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 Seven of Cups, Reversed	Triggering Causes
King of Cups	Necessary Conclusions	Seven of Pentacles, Reversed
Significator #1	Four of Cups, Reversed	Significator #2
Nine of Cups, Reversed	Next Step	VIII – Strength, Reversed
	Seven of Swords, Reversed
	Surprising Experiences V – The Hierophant
	Outcome Queen of Pentacles

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

Nine of Cups, Reversed

The Nine of Cups signifies emotional contentment, fulfilment, and the realisation of desires. Depicted as a figure seated in front of nine neatly arranged cups, with a look of satisfaction and pride, this card represents a time when your emotional needs have been met, and your desires have come to fruition. The Nine of Cups indicates a period of emotional success, where you find joy, peace, and gratitude, having achieved personal fulfilment. It suggests you have worked hard to manifest your dreams and are now experiencing the rewards of your efforts.

Reversed, the Nine of Cups indicates that emotional contentment may be elusive or you may feel unfulfilled, despite outward appearances of success. It can suggest dissatisfaction or a longing for something more, even though you have achieved your desires. The reversal of the Nine of Cups may point to excess, indulgence, or taking things for granted. It may also indicate that you are pursuing superficial goals that do not bring true happiness or ignoring deeper emotional needs. The Nine of Cups reversed invites you to reassess your desires and values, to find a more meaningful sense of fulfilment that aligns with your emotional well-being.

In Relationships: The Nine of Cups represents emotional fulfilment and happiness. This card signifies a time when you are content in your romantic life, where wishes and desires related to love and connection have been realised. It may suggest that you have found a partner who meets your emotional needs or are experiencing harmony and mutual satisfaction in a current relationship. For singles, the Nine of Cups indicates that emotional contentment and happiness are within reach and that you may soon find a relationship that aligns with your deepest desires. This card encourages you to enjoy the love you have while remaining open to new emotional experiences.

In Work: The Nine of Cups indicates professional satisfaction and the fulfilment of career goals. It suggests you have achieved success in your work or are on the verge of realising your professional ambitions. This card celebrates the completion of a goal, whether a promotion, project, or recognition, and signals a time to take pride in accomplishments. The Nine of Cups reminds you to appreciate your hard work and acknowledge the rewards that have come from your efforts. However, it also encourages you to reflect on what brings you fulfilment in your career, suggesting that success is measured by emotional satisfaction rather than external validation or material gain.

Spiritually: The Nine of Cups signifies peace, contentment, and alignment with one's higher self. It indicates that you are experiencing spiritual fulfilment, having found a path or practice that brings you emotional and spiritual satisfaction. This card suggests a time of gratitude and inner peace, where you feel connected to your spiritual journey and at ease with who you are. The Nine of Cups encourages you to continue nurturing your spiritual path, acknowledging the spiritual abundance in your life. It is a reminder that happiness comes from within and can be found in the present moment.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

King of Cups

The King of Cups represents emotional mastery, compassion, and wisdom. As a ruler of the suit of cups, this king embodies the perfect balance between emotion and intellect, demonstrating how to navigate the realm of feelings with maturity, understanding, and composure. He is a figure of emotional authority, someone who has learned how to handle intense emotions without being overwhelmed. The King of Cups is empathetic and caring, but he knows when to show restraint and when to express his feelings, always maintaining control over his emotional responses.

This card symbolises emotional stability, where you are encouraged to approach situations with a rational mind, compassionate heart, and sense of emotional awareness. The King of Cups calls on you to step into your emotional maturity, cultivating balance in your personal and professional lives. His presence suggests the need to channel emotional wisdom, offering guidance and support to others, while also being true to your feelings. He invites you to lead with love, showing empathy and understanding, yet always staying grounded and composed.

