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 Four of Wands, Reversed |
The Full Moon Five of Pentacles, Reversed |
The Waning Moon XI – Justice |
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Significator #1 Two of Wands |
Significator #2 Nine of Swords |
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The Dark Ace of Pentacles |
The Secret of the High Priestess Page of Pentacles |
The Light Six of Pentacles |
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The Next Step Seven of Swords, Reversed |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
Nine of Swords
The Nine of Swords represents anxiety, fear, cruelty, and emotional suffering. This card indicates a time of mental strain when you may be plagued by worries, sleepless nights, and overwhelming thoughts. A figure sits up in bed, hands on their face as if gripped by nightmares or regret. The swords in this card represent mental conflict and the destructive nature of excessive worry or fear. The Nine of Swords reveals that you are experiencing a period of distress, where your mind runs rampant with negative thoughts, self-criticism, or feelings of guilt.
This card highlights the heavy emotional toll that anxiety can take, and how the mind can amplify fears and anxieties to the point they seem insurmountable. However, the Nine of Swords also carries the reminder that much of this mental agony is exaggerated or based on false perceptions. You are being encouraged to confront these fears and understand that imagined worst-case scenarios are not as likely as they appear. The Nine of Swords is a call to recognise that, while the pain feels real, the suffering often comes from the mind rather than external circumstances.
In Relationships: The Nine of Swords suggests you are experiencing anxiety, fear, or guilt. This could involve obsessing over a mistake, worrying about the future of the relationship, or being consumed by doubts and insecurities. The card may point to sleepless nights or emotional stress caused by unresolved issues, fear of betrayal, or lingering misunderstandings. The Nine of Swords urges you to examine the source of your worries and recognise whether your fears are based on reality or exaggerated by your mind. It encourages open communication, self-compassion, and the need to address underlying issues.
In Work: The Nine of Swords represents stress, burnout, and overwhelming pressure. You may be facing significant anxiety about your job, career trajectory, or financial security. This card suggests you might be struggling with performance anxiety, fear of failure, or a sense of impending crisis. The Nine of Swords also indicates you may be overthinking a particular situation or obsessing over potential negative outcomes. It is a reminder to step back and assess the situation from a clearer perspective, rather than getting lost in fears of doom. The card encourages you to challenge irrational thoughts and focus on practical solutions, seeking help when possible.
Spiritually: The Nine of Swords indicates a period of anxiety, where you may feel disconnected from your path or overwhelmed by existential fears. This card suggests you are struggling with self-doubt, guilt, or fear of judgement, possibly questioning your beliefs, purpose, or connection to the divine. The Nine of Swords calls for self-reflection and addressing the inner turmoil blocking spiritual growth. It encourages you to release fear-based thinking and trust your higher self. This card reminds you that your spiritual journey does not need to be a source of fear or anxiety, but an opportunity for healing, peace, and trust in the greater flow of life.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
XI – Justice
Justice represents fairness, truth, accountability, and the law of cause and effect. It embodies the principle of balance, emphasising the need for integrity, fairness, and impartiality. A figure holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and that truth will always prevail. The sword symbolises clarity, reason, and decision-making, while the scales represent equilibrium, weighing all sides of a situation before making a judgement. This card reminds us that justice is not just about external laws, but about personal responsibility and moral alignment with the truth.
The Justice card indicates you may be faced with a decision that requires fairness, objectivity, and a commitment to what is right. It encourages you to consider all the facts, assess situations without bias, and make decisions based on truth and integrity. Justice also speaks to the consequences of your actions, emphasising that what is sown will be reaped, and suggesting that fairness and ethical behaviour will bring about positive outcomes, while dishonesty or imbalance may lead to negative consequences.
In Relationships: Justice speaks to the need for honesty, fairness, and mutual respect. It may indicate a time for evaluating the dynamics of a relationship, ensuring that both partners treat each other with integrity and fairness. This card encourages you to approach romantic situations with clear communication and seek balance, where both partners' needs are considered and respected. If you are dealing with relationship issues, Justice may suggest the need to take responsibility for your actions or make amends. It can also indicate that the truth will determine the outcome of a romantic situation.
In Work: Justice signals a need for fairness in professional matters, including decision-making, disputes, and negotiations. It encourages you to act with integrity in the workplace, ensuring your actions align with ethical standards and legal requirements. This card may also suggest that you are facing a situation where justice will play a role, such as a legal matter or a need to resolve an issue that requires an impartial viewpoint. Justice reminds you that success will come from fair actions and by making decisions in alignment with your values. It also suggests karmic debts in the professional sphere may be settled, either through rewards for integrity or consequences for dishonesty.
