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  XVIII – The Moon |
Triggering Causes |
 Three of Cups, Reversed |
Necessary Conclusions |  Page of Swords, Reversed |
| Significator #1 |  Queen of Swords |
Significator #2 |
 VI – The Lovers, Reversed |
Next Step |  XVI – The Tower, Reversed |
 Two of Cups |
||
Surprising Experiences  Six of Cups |
||
Outcome  Ace of Pentacles |
Significator #1
VI – The Lovers, Reversed
The Lovers represents union, love, choices, and harmony. It embodies the themes of connection within oneself and with others. The Lovers card is depicted with a couple standing together with an angel overseeing them, symbolising divine blessing and the importance of alignment with higher ideals. This card reflects the powerful and transformative nature of love, not just in romantic relationships, but in many partnerships, including those that involve shared values, goals, and emotional bonds.
Reversed, the Lovers can indicate disharmony, a struggle with making decisions, or a lack of alignment in relationships. It may suggest that you are facing conflicts in love or cannot make a clear choice regarding a romantic or professional relationship. This card reversed warns against making decisions from a place of confusion, fear, or external pressure, urging you to take the time to align your heart and mind before making important choices. It can also signify a lack of balance or authenticity in a relationship, where one or both partners may not be fully committed or honest with each other.
In Relationships: The Lovers card speaks to the power of emotional connections and the importance of choosing love and commitment with intention. It signifies the potential for a significant and harmonious relationship, one grounded in mutual respect, attraction, and shared values. This card invites you to make decisions in love with clarity and authenticity, suggesting that love, when chosen wisely, can lead to fulfilment and growth. The Lovers can also signify a turning point in a relationship, where you must make an important choice.
In Work: The Lovers suggests the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values and passions. It may indicate a partnership or collaboration that will lead to success, or the need to make a decision that will impact your professional path. This card encourages you to consider how your work aligns with your deeper goals and choose a path that resonates with your authentic self. The Lovers also emphasises the importance of balancing work and personal life, fostering relationships that support professional success without sacrificing personal happiness.
Spiritually: The Lovers card signifies the unity of opposites, the balance of masculine and feminine energies, and the pursuit of higher harmony. It invites you to seek alignment within yourself, uniting your conscious and unconscious desires, and connect with the divine through love, compassion, and authenticity. The Lovers can also represent the spiritual journey of making choices that reflect your true calling, encouraging you to act in accordance with your higher self and divine purpose. It reminds us that spiritual growth comes from living in harmony with your values.
Significator #2
XVI – The Tower, Reversed
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation. This card symbolises the collapse of established structures that were built on unstable foundations. A tall tower being struck by lightning, with people falling from it, signals that something in your life is about to be drastically altered, often through unexpected events or revelations. While the image may appear dramatic, the Tower invites a necessary shake-up or disruption that clears the way for transformation. The destruction is not meant to be detrimental, but to reveal the truth and tear down false beliefs, patterns, or illusions that no longer serve your best interests.
Reversed, the Tower can indicate resistance to change or a fear of upheaval. You may be avoiding the collapse of an outdated structure, clinging to what is familiar out of fear of the unknown. This card reversed warns that delaying or denying the inevitable changes will only lead to greater chaos in the future. The reversed Tower also speaks to the possibility of avoiding the truth, which may be keeping you trapped in an illusion. It encourages you to face the situation head-on, release your attachment to the old, and embrace the transformation required for personal growth and freedom. The Tower reversed suggests the sooner you accept the need for change, the sooner you can rebuild on a stronger foundation.
In Relationships: The Tower indicates a sudden and unexpected change—this could be an argument, a breakup, or a moment of shocking revelation that forces both partners to confront underlying issues. While the upheaval may be painful, it offers an opportunity to rebuild the relationship from a more authentic place, free of illusions or false expectations. The Tower urges you to face uncomfortable truths and let go of outdated beliefs or patterns preventing the relationship from developing. This card can also signify a need to release unhealthy attachments to make way for a more genuine connection.
In Work: The Tower suggests an unexpected disruption in your professional life. This could be a sudden job loss, a major shift in a project, or the breakdown of a system that no longer works. The Tower indicates that a structure built on unstable ground is collapsing, and while this may initially seem like a crisis, it is ultimately a catalyst for change and growth. You are encouraged to embrace the chaos as an opportunity to reassess your goals and approach, shedding old methods or beliefs that no longer align with your vision of success. The Tower signals the need for radical change, pushing you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace radical new possibilities.