In Relationships: The King of Cups represents a strong emotional connection based on mutual respect, understanding, and balance. This card suggests you may experience a relationship where emotional maturity and stability play a central role. The King of Cups is supportive, compassionate, and capable of offering guidance and comfort in times of need while maintaining emotional composure. This card indicates a period of emotional harmony, where both partners communicate openly, understand each other's needs, and offer unconditional love and support. The King of Cups encourages you to express your feelings with integrity and approach love with a calm, steady heart.

In Work: The King of Cups suggests you are or will soon be in a position of leadership, where your emotional intelligence, wisdom, and empathy will be highly valued. This card indicates you may be called upon to guide others, offering support, mentorship, or emotional guidance in your professional environment. The King of Cups represents a leader skilled in their field who can manage relationships, build trust, and create a harmonious atmosphere. This card also emphasises the importance of maintaining emotional balance in the workplace, ensuring you do not allow stress, pressure, or conflict to affect your emotional state. The King of Cups advises you to rely on your emotional intelligence to succeed, leading with compassion, patience, and wisdom.

Spiritually: The King of Cups represents emotional and spiritual maturity, along with a strong connection to the higher self. This card suggests you may have reached a stage in your spiritual journey where you can approach your path with understanding, balance, and inner calm. The King of Cups encourages you to trust your emotional wisdom and intuition, knowing that your feelings can serve as a guide towards spiritual fulfilment. This card also suggests the need for emotional healing for you or those you serve, encouraging a compassionate, healing approach to others on their spiritual journey. The King of Cups teaches that spiritual growth is not just about intellectual understanding but also mastering the emotional realm with love, empathy, and wisdom.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

Seven of Cups, Reversed

The Seven of Cups represents choices, illusions, and the complexity of emotional decisions. This card depicts seven cups filled with different images, symbolising various desires, dreams, or fantasies. Some cups may hold treasure, others snakes, skulls, or clouds, representing the spectrum of possibilities you face. The Seven of Cups signals a time when you are confronted with many options, each representing different emotional paths, dreams, or desires. However, it also suggests these options may be clouded by illusions, wishful thinking, or unrealistic expectations, making it challenging to discern what is valuable or achievable. This card asks you to consider your choices carefully, distinguishing between what is grounded in reality and what is a fleeting fantasy.

Reversed, the Seven of Cups indicates a lack of clarity or focus, and you may be struggling with decision-making or overwhelmed by too many choices. The reversal suggests you may have fallen prey to illusions, escapism, or unrealistic expectations, and now face the consequences of these choices. It may also signal that you are avoiding making decisions or can't commit to a path because you are too caught up in dreams or fantasies. The Seven of Cups reversed urges you to face reality, clear away illusions, and focus on the choices most aligned with your desires. It suggests you may need to eliminate distractions and prioritise your goals.

In Relationships: The Seven of Cups indicates emotional confusion or being faced with many options, each offering a distinct possibility. It can signify a time when you may be caught up in daydreams or fantasies about love, perhaps idealising certain relationships or not seeing things clearly. This card may also suggest that you are unsure about a current relationship, feeling torn between different emotional desires or potential partners. The Seven of Cups advises you to ground yourself in reality, consider the consequences of your choices, and choose a path that aligns with your emotional needs. It cautions against being swept away by illusions or unrealistic expectations in relationships.

In Work: The Seven of Cups represents a time of many options, opportunities, or career paths, but it may also indicate confusion or difficulty in deciding. You may feel overwhelmed by the possibilities or tempted by opportunities that seem too good to be true. This card encourages you to take a step back and assess each option carefully, considering not only the rewards but also the potential risks or consequences. The Seven of Cups advises you to remain focused and not get distracted by illusions or promises of easy success. It's a reminder that not all opportunities are as they appear, and clarity and discernment are essential when making career decisions.

Spiritually: The Seven of Cups suggests a time of inner conflict, where you may be drawn to many spiritual paths, practices, or beliefs, but are uncertain which one resonates with you most deeply. This card can indicate spiritual confusion or a tendency to be distracted by illusions or false promises of enlightenment. The Seven of Cups invites you to ground your spiritual practice, reminding you to stay focused on your values and beliefs, rather than chasing trends. It also encourages you to explore your desires mindfully, making sure that your spiritual choices are rooted in your true self.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

Four of Cups, Reversed

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.

