is behind you. While the scars may remain, this card encourages you to focus on recovery, understanding that the healing process is underway. It may also suggest that you are still in the final stages of letting go of a painful situation, but knowing that a new chapter is beginning and that you have the strength to move forward.

In Relationships: The Ten of Swords suggests the painful end of a relationship, possibly involving betrayal, dishonesty, or emotional devastation. You may experience the finality of a breakup, a sense of loss, or the painful realisation that a relationship is no longer serving your well-being. This card indicates a time of heartache but also signals the end of a difficult emotional journey. The Ten of Swords urges you to release any attachment to the past and allow yourself the time and space to heal. While this card represents a painful ending, it also holds the promise of emotional liberation and the opportunity to rebuild your sense of self and open yourself up to future relationships.

In Work: The Ten of Swords represents a significant failure, burnout, or the collapse of a professional endeavour. You may have experienced a career setback, loss of a job, or the failure of a project. This card signals the end of a phase in your work life, often due to betrayal, poor decisions, or circumstances beyond your control. While the Ten of Swords can represent a moment of defeat, it also suggests this is the conclusion of a difficult chapter. The card encourages you to accept the end of the situation and focus on the lessons learned, knowing that from this point forward, you can move on to more fulfilling professional opportunities.

Spiritually: The Ten of Swords indicates spiritual crisis, despair, or the shattering of old beliefs. You may be going through an intense period of doubt, loss, or a profound sense of disconnection from your spiritual path. This card represents the breaking down of old structures and ways of thinking, which can feel devastating but is necessary for growth. The Ten of Swords invites you to embrace this spiritual death and let go of outdated beliefs or attachments that no longer serve you. Though painful, this is an opportunity for rebirth, allowing you to reconnect with your true self and the divine.