Spiritually: The Tower represents a profound awakening, where your beliefs or worldview may be shattered to make room for deeper understanding and enlightenment. This card invites you to confront the illusions or false constructs that have kept you from seeing the truth of your spiritual path. The Tower represents the moment of revelation that breaks down the ego, allowing the individual to see things more clearly. It is a reminder that spiritual growth often requires moments of upheaval, where the old self is destroyed to make way for the new. The destruction of the old is essential for the emergence of wisdom and self-awareness.
Early Causes
Three of Cups, Reversed
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.
Reversed, the Three of Cups can indicate disharmony in friendships or a lack of emotional connection within a group or community. You may feel disconnected from others or experience a lack of support from your social circle. This card reversed suggests you may need to address relationship issues, such as misunderstandings or conflicts with friends or loved ones. It can also point to overindulgence or a focus on superficial connections that may detract from deeper emotional fulfilment. The reversed Three of Cups invites you to re-establish connections, find balance in your social life, and seek out relationships that bring emotional nourishment.
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.
Triggering Causes
Page of Swords, Reversed
The Page of Swords represents curiosity, mental agility, and a thirst for knowledge. This card indicates a time of exploring new ideas, seeking the truth, and being inquisitive about the world. The Page of Swords embodies the energy of a young, eager mind, ready to learn and communicate. Holding a sword and looking forward with determination, this figure symbolises a desire to cut through confusion and uncover deeper truths. This card is a call to embrace mental challenges, use logic and intellect, and approach situations with keen observation and a clear perspective.
Reversed, the Page of Swords suggests you may be engaging in gossip, being overly critical, or misinterpreting information. There may be a tendency to jump to conclusions without understanding a situation or communicate in a crude, tactless manner. The reversal warns against using intellect or sharp words to manipulate or undermine others. It encourages you to be more careful with your communication. It can also indicate a lack of focus, leading to confusion or misunderstandings. The Page of Swords reversed suggests the need to slow down, gather more information, and approach situations with greater maturity and understanding.
In Relationships: The Page of Swords suggests a time of intellectual curiosity and communication. This card can indicate that you or your partner are seeking clarity or trying to understand the dynamics of the relationship more deeply. There may be a need for open, honest communication, and the Page of Swords encourages expressing your thoughts clearly, even if the conversation may be uncomfortable. The Page also warns against jumping to conclusions. Take the time to gather information before making assumptions. In some cases, the Page of Swords may indicate someone more focused on mental stimulation than emotional connection, so it's important to balance intellect and emotion in the relationship.
In Work: The Page of Swords signals a time for gathering information, learning, or sharpening skills necessary for success. You may be in the early stages of a new project or endeavour, and this card suggests you should approach it with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the ability to think critically. It may also point to new developments or challenges on the horizon that require you to adapt quickly. The Page of Swords encourages you to be analytical in your approach to work and be prepared to respond quickly to new opportunities or problems. This card can also suggest that someone in the workplace is observing you, so it's important to be mindful of how your actions or words are perceived.
Spiritually: The Page of Swords represents exploration and a quest for truth. You may seek answers to deeper questions, explore new spiritual practices, or test your beliefs. This card suggests an openness to ideas and a desire to uncover the truth behind mysteries. The Page of Swords invites you to approach your spiritual journey with a clear and discerning mind, seeking knowledge while remaining sceptical of superficial answers. It encourages asking questions, seeking wisdom from various sources, and being open to revelations that challenge preconceived notions. However, it also cautions against rushing to conclusions or getting caught up in distractions that may divert attention from the deeper truths of the spiritual path.
Higher Perceptions
XVIII – The Moon
The Moon represents intuition, illusion, the subconscious, and hidden truths. It invites you to explore the realm of the unconscious mind, dreams, and intuition. A moonlit landscape with a wolf and a dog howling at the moon, a path winding through rocky terrain, and a crab emerging from the water symbolises the mysterious and sometimes deceptive nature of the mind. The moonlight casts shadows, obscuring as much as it illuminates. It invites you to look beyond appearances to understand deeper meanings or hidden emotions. This card suggests there may be illusions, confusion, or uncertainty in a situation, and it encourages you to trust your intuition to navigate through the unknown.
The Moon calls for introspection, asking you to explore your inner world and pay attention to your dreams and emotional responses. It signals a time when the mind may be clouded or things are not what they seem on the surface. The Moon invites you to trust your inner wisdom and be cautious of deception and self-deception.