Reversed, the Four of Cups can indicate an emotional awakening or a shift in perspective. You may be coming out of a period of stagnation or discontent and recognising the opportunities for emotional fulfilment and growth that were once overlooked. This card reversed can signal the opening up of your heart to new possibilities and the willingness to embrace change. It may suggest a newfound appreciation for life and relationships, and a readiness to accept new experiences. However, the reversal also warns against becoming complacent again, encouraging you to stay receptive to emotional fulfilment, rather than retreating into apathy or disillusionment.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

Seven of Swords, Reversed

The Seven of Swords represents secrecy, deception, and strategic thinking. This card suggests you may be dealing with a situation where there is dishonesty, hidden motives, or someone trying to outsmart others. It indicates a need for caution and careful consideration, as things may not be as they appear on the surface. The image shows a figure sneaking away with swords, symbolising the act of taking what isn't freely given or trying to avoid detection. This card invites you to examine situations in which deception, avoidance, or evasion may be at play, whether from you or others.

Reversed, the Seven of Swords can indicate that deception or dishonesty is being uncovered, and the truth is coming to light. The reversal suggests you may realise you can no longer avoid the truth or continue in a situation built on lies or manipulation. It may also signify a time when you are caught in your own web of deceit or feel the consequences of your actions. The reversed Seven of Swords encourages you to take responsibility for dishonest behaviour and make amends where necessary. It may also indicate that you are now ready to approach situations with honesty, integrity, and openness, leaving behind the need for secrecy or avoidance.

In Relationships: The Seven of Swords suggests there may be secrets, dishonesty, or hidden agendas. This could be a situation where one partner is deceptive, hiding important information, or avoiding confrontation. Alternatively, it may point to hiding your feelings or avoiding an honest discussion about the relationship. The Seven of Swords calls for you to pay attention to what may not be said or seen, encouraging you to approach the relationship with awareness and discernment. If there is deceit, the card urges you to confront the truth and seek open communication. On the other hand, it may also suggest the need to be more transparent in your actions or to carefully consider the consequences of keeping things hidden.

In Work: The Seven of Swords can indicate dishonesty, theft, or unethical behaviour in the workplace. It may suggest that someone is trying to take credit for someone else's work, using manipulative tactics, or engaging in underhanded behaviour to achieve their goals. This card advises you to be cautious and observant of your professional dealings, as deceit or betrayal may be occurring. Alternatively, the Seven of Swords may suggest you adopt a more strategic, clever approach to achieve success, relying on your ability to navigate tricky situations with discretion and tact. The card encourages you to consider the ethical implications of your actions and avoid shortcuts that could lead to negative consequences.

Spiritually: The Seven of Swords suggests a need for greater honesty with oneself, as well as the potential for self-deception or avoidance of spiritual truths. This card invites you to examine areas of your life where you may be hiding from deeper issues or avoiding the truth. It may also indicate that you are relying on cleverness or avoidance rather than confronting your spiritual challenges directly. The Seven of Swords encourages you to reflect on whether you are being truthful in your spiritual practice and seek clarity in areas of your life that may be clouded by dishonesty or denial. It is a reminder that spiritual growth comes from facing the truth.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

V – The Hierophant

The Hierophant represents tradition, spiritual guidance, conformity, and the pursuit of higher knowledge. It embodies the connection between the material and the spiritual worlds, serving as a bridge between earthly concerns and divine wisdom. The Hierophant, a spiritual leader sits between two pillars, symbolising the balance between different belief systems or realms of existence. He holds a sceptre and makes a gesture of blessing, representing his role as a guide to spiritual enlightenment and as an authority on sacred teachings.

