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 Ace of Swords, Reversed	Triggering Causes
Two of Wands	Necessary Conclusions	VII – The Chariot
Significator #1	King of Cups, Reversed	Significator #2
Three of Pentacles, Reversed	Next Step	Ten of Pentacles
	VIII – Strength, Reversed
	Surprising Experiences Eight of Pentacles
	Outcome XVIII – The Moon, Reversed

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

Three of Pentacles, Reversed

The Three of Pentacles represents teamwork, collaboration, and the mastery of a craft. This card embodies the energy of building something solid through collective effort, skill, and dedication. It signifies the importance of working with others to achieve a shared goal and highlights the value of bringing different strengths, talents, and perspectives together. The figure on the card is a skilled artisan or worker, either collaborating with others or demonstrating their craftsmanship. This card suggests your efforts are being recognised and you're on the path towards mastery in your field.

Reversed, the Three of Pentacles suggests a lack of collaboration, poor communication, or a failure to work with others. You may be struggling to find common ground with colleagues, partners, or team members, leading to frustration or stagnation. This reversal can also indicate a lack of recognition for your skills or contributions or may point to a situation where your efforts are not appreciated. The Three of Pentacles reversed can also signify that you focus too much on perfectionism or individual achievement, rather than teamwork. The card encourages you to focus on cooperation, seek feedback, and be open to learning from others.

In Relationships: The Three of Pentacles suggests you and your partner may be building something solid and long-lasting together. This could be the development of a deeper commitment or the creation of shared goals and values. The card emphasises the importance of teamwork and collaboration. You may need to work with your partner to overcome challenges or to improve the relationship's foundation. Communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to support each other's growth are key themes in the Three of Pentacles. This card can also suggest that your relationship is in a stage of growth and development, where the effort of both parties is needed to ensure a lasting bond.

In Work: The Three of Pentacles signals collaboration, recognition, and progress in one's work. It may indicate that you are working as part of a team or are about to be recognised for your contributions to a project. This card signifies that your skills are being appreciated and that you are moving forward in your professional development. It also points to the importance of learning from others, whether through mentorship, teamwork, or collaboration. The Three of Pentacles reminds you that success is often achieved by working with others and sharing knowledge and expertise. It may also suggest you are at a point in your career where you are refining your craft and preparing to take on more responsibility.

Spiritually: The Three of Pentacles represents growth, mastery, and the development of one's spiritual practice. You may be deepening your understanding and expanding your skills in this area. The card encourages you to continue your spiritual development with dedication, patience, and attention to detail. It also suggests that you may benefit from connecting with others who share similar spiritual goals or values, as collaboration and learning from others are key to growth. The Three of Pentacles invites you to recognise that spiritual mastery, like any other craft, takes time, effort, and the willingness to work with others in the pursuit of a shared understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

Ten of Pentacles

The Ten of Pentacles represents long-term stability, legacy, and the culmination of wealth and success. This card embodies the energy of abundance, security, and the establishment of a solid foundation for future generations. A family gathers around a flourishing home, with multiple generations enjoying the fruits of accumulated wealth; the Ten of Pentacles speaks to the culmination of hard work and the creation of a lasting legacy. It signifies the achievement of material and financial success, along with the satisfaction that comes from securing the well-being of both oneself and loved ones.

This card suggests you are on the path to achieving significant financial security, stability, or success that will benefit not only you but also your family, community, or even future generations. The Ten of Pentacles emphasises the importance of family ties, heritage, and the wealth of contributing to a broader legacy. It is a reminder that wealth is not just about material abundance, but about the connections and bonds built over time and the lasting impact one can leave on the world. This card invites you to take pride in the stability and legacy you are creating and embrace the sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching this stage of prosperity.

In Relationships: The Ten of Pentacles represents long-term commitment, family, and the creation of a solid foundation for future generations. This card signifies stability, harmony, and the potential for building a lasting future together. It suggests the relationship is secure and rooted in shared values, and it may even indicate that you and your partner are building something tangible—whether that's a family, a home, or a shared life purpose. For those seeking love, the Ten of Pentacles can indicate the potential for a stable and lasting partnership that will stand the test of time and offer the security and commitment desired. The card also suggests that love, when nurtured over time, can provide fulfilment and lasting abundance.