In Relationships: The Moon suggests there may be confusion, misunderstandings, or illusions. It could indicate that one or both partners are hiding their feelings, or there are secrets to be revealed. This card warns against jumping to conclusions or making assumptions based on surface-level information. The Moon encourages open communication and honesty, urging you to trust your intuition and dig deeper into your emotions. It can also signify a period of emotional uncertainty or mood swings, where clarity may come only after introspection and reflection. This card asks you to be patient with yourself and your partner.
In Work: The Moon suggests there may be hidden factors or uncertainties surrounding a work situation. It encourages you to look beyond the surface. There may be deception, miscommunication, or unclear motivations at play, and you should be cautious about trusting everything you hear or see. This card can also indicate a time of emotional vulnerability in the workplace, when intuition may be more reliable than logic. The Moon invites you to listen to your gut feelings and avoid making decisions without understanding the situation. It may also point to a need for creative or intuitive solutions, as the path forward may not be clear.
Spiritually: The Moon represents the journey into the subconscious mind and the exploration of hidden aspects of the self. This card calls for introspection, inviting you to uncover and confront your fears, desires, and unresolved emotions. The Moon encourages you to pay attention to your dreams, intuition, and inner messages, as these may hold the keys to spiritual growth. However, it also warns of illusions and misleading thoughts, urging you to approach your spiritual journey with caution and awareness. The Moon signifies that the path to enlightenment may be shrouded in mystery, and you must trust your inner wisdom and intuition to guide you.
Necessary Conclusions
Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords represents intellect and independence. This card embodies a woman who is sharp, perceptive, and unafraid to speak her mind. With a keen intellect and a clear vision, the Queen of Swords can cut through confusion and see the truth of any situation. She represents mental clarity, objectivity, and a rational approach to problem-solving. The Queen holds her sword with authority, signifying her ability to assert herself and set boundaries. She is calm and composed, yet her mind is quick and discerning. Her energy is about using logic, reason, and communication to navigate life's challenges.
The Queen of Swords encourages you to embrace your intelligence and intuition. She is a symbol of emotional detachment in the sense that she does not allow her emotions to cloud her judgement. The Queen of Swords values truth, and her words carry weight; she will speak with precision, even if it means being blunt or cutting. This card may also suggest the need to adopt a more objective perspective, detach from emotional influence, and approach situations with a level-headed, logical attitude.
In Relationships: The Queen of Swords represents clear communication and an intellectual connection. This card suggests you may need to approach your romantic life honestly and directly. You may be called to express your needs, desires, and boundaries without hesitation. The Queen of Swords reminds you to maintain independence and not lose yourself in a relationship. It can also indicate the need to address misunderstandings or miscommunications and approach emotional situations logically. The Queen of Swords advises to balance intellect with emotional sensitivity in matters of love.
In Work: The Queen of Swords symbolises clear thinking, effective communication, and strategic planning. You may be in a position where you are required to make decisions based on logic, objective assessment, and insight. This card suggests trusting your intellectual abilities, deciding confidently, and communicating clearly with others. The Queen of Swords can also indicate a role where you must serve as a leader, counsellor, or advisor, using your wisdom and clear judgement to guide others. It may also suggest the need to remain professional and composed, using reason to handle any difficult situations that arise. The Queen of Swords reminds you to be independent and self-sufficient in your career, relying on your abilities rather than seeking validation from others.
Spiritually: The Queen of Swords represents inner wisdom. You may be seeking truth in your spiritual journey, and this card urges you to trust your insights and inner guidance. The Queen of Swords asks you to approach spirituality with objectivity and discernment, seeking wisdom from trusted sources while filtering out distractions or illusions. This card can also indicate a time of spiritual growth that requires a balance of intellect and intuition, where clear, focused thinking will help you navigate your path. The Queen of Swords represents the ability to cut through spiritual confusion and gain a deeper understanding of your true purpose.
The Next Step
Two of Cups
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.
This card highlights the importance of emotional connection, communication, and empathy in relationships. The Two of Cups suggests you are experiencing or about to experience a powerful bond with another person who can bring joy, peace, and shared purpose. It encourages you to embrace this connection with an open heart and nurture the relationship with kindness, patience, and understanding.
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.
Surprises
Six of Cups
The Six of Cups represents nostalgia, memories, and emotional reconnection. This card depicts two children exchanging cups filled with flowers, symbolising the innocence and purity of the past, along with the joy of shared memories. The Six of Cups suggests a time when you may be reflecting on your past, longing for simpler times, childhood experiences, or old relationships. It can also represent a reunion with someone from the past, or a return to a place or situation that brings back fond memories. This card is a reminder of the emotional value that memories, nostalgia, and shared experiences can hold, and it invites you to reconnect with your inner child or rediscover the joy and wonder of past moments.
