Secret of the High Priestess Spread

 

 

Difficulty: Average

This spread makes a nice alternative to the Celtic Cross, which covers basically the same ground. It is useful when a question doesn't quite call for the Ankh spread. This tarot spread is helpful for looking into a current trend. The High Priestess may or may not present a mysterious secret to be analysed after the rest of the spread.

1. & 2. Main impulses representing the topic at hand. They may compliment or oppose one another.

3. This is the current influence at this time.

5. The Waning Moon is the influence that is moving into the past.

4. The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon, or the approaching influence. This is the immediate future.

7. The Light is what is clearly recognized, consciously.

6. The Dark indicates what is there but not fully perceived, though noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.

8. The Next Step is the near future, where this journey leads.

9. The final tarot card, only if it happens to be of the Major Arcana, reveals the Secret of the High Priestess. This is a special message that should be given added weight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Secret of the High Priestess Reading

The Waxing Moon V – The Hierophant, Reversed	The Full Moon XIII – Death		The Waning Moon Five of Cups
	Significator #1 Two of Swords, Reversed	Significator #2 Three of Pentacles, Reversed
The Dark Seven of Swords, Reversed	The Secret of the High Priestess Four of Pentacles, Reversed		The Light XX – Judgement
	The Next Step Ten of Cups, Reversed

 

 

 

Significator #1 

 

Two of Swords, Reversed

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

Reversed, the Two of Swords can indicate confusion, avoidance, or a refusal to make a decision. The reversal suggests you may be stuck in a state of denial, unwilling to confront the reality of a situation or to take the steps to resolve an issue. The Two of Swords reversed urges you to acknowledge your feelings and confront the choices you have been avoiding. It may also suggest that you are letting fear or indecision paralyse you, preventing you from moving forward. The reversed card encourages you to break free from this mental stalemate and make a decision, knowing that action is often the key to clarity.

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

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

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

 

 

Significator #2 

 

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.

 

 

The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past. 

 

Five of Cups

The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, and emotional disappointment. This card depicts a figure standing before three spilled cups, symbolising feelings of sorrow or regret as two cups remain upright behind them, representing remaining emotional support or opportunities being overlooked. The Five of Cups is a card of emotional pain and mourning, pointing to a time when you may be dwelling on mistakes, missed opportunities, or the emotional pain caused by loss. It can indicate mourning, disappointment, or a tendency to focus on what has gone wrong, leaving little room for hope.

Despite the heavy emotions represented in this card, the Five of Cups also brings a reminder: the two upright cups behind the figure symbolise the possibility of recovery and the potential for new emotional connections. The Five of Cups encourages you to shift your focus from the past and the things that have been lost, to the present moment and the opportunities still available. It's a card of healing, suggesting that emotional renewal is possible if you can turn your attention to what remains and embrace the potential for growth and recovery.

In Relationships: The Five of Cups signals feelings of regret, loss, or emotional heartbreak. It may point to a relationship that has ended, an emotional struggle, or lingering sadness over a past love. You may be grieving the end of a connection or dwelling on disappointments within your current relationship. This card encourages you to process your sorrow and heal from old wounds while recognising that not all hope is lost. The Five of Cups suggests that while it's important to mourn, it's equally important to recognise the potential for new love or emotional healing. For singles, the Five of Cups may indicate that you still hold onto heartaches, preventing you from moving forward in new relationships. The card advises you to heal and open your heart to new possibilities.

In Work: The Five of Cups suggests regret, disappointment, or a feeling of loss related to professional endeavours. You may be mourning a missed opportunity, an unmet goal, or a setback in your career path. It can represent a time when you feel you've failed or made mistakes, causing you to focus on what has gone wrong rather than what remains. The Five of Cups encourages you to acknowledge your emotional pain but also reminds you to look at the opportunities still available. The remaining cups symbolise the potential to turn things around, learn from mistakes, and use the experience as a stepping stone for future success. The card advises you to be open to growth and healing in your professional life, not consumed by regret.

Spiritually: The Five of Cups represents emotional pain, grief, or letting go of old spiritual beliefs or practices that no longer serve you. It may signify a period of mourning, where you feel disconnected from your spiritual path or are experiencing doubt. However, the Five of Cups also suggests that spiritual healing and renewal are possible, and that you should focus on what remains and the potential for spiritual growth. This card encourages you to look beyond disappointments and be open to new spiritual experiences or insights that may lead to healing and renewal. It is a reminder that spiritual recovery can come after periods of turmoil.

 

 

 

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

 

XIII – Death

Death represents transformation, endings, and rebirth. It is a symbolic death, signifying the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another. A skeletal figure on horseback with a scythe reminds us that change is inevitable and letting go of the old makes room for the new. It signifies the natural cycle of life, where death is a transition, not an end. This card calls for releasing what no longer serves, allowing you to shed old habits or beliefs holding you back from growth.