Spiritually: Justice represents the principle of cosmic law, the balance between light and dark, and the understanding that everything is connected through universal laws. This card encourages you to reflect on your actions and beliefs, ensuring they are in alignment with higher truth. Justice invites the seeker to embrace personal accountability, recognising that spiritual growth comes from living a life balanced and true to one's values. It is a reminder that truth and fairness are universal principles that guide the spiritual path and that every action has a karmic effect. In the spiritual realm, Justice asks you to seek equilibrium, balance, and the deeper truth that lies beneath surface appearances.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Five of Pentacles, Reversed
The Five of Pentacles represents hardship, struggle, and being left out in the cold. This card embodies the energy of material or financial loss, insecurity, and isolation. It depicts two figures walking through a snowy landscape, disconnected from the warmth and comfort of a nearby building, symbolising being excluded, abandoned, or not supported. The Five of Pentacles suggests you may experience difficulty, whether financial instability, health problems, or emotional lack. The card invites you to reflect on how you view scarcity and struggle and recognise that hardship, while challenging, can also present opportunities for growth and resilience.
Reversed, the Five of Pentacles suggests you may be overcoming hardship, financial struggle, or emotional isolation. The reversal indicates a potential for recovery, healing, or a change in circumstances. You may find a way to regain stability or support after a difficult time. However, the reversed Five of Pentacles can also indicate that you still hold onto feelings of insecurity or fear, and may need to work on shifting a fixed mindset to one of growth. The reversal encourages you to seek support, release any lingering feelings of isolation, and trust that your situation will soon improve.
In Relationships: The Five of Pentacles may indicate feelings of isolation or abandonment. You may experience distance from your partner and feel unsupported or misunderstood. This card can also point to financial struggles affecting the relationship, such as job loss or instability, which can lead to feelings of insecurity or worry. The Five of Pentacles advises you to communicate openly with your partner and address any issues causing emotional distance. It encourages you to be open to receiving help or support from your partner, rather than suffering in silence.
In Work: The Five of Pentacles suggests you may be facing financial difficulty, job insecurity, or a lack of recognition in your professional life. This card indicates you may feel disconnected or unsupported in your career or may be struggling to find your footing after a setback. The Five of Pentacles urges you to reach out for support, whether seeking new opportunities, asking for help, or finding ways to strengthen your financial situation. This card also serves as a reminder that difficult times are temporary and that with perseverance and a shift in perspective, you can recover from hardship.
Spiritually: The Five of Pentacles suggests a feeling of spiritual dryness, isolation, or abandonment. You may experience doubts about your faith or disconnection from your spiritual path. This card can also indicate feeling disconnected from the support of a spiritual community or unsupported in your personal beliefs. However, the Five of Pentacles invites you to recognise that even in times of spiritual struggle, help and guidance may be closer than you think. This card encourages you to reach out for support from your spiritual community, mentors, or resources that can help you regain connection, faith, and purpose. The card reminds us that spiritual growth often comes through overcoming difficult periods, and that seeking help or guidance during times of spiritual challenge can lead to deeper understanding and healing.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Four of Wands, Reversed
The Four of Wands represents celebration, harmony, and the achievement of a milestone. The fourth card in the Suit of Wands signifies a moment of joy and recognition, where efforts have led to a secure foundation. Depicted as a celebration or wedding, the Four of Wands marks a time when you can relax and celebrate your successes. The card shows people dancing, celebrating, or standing under a wreath of flowers, symbolising the completion of a task or project achieved with unity and collaboration. The Four of Wands is about coming together to mark a significant achievement or a period of peace.
Reversed, the Four of Wands can indicate disharmony, instability, or a disruption in peace. You may experience conflict or tension in your personal life, relationships, or work. It may suggest the delay of a celebration, or that security is being undermined. The reversed Four of Wands can also indicate that you are struggling to feel at home or comfortable in your current situation, whether it's a romantic relationship or your professional environment. It encourages you to address any issues preventing harmony and work towards creating a more stable and peaceful foundation. This card reminds you that while obstacles may arise, you can restore balance and reconnect with your inner sense of peace.
In Relationships: The Four of Wands indicates a joyful, stable, and harmonious period. This card often symbolises milestones such as engagements, weddings, or moving in together, as it represents a time when the couple has reached a significant moment of unity and celebration. It can also indicate a relationship that brings security, peace, and mutual support. For those in long-term partnerships, the Four of Wands can signify a period of renewed stability, where both partners feel more connected and aligned in their shared goals. For those who are single, this card suggests a happy, stable relationship may be on the horizon, one that offers both emotional fulfilment and belonging.
In Work: The Four of Wands indicates the completion of a major project or a professional milestone. It marks a time of celebration for the hard work and teamwork that has gone into achieving a goal. This card signifies recognition, security, and the reward of efforts well spent. It may suggest that you are in a period of consolidation, where your career is solidifying, and you can take a moment to relax and enjoy the stability you've worked hard to create. The Four of Wands also points to a time when collaboration, support from colleagues, or a sense of community at work leads to greater success. It's a reminder that both individual effort and collective support are necessary for long-term success.