In Work: The Ten of Pentacles indicates the achievement of a high level of success, financial abundance, and career stability. It suggests your efforts have not only brought financial security but have also created a legacy. The card may indicate the completion of a major project, the establishment of a thriving business, or the successful culmination of a long-term career. It also speaks to the importance of building a career that aligns with your values, creating wealth not only for oneself but for others as well. The Ten of Pentacles encourages you to focus on long-term goals and consider how your current efforts contribute to building a legacy that will endure.

Spiritually: The Ten of Pentacles represents creating a legacy through spiritual growth, family, or community. It can indicate a fulfilment from nurturing relationships, contributing to unity, and creating a lasting impact on others. This card suggests your journey is not only about personal growth but also about how you use your wisdom, resources, and experiences to benefit the greater good. The Ten of Pentacles encourages you to think about the long-term effects of your spiritual practices, teachings, and contributions, and how you can create a legacy for the future.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

VII – The Chariot

The Chariot represents determination, willpower, victory, and control. It embodies the energy of triumph over obstacles, achievement through effort, and the mastery of one's emotions and environment. A strong figure drives a chariot, guided by inner strength and unwavering resolve. The charioteer holds the reins, symbolising the control and discipline needed to direct the forces of will, both within and without. Two sphinxes pull the chariot, looking in opposite directions, representing the balancing of opposing forces that must be harmonised to achieve success.

The Chariot is a card of action and victory, signalling that through persistence, focus, and determination, you have the power to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. This card emphasises the importance of controlling your emotions, desires, and external circumstances to move forward confidently. The Chariot reminds us that success often comes from hard work, resilience, and the ability to stay focused on the desired outcome when the path is difficult.

In Relationships: The Chariot signifies a time of forward movement and decisive action. It suggests you are ready to take control of your romantic life and move past obstacles or doubts. This card can indicate overcoming challenges, gaining clarity about your desires, or taking the lead in matters of the heart. The Chariot encourages you to stay determined and confident, pursuing love with focus and a clear sense of direction. It may also signal a period of growth in a relationship where both partners are moving forward together with shared goals and mutual understanding.

In Work: The Chariot is a powerful card, representing the determination and drive needed to achieve professional goals. It signifies a time to harness your inner strength and take decisive action towards your ambitions. This card encourages you to stay focused on your objectives, overcoming any obstacles or challenges that may arise. The Chariot reminds you that success will be achieved through perseverance, self-discipline, and maintaining control over external distractions. It can also indicate a journey of personal and professional growth, where you can push past your limits to achieve greatness.

Spiritually: The Chariot represents the mastery of one's inner forces and the ability to direct energy towards personal transformation. This card encourages you to use your willpower and focus to overcome spiritual challenges and obstacles, remaining determined on your path of growth and enlightenment. The Chariot invites you to embrace your power, channelling it towards spiritual advancement. It also speaks to the importance of balance and self-control, urging you to stay grounded and focused as you move forward on your spiritual journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

Ace of Swords, Reversed

The Ace of Swords represents clarity, truth, and mental breakthroughs. As the embodiment of raw intellectual power, this card signifies the arrival of new ideas, insights, or a moment of sudden realisation that cuts through the confusion. The sword, as a symbol of intellect and communication, shows that you are being presented with a fresh perspective, the potential for mental clarity, or an opportunity to engage with truth clearly and directly. The Ace of Swords offers the energy of a sharp mind, clear intentions, and the ability to face challenges with a straightforward approach.

Reversed, the Ace of Swords can indicate confusion, dishonesty, or mental blockages. The reversal suggests you may be struggling to see things clearly, either because of internal confusion, miscommunication, or being caught in illusions. It may also indicate that you are avoiding the truth by not speaking up or denying a reality that needs to be addressed. The Ace of Swords reversed encourages you to seek clarity and be honest with yourself and others. It suggests the need to clear away the fog and allow direct communication to guide you towards understanding.

In Relationships: The Ace of Swords represents clear communication, honesty, and truth. This card signals a time when you or your partner may need to have an important conversation that cuts through misunderstandings or brings clarity to a situation. The Ace of Swords encourages you to speak your truth openly and directly, clearing the air and removing any confusion or deception. This card may also indicate a breakthrough in understanding each other's needs or desires, where clarity leads to a stronger emotional connection. The Ace of Swords reminds you that honesty is essential in love and that addressing hard truths with clarity can bring about profound change and growth.