Death may appear when you face a period of significant change or the need to release attachments. It encourages you to embrace these transitions with trust and understanding, knowing that they are part of the cycles of life. The end of something can be an opportunity for renewal, as old patterns give way to new possibilities. Death is not to be feared but embraced as a natural part of the journey of life.

In Relationships: Death signifies the end of a phase, which could be a breakup, a transformation in how two people relate, or letting go of old patterns that no longer work. This card indicates that the relationship may be going through a period of change, and it encourages you to embrace that change rather than resist it. Death invites rebirth—whether the opportunity to renew the relationship by letting go of baggage or the possibility of closing the chapter to make space for new, healthier connections. This card reminds us that endings, though painful, are necessary for growth and new beginnings.

In Work: Death signifies a major transformation, signalling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It may indicate the closing of a professional project, a career change, or a shift in goals or direction. While this may initially feel unsettling, Death suggests this change is an opportunity for growth through an alternative career path, a different role, or a fresh approach to work. This card encourages you to release old ways of working or thinking that no longer serve you and embrace the unknown with an open mind. Death signals that sometimes it's necessary to let go of the old to make space for new opportunities and success.

Spiritually: Death represents the ultimate transformation, the shedding of old identities, and the continual evolution of the soul. This card speaks to the process of spiritual rebirth, where you may be called to let go of outdated beliefs or practices that no longer resonate with your higher self. It encourages you to embrace the process of spiritual evolution, where each phase of life offers the opportunity to transform and grow in new ways. Death invites the seeker to release the attachments that bind them to the material world and focus on inner growth, understanding that spiritual evolution is a continual process of shedding and renewal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence. 

 

V – The Hierophant, ReversedThe 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.

Reversed, the Hierophant can indicate a rejection of traditional values, questioning established belief systems, or feeling trapped by convention. It may suggest that you are struggling with the pressure to conform or feeling disconnected from a spiritual or moral framework. This card reversed encourages you to explore new ways of thinking and seek personal truth, even if it goes against societal norms or expectations. It also suggests the need to break free from dogmatic thinking and find spiritual guidance that resonates with you.

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 Light is what is clearly recognized. 

 

XX – Judgement

Judgement represents self-reflection, transformation, and the call to a higher purpose. The twentieth card of the Major Arcana signifies a time of awakening, a moment of reckoning where you are invited to confront your actions, decisions, and beliefs. An angel blowing a trumpet with people rising from their graves to meet their divine call symbolises the opportunity for a fresh start or renewal through self-assessment and spiritual awakening. This card encourages you to reflect on your life, learn from mistakes, and answer the call to grow into a higher version of yourself.

Judgement invites you to release guilt, regret, and fear of judgement and embrace the transformative power of forgiveness and self-awareness. It represents a breakthrough moment when you recognise your potential for growth, rebirth, and a renewed sense of purpose. This card signals the end of a cycle, calling you to step into a new chapter with a clear conscience, ready to embrace your true calling.

In Relationships: Judgement indicates a period of self-reflection, where both partners may need to take stock of their actions and experiences. It encourages healing and growth, suggesting that the relationship may undergo a transformative process through open communication, forgiveness, or a fresh perspective. Judgement invites you to release emotional baggage, forgive yourself and your partner, and move forward with greater understanding. This card can also signify a new beginning or a renewed sense of purpose within a relationship, where both partners answer the call to create a deeper, more fulfilling bond. For those who are single, Judgement may indicate a time of inner awakening that leads to the readiness for a new, transformative relationship.

In Work: Judgement represents a moment of self-assessment, where you may feel called to evaluate your professional life and consider whether you are on the right path. This card suggests a time of transformation, when you can release old habits, attitudes, or ways of working that no longer serve you. It may also indicate a turning point where a decision or action comes to fruition, bringing about an important opportunity or revelation. Judgement calls you to embrace your potential and step into a new phase of your career, free from limiting beliefs or fears. This card may also suggest the need for a radical change in your work life, encouraging you to pursue a career path aligned with your soul's purpose.

Spiritually: Judgement represents a call to awaken to a higher level of consciousness and self-awareness. It signifies a time when you are being invited to reflect on your spiritual journey, reconcile with the past, and embrace the opportunity for rebirth and transformation. This card encourages you to shed old beliefs, let go of guilt or judgement, and move forward with a clear sense of purpose and alignment with your soul's true calling. Judgement is a reminder that spiritual growth often involves moments of reckoning, where one confronts their actions and choices to develop into a more enlightened being. It signals that you are ready to embrace your higher self and live a life that reflects your spiritual path.

 

 

 

The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness. 

 

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.

 

 

 

The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you. 

 

Ten of Cups, Reversed

The Ten of Cups represents emotional harmony, lasting happiness, and the fulfilment of love and family. Depicted as a happy family or couple standing beneath a rainbow of ten cups, this card signifies the emotional fulfilment that comes from loving relationships, deep connections, and shared experiences. The Ten of Cups suggests you have achieved or are on the verge of experiencing a time of emotional peace when love, happiness, and emotional security flourish. It reflects unity and alignment with yourself and those closest to you.