Spiritually: The Four of Wands represents peace, stability, and the celebration of one's personal growth. It indicates a period of contentment and spiritual alignment where you feel grounded and secure in your path. This card can suggest harmony and integration between different aspects of the self, such as mind, body, and spirit. The Four of Wands encourages you to celebrate the progress made on your spiritual journey and enjoy the peace and balance you have achieved. It may also represent a time with a supportive spiritual community or finding peace in your connection with others who share your beliefs.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Six of Pentacles
The Six of Pentacles represents generosity, balance, and the exchange of resources. This card embodies the energy of giving and receiving, and the importance of fairness and reciprocity in material and emotional exchanges. The figure on the card holds scales, distributing coins to those in need, symbolising the act of sharing resources fairly. The Six of Pentacles signifies a period where you may be called upon to give to others, but it also suggests you could find yourself in a position to receive help, support, or resources from others.
This card asks you to consider your relationship with abundance, generosity, and fairness. It points to the value of using resources wisely and encourages you to be mindful of how you give and receive. The Six of Pentacles suggests an opportunity to create a balance in your life by being open to both offering and accepting help. It is a reminder that giving is just as important as receiving and that both actions can create harmony and flow in your life.
In Relationships: The Six of Pentacles indicates a relationship with a healthy exchange of energy between partners. This card suggests a balance between giving and receiving, where both parties contribute equally to the relationship, whether emotionally, materially, or in terms of effort. The Six of Pentacles encourages you to consider whether the relationship is balanced or if one partner gives more than the other. If there is an imbalance, this card advises you to address the issue and ensure that both individuals are contributing fairly. The card also speaks to the idea of supporting one another in times of need and being willing to offer help and care when needed.
In Work: The Six of Pentacles suggests you may experience a period of financial stability, where you can share your resources with others or receive help or recognition for your work. This card may indicate a raise, promotion, or an opportunity to assist others. It speaks to the importance of using your success to support others and create balance within the workplace. The Six of Pentacles can also suggest that you may be in a position to mentor or share your knowledge with others, promoting fairness and equal opportunity. It encourages you to remain generous and fair in professional dealings and trust that your efforts will be reciprocated in future rewards.
Spiritually: The Six of Pentacles represents the balance between giving and receiving within one's spiritual practice. You may be in a position to share your insights, wisdom, or resources with others, or you may require guidance. This card encourages you to embrace the concept of reciprocity in your spiritual journey, understanding that growth comes not just from personal practice but also from helping others and being open to receiving insights. The Six of Pentacles reminds us that spirituality is about balance—about being generous with one's knowledge and resources but being open to receiving guidance and nourishment from others or the universe. It calls for an equal exchange of energy, whether in prayer, meditation, or community.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
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 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.
Page of Pentacles
The Page of Pentacles represents new beginnings, ambition, and the desire for learning and growth. This card embodies the energy of curiosity, practicality, and a youthful approach to manifesting material and financial opportunities. The Page of Pentacles holds a pentacle in their hands, gazing at it intently, symbolising a focus on goals, dreams, and the potential to create something tangible. The card speaks to your willingness to learn, grow, and invest in your future, whether through formal education, career development, or personal growth.
This card suggests a phase of exploration with enthusiasm about starting a new project, career, or educational endeavour. It emphasises the importance of staying grounded and practical while remaining open to learning and exploring new avenues. The Page of Pentacles encourages you to approach your goals doggedly and with patience, understanding that progress may be slow at first but will lead to lasting results. It symbolises setting intentions, gaining knowledge, and building a foundation for long-term success.
In Relationships: The Page of Pentacles suggests a fresh, grounded approach to relationships. It may indicate the beginning of a new, promising connection, where both partners are open to exploring the potential for growth and stability. This card encourages patience and steady progress in relationships, suggesting that you are looking for a partner with whom you can build a secure and lasting foundation. The Page of Pentacles may signal learning and growth together, whether that involves taking on new challenges, learning about each other's values, or making long-term commitments. The card emphasises the importance of nurturing a relationship with care, attention, and realistic expectations.
In Work: The Page of Pentacles signifies new opportunities for growth, learning, and advancement. You may be starting a new project, career path, or educational pursuit that promises potential for future success. This card speaks to the desire for mastery, a solid work ethic, and the willingness to learn to improve your skills or position. It encourages you to take a practical, disciplined approach to your career goals, focusing on the steps needed to build a stable, successful foundation. The Page of Pentacles may also indicate the start of an apprenticeship or training phase where you acquire the skills necessary to advance in your career. The card suggests success will come from dedication, hard work, and a focus on continual improvement.
Spiritually: The Page of Pentacles represents a time of growth, learning, and grounding within one's spiritual practice. It indicates a phase where you may explore new teachings, philosophies, or practices with a practical, down-to-earth mindset. The card suggests a thirst for knowledge and understanding, encouraging you to embrace your journey with patience and discipline. The Page of Pentacles reminds you that spiritual growth requires a commitment to learning and applying wisdom, and that tangible progress is made through consistent effort. This card invites you to deepen your spiritual practice.