In Work: The Ace of Swords suggests a new intellectual breakthrough or a fresh idea that could lead to success. It may signify the beginning of a new project, endeavour, or direction in the professional realm based on strategic thinking and clear communication. This card encourages you to use your mental abilities to tackle problems, solve challenges, and move forward confidently. The Ace of Swords often indicates the start of something where clarity of purpose and mental focus are key. You may be called to speak up, lead with logic, or bring a new perspective to your career, potentially leading to greater success.

Spiritually: The Ace of Swords signifies clarity of thought and the pursuit of truth on a deeper level. This card indicates you may experience a moment of spiritual awakening or a surge of insight that cuts through confusion or previous misconceptions. The Ace of Swords invites you to seek truth, challenge old beliefs, and engage with spirituality from a place of intellectual clarity and personal integrity. This card also encourages you to embrace the power of your mind in your spiritual practice, suggesting that mental clarity and an open mind are essential for spiritual growth. It represents the potential for enlightenment, where new understanding can lead to profound transformation.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

King of Cups, Reversed

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.

Reversed, the King of Cups can indicate emotional imbalance, manipulation, or a lack of emotional clarity. The reversal suggests you may be struggling to manage your emotions, possibly suppressing them. It may also indicate a tendency to use emotional intelligence in manipulative ways or to avoid confronting emotional issues. The King of Cups reversed invites you to reassess your emotional health and relationships, encouraging you to cultivate more honest emotional expression. It also signals the need to work on self-discipline in handling emotions, ensuring that feelings are expressed constructively.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Eight of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles represents diligence, mastery, and concerted effort. This card embodies the energy of hard work, skill-building, and dedication to one's craft. It depicts a figure working hard at their craft, chiselling away at a piece of wood or metal, focusing intently on their task. The Eight of Pentacles suggests you are putting in the work and effort to improve your skills, whether in your career, creative endeavours, or personal development. It speaks to the importance of perseverance and the value of continuous learning and improvement.

This card indicates that you are engaged in mastering your craft or completing a task, with attention to detail and a commitment to quality. The Eight of Pentacles encourages you to stay focused, as success is often the result of consistent, disciplined effort over time. It may also suggest that you are in a phase of apprenticeship, honing your skills and building a foundation for future success. The Eight of Pentacles reminds you that mastery is achieved through continuous effort, patience, and the willingness to learn from each experience.

In Relationships: The Eight of Pentacles suggests you may be putting in significant effort to nurture and grow your relationship. This card indicates you are dedicated to making the relationship work, focusing on improving communication, understanding, or other important aspects. It may also suggest that you are working through challenges or learning more about your partner, to build a deeper and more lasting connection. The Eight of Pentacles encourages you to work to cultivate love, whether by making small efforts to show affection, communicating openly, or working together to resolve conflicts. Success in love, like any other endeavour, requires attention, care, and a commitment to growth.

In Work: The Eight of Pentacles signifies concerted effort, where you are dedicating yourself to improving your skills or advancing in your profession. This card suggests you are in a phase of apprenticeship or learning, perhaps acquiring new knowledge or expertise to further your career. It may indicate that you are refining your craft, mastering a particular aspect of your job, or working diligently to complete a project with a high level of quality. The Eight of Pentacles encourages you to continue to dedicate yourself to your work, as success in this area will come from consistent effort, attention to detail, and a commitment to personal growth. The card may also suggest you are on the path to becoming an expert in your field, with the potential for recognition or achievement.

Spiritually: The Eight of Pentacles represents a time of disciplined effort and growth in one's spiritual practice. It is a time when you dedicate yourself to improving your understanding or honing your spiritual practices. This card suggests you are engaged in learning, whether studying sacred texts, meditating regularly, or engaging in rituals or practices that deepen your connection to the divine. The Eight of Pentacles encourages you to remain dedicated and patient, as spiritual growth requires ongoing effort and the willingness to refine your approach. The card reminds you that spiritual mastery is a continuous journey and each small step contributes to greater understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

XVIII – The Moon, Reversed

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.

Reversed, the Moon can indicate confusion, disillusionment, or a lack of clarity. It suggests you may be facing self-deception, illusions, or hidden fears preventing you from seeing the truth. The reversed Moon may also point to heightened anxiety, emotional instability, or difficulty discerning between reality and fantasy. It encourages you to take a step back, clear your mind, and confront any underlying fears or uncertainties. The reversed Moon calls for self-awareness, urging you to trust your inner guidance while being wary of false beliefs or misinterpretations. It may also suggest that you avoid facing your emotions or truths and must work to overcome this.

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.