Reversed, the Ten of Cups can indicate disharmony, emotional tension, or unfulfilled desires in relationships or family life. The reversal suggests there may be conflict, disconnection, or emotional dissatisfaction in your personal life, even though you may appear to have everything you want. It may signal issues with emotional balance, broken relationships, or unmet expectations within the family or home environment. The Ten of Cups reversed invites you to reassess your emotional landscape, working to heal rifts, address emotional wounds, and create a more harmonious and loving atmosphere. It also serves as a reminder that emotional fulfilment cannot be achieved without openness, communication, and mutual understanding.

In Relationships: The Ten of Cups is one of the most positive cards, indicating emotional fulfilment, joy, and harmony. It may suggest that you are in or will soon experience a satisfying romantic relationship characterised by mutual love, support, and happiness. For those in committed partnerships, the Ten of Cups represents a time of growth and emotional connection when both partners are aligned and working together towards common goals. It may also suggest the possibility of starting a family. For singles, the Ten of Cups indicates that love and emotional fulfilment are within reach, suggesting that you may soon meet someone who brings you joy and companionship.

In Work: The Ten of Cups represents fulfilment through work that brings emotional satisfaction and harmony. It suggests you are in a position where you feel emotional contentment in your professional life, perhaps through collaboration, teamwork, or working for a cause you believe in. The Ten of Cups indicates that genuine success is not just about external accomplishments, but also about feeling valued, appreciated, and engaged with your work. This card may also reflect a work environment that feels like a family, where there is support, trust, and belonging. The Ten of Cups encourages you to find work that aligns with your emotional well-being, where you can experience fulfilment and joy in what you do.

Spiritually: The Ten of Cups represents alignment with one's higher self and a sense of peace and fulfilment in the spiritual realm. It suggests you have reached a state of spiritual harmony and connection, where you feel emotionally balanced, at peace, and in tune with the divine. This card encourages you to nurture your connections, whether through family, community, or personal practice, as it brings you a sense of fulfilment. It may also indicate a time when you feel emotionally supported and connected to the universe.

 

 

 

The Secret of the High Priestess - if, and only if, this card a Major Arcana, it reveals the Secret of the High Priestess. This is a special spiritual message that you should pay extra special attention to. If it is not a trump, the Priestess has revealed no secret. 

 

Four of Pentacles, Reversed

The Four of Pentacles represents security, stability, and the need to protect one's material resources. This card embodies the energy of holding on to what has been gained, whether it's financial wealth, possessions, or personal achievements. The figure on the card clutches their pentacles, symbolising the desire to secure material wealth and accomplishments. While this can signify a solid foundation and a sense of security, it can also indicate a fear of loss, possessiveness, or a reluctance to release control.

Reversed, the Four of Pentacles suggests excessive possessiveness, insecurity, or an unhealthy attachment to material wealth. You may be hoarding resources out of fear or may be struggling with financial instability or lack. This reversal may indicate that your focus on security creates rigidity, preventing you from adapting to new opportunities or embracing necessary changes. It may also suggest a fear of loss, an unwillingness to take risks, or an overemphasis on material concerns to the detriment of personal growth or relationships. The Four of Pentacles reversed urges you to let go of control, be open to change, and find a balance in how you approach the material world.

In Relationships: The Four of Pentacles may indicate a tendency to be overly protective, possessive, or guarded. You may be holding onto old wounds or fears of abandonment, preventing you from opening up to a partner. Alternatively, the card may suggest a relationship built on security and stability, but lacking emotional depth or growth. You may need to examine whether you are holding onto a relationship out of fear of change or loss, rather than mutual love and growth. The Four of Pentacles encourages you to find a balance between maintaining security and allowing for vulnerability, trust, and emotional intimacy within the relationship.

In Work: The Four of Pentacles suggests you may be focused on maintaining financial stability or securing your position. This card indicates you are likely working hard to protect your material resources or professional achievements, and may be focused on building a solid foundation for the future. While the card encourages you to safeguard your progress, it warns against becoming too rigid, controlling, or attached to the status quo. The Four of Pentacles could indicate a fear of taking risks or embracing change, which could limit your growth and opportunities for advancement. The card invites you to evaluate whether your desire for security prevents you from pursuing new opportunities or adapting to changes in your career.

Spiritually: The Four of Pentacles can represent a need to examine one's attachment to material concerns or the fear of losing control. You may be clinging too tightly to your worldly possessions or financial security, which could hinder your growth. This card suggests that abundance comes not from holding on to material things, but from embracing a mindset of openness, generosity, and trust: a growth mindset. The Four of Pentacles invites you to consider whether you allow your fears or attachment to material wealth to block your spiritual path. It encourages you to release any fear-based attachments and trust in the flow of abundance that can come from letting go.