While the Six of Cups is often associated with sentimentality, it also highlights the importance of bringing lessons from the past into the present. This card invites you to reflect on how experiences and emotional connections have shaped who you are today and honour those experiences while remaining grounded in the present moment.
In Relationships: The Six of Cups indicates a time of emotional reflection on old relationships, memories, or even childhood experiences that shape your approach to love. For those in relationships, it may represent rekindling old feelings or reigniting the joy and innocence of the early stages of love. It can also signify a reunion with an old flame, bringing back nostalgic feelings or unresolved emotions. For singles, the Six of Cups may suggest that experiences or past relationships influence how you view love and you may subconsciously seek qualities from past loves. This card invites you to embrace the positive aspects of experiences while staying open to new possibilities.
In Work: The Six of Cups suggests you may be revisiting past projects, interests, or professional connections that bring a sense of fulfilment or nostalgia. It can indicate a return to a previous job, a childhood dream, or a career path that holds emotional significance. The card encourages you to reflect on your achievements and lessons learned and use those insights to inform your decisions. It also speaks to the value of reconnection, suggesting that reconnecting with old colleagues or revisiting old work relationships could lead to opportunities for growth or collaboration. The Six of Cups asks you to remember the joy and passion you once had for your work and find ways to reignite that spark in your current professional life.
Spiritually: The Six of Cups represents the return to a more innocent state of mind, where spiritual growth is grounded in joy, wonder, and openness. It suggests you may be reconnecting with your spiritual roots, revisiting practices or beliefs that once brought you peace or fulfilment. The Six of Cups can also indicate the need to nurture the inner child, approach spirituality with innocence and awe, and cultivate a playful and joyful attitude towards the divine. It reminds you that spiritual growth does not always have to be serious or heavy; there is room for light-heartedness, fun, and wonder.
The Outcome
Ace of Pentacles
The Ace of Pentacles represents new beginnings, material opportunities, and potential prosperity. This card embodies the energy of manifestation, stability, and abundance in the material world. As a seed of potential, the Ace of Pentacles signifies the start of a new project, venture, or opportunity that has the potential to bring lasting wealth, success, and security. The pentacle symbolises earthly resources, including wealth, career, and physical well-being, and the Ace represents the potential to turn these resources into something tangible and sustainable. This card suggests a new opportunity may present itself, whether it's a new job, investment, or a way to improve your physical or financial situation.
The Ace of Pentacles invites you to be mindful of the practical steps needed to bring your ideas into reality. While this card is full of potential, it requires effort, hard work, and dedication to manifest the abundance it promises. The card suggests you should focus on creating a solid foundation for your future, ensuring your efforts are grounded and sustainable. This card also reminds you to be patient and trust in the process, as material wealth and success often take time to materialise.
In Relationships: The Ace of Pentacles represents the potential for a stable, grounded, and secure relationship. This card suggests a fresh start in romance, one built on a foundation that offers long-term growth. It may indicate the beginning of a relationship that is practical, supportive, and has the potential to grow into something lasting and fulfilling. The Ace of Pentacles invites you to approach your romantic life with patience, understanding, and willingness to invest in the relationship's future. It may also point to the need to prioritise stability and trust within the relationship, ensuring that both partners are aligned in their goals and values.
In Work: The Ace of Pentacles signals the start of a promising new venture or opportunity for financial growth. This could manifest as a new job, promotion, business idea, or investment opportunity that offers the potential for long-term success and stability. The Ace of Pentacles encourages you to focus on building a solid foundation for your career, ensuring that your efforts are practical, well-planned, and sustainable. This card is a reminder that hard work, patience, and planning will lead to tangible rewards in the material world. You may be encouraged to take practical steps to secure your financial future or to invest in opportunities that have the potential to pay off in the long run.
Spiritually: The Ace of Pentacles represents the manifestation of abundance and alignment with the material world. This card suggests a grounding of spiritual practices or a new opportunity to integrate spirituality with everyday life. You may be beginning a new phase in your spiritual journey that allows you to connect more deeply with the material world while maintaining your values. The Ace of Pentacles encourages you to approach your growth with patience, discipline, and an openness to tangible results. It may also indicate the need to focus on grounding practices such as meditation, nature walks, or other activities that connect you to the Earth and your physical body.