The Hierophant is the embodiment of structured wisdom, offering spiritual teachings that have been passed down through generations. This card suggests you may need to seek counsel or mentorship from a wise figure or should adhere to established traditions and practices to find clarity and direction. The Hierophant reminds us that spiritual growth and enlightenment are often found through established systems, whether through religion, philosophy, martial arts, or other forms of structured knowledge.

In Relationships: The Hierophant speaks to the importance of tradition, commitment, and spiritual alignment. It may indicate that you seek a relationship grounded in shared values, moral beliefs, or spiritual practices. This card may also suggest the need to commit to a relationship in a formal or traditional manner, such as marriage, or to honour the teachings that come from longstanding cultural or familial expectations. The Hierophant reminds us that relationships can thrive with mutual respect, understanding, and adherence to shared principles.

In Work: The Hierophant suggests you may need to follow a structured path or seek guidance from an established authority in your field. It may mean that success can be achieved through conformity to established norms, practices, and systems. This card encourages you to pursue your professional goals with discipline and a respect for tradition, while also considering mentorship or further education to deepen your knowledge. The Hierophant may also point to a career in teaching, counselling, or religious or spiritual fields, where the transfer of knowledge is central.

Spiritually: The Hierophant represents the pursuit of spiritual knowledge through structured systems, such as religion, philosophy, or spiritual teachings. This card invites you to seek wisdom from established sources through sacred texts, a religious leader, or a disciplined spiritual practice. The Hierophant suggests the path to enlightenment can be found by following tradition, honouring teachings, and connecting to a community of like-minded individuals. It also emphasises the importance of faith, devotion, and moral integrity on the spiritual path.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles represents nurturing, practicality, and the embodiment of abundance through care and grounded energy. She is a figure of stability, comfort, and material success, who uses her resources and nurturing nature to create a secure and harmonious environment for herself and those around her. Seated on a throne, with a pentacle in her lap and surrounded by lush greenery, the Queen of Pentacles symbolises a connection to the material world, yet she remains grounded and balanced in her approach to wealth, home, and family. This card speaks to the nurturing energy required to create material and emotional abundance.

The Queen of Pentacles embodies the ability to manifest security and comfort while maintaining a practical and compassionate approach. She represents someone skilled at managing finances, taking care of their home, and supporting loved ones while also finding time to nurture themselves. The Queen is deeply in touch with nature and the physical world, understanding that material success results from both hard work and a caring, thoughtful approach. She encourages you to balance practicality with compassion, create a secure foundation, and use your resources strategically to ensure long-term happiness.

In Relationships: The Queen of Pentacles signifies a caring and nurturing partner. This card indicates a partner who provides emotional and practical support, creating a loving and secure home environment. The Queen of Pentacles represents someone devoted to their partner and family, offering unconditional care and stability. For those seeking love, the card suggests the importance of self-nurturing and building a foundation of trust and comfort. It can indicate a relationship grounded in mutual care and a focus on building something to last together.

In Work: The Queen of Pentacles represents success through practicality, hard work, and the ability to manage both professional and personal responsibilities with grace. You may be excelling in a career that requires attention to detail, organisation, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities. This card speaks to financial security from careful planning and wise investment, along with the ability to create a nurturing work environment. The Queen of Pentacles encourages you to use your skills in managing resources for stability and success. It may also suggest that your career is one in which you can provide care or support to others, whether in a leadership role, as a caregiver, or in a profession that fosters security and well-being.

Spiritually: The Queen of Pentacles represents a balanced and grounded approach to growth. This card suggests you are in tune with the physical world and understand the importance of taking care of your body, mind, and environment as part of your spiritual practice. The Queen invites you to nurture your spiritual life by cultivating self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and integrating your spiritual practices into daily life. She emphasises the importance of creating a sacred space, whether through meditation, reflection, or connection with nature, to foster inner peace and well-being. The Queen of Pentacles teaches that you can nurture spiritual growth in a practical, down-to-earth way.