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
Higher Perceptions  IV – The Emperor |
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Early Causes
 I – The Magus |
Triggering Causes
 XVII – The Star |
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Necessary Conclusions
 XX – The Aeon |
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Significator #1
 VI – The Lovers |
Significator #2
 X – Fortune |
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Next Step
 III – The Empress |
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Surprising Experiences  XIX – The Sun |
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Outcome  XI – Lust |
Significator #1
VI – The Lovers
(Gemini, Zain)
The Lovers represent the alchemical union of opposites, a card rich with symbolism of choice, harmony, and divine love. Associated with Zain, the sword, this card represents the piercing clarity needed to discern and unite polarities. Gemini, the zodiac of duality and communication, imbues it with the energy of connection and synthesis.
The Thoth Lovers card depicts the union of the royal figures of Sol and Luna under the guidance of a cupid-like angel. Below them, the Orphic egg is encircled by the serpent, symbolising potential and cosmic rebirth. The figures are surrounded by the emblems of alchemical transformation: fire and water, masculine and feminine, light and shadow. The imagery suggests not only romantic love but also the integration of the conscious and unconscious mind, as in shadow work.
In Relationships: The Lovers signify connection, mutual respect, and the merging of hearts and minds. It also emphasises the importance of choice and the conscious commitment to love and partnership.
In Work: This card suggests collaboration and harmonising diverse forces to achieve a greater goal. It encourages you to seek partnerships that align with your values and vision.
Spiritually: The Lovers represent the union of opposites within the self, a crucial step on the path to enlightenment. It calls you to embrace your inner dualities and find harmony through integration.
When ill-dignified: The Lovers caution against indecision, misaligned partnerships, or superficial connections. You are urged to examine whether you are avoiding responsibility or compromising your truth for the sake of harmony.
Significator #2
X – Fortune
(Jupiter, Kaph)
Fortune represents the ever-turning wheel of fate, symbolising the cycles of change and the opportunities that arise through the interplay of forces. Associated with Kaph, the palm of the hand, this card signifies the ability to grasp the turning tides of fortune and shape one's destiny. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and abundance, imbues the card with optimism and growth.
The Wheel of Fortune is depicted as a cosmic mechanism, a rotating mandala of symbols and figures. At its centre is the ten-spoked wheel, representing the cyclical nature of existence and integration of opposites. Around it spin the Sphinx, the serpent, and the baboon, embodying stability, transformation, and the playful chaos of change. The wheel is connected to its spiritual counterpart above, signifying the promise of renewal and the unity of all things within the cosmic dance.
In Relationships: Fortune suggests change and new opportunities. It encourages you to embrace the unpredictable nature of love and remain open to its possibilities.
In Work: This card signifies a turning point and the potential for unexpected success. You are advised to seize opportunities and trust in the benevolent forces of change.
Spiritually: Fortune represents the acceptance of life's cycles and the wisdom gained through change. It calls you to embrace the flow of the universe and find peace in its rhythms.
When ill-dignified: Fortune warns of resistance to change, missed opportunities, or the chaotic forces of upheaval. You are advised to trust in the process of transformation and remain adaptable in the face of uncertainty.
Early Causes
I – The Magus
(Mercury, Beth)
The Magus of the Thoth deck radiates dynamic energy, the force of will and intellect that shapes reality. He corresponds to Beth, the house, signifying the power to create structure and form. Governed by Mercury, the Magus represents the mastery of communication, skill, and adaptation, embodying the ability to transmute thought into action.
The Magus stands amidst the elements he commands. Around him swirls the wand, cup, sword, and disk, each imbued with vibrant, electric energy. His figure exudes movement and control, as though he exists in a state of constant creation. Above him, the winged caduceus—the rod of Hermes—rises as a symbol of unity and transformation. The beam connecting heaven and earth signifies the infinite cycle of energy and potential.
In Relationships: The Magus suggests magnetic attraction and the ability to manifest deep, meaningful connections. It emphasises the importance of clear communication and aligning intentions with actions to nurture relationships.
In Work: This card signifies mastery and the ability to manifest success through focus and skill. It advises you to harness your talents and act with precision and intention to achieve your goals.
Spiritually: The Magus represents the awakening of personal power and the alignment of the microcosm and macrocosm. It is a call to take responsibility as a conscious creator in the divine play of existence.
When ill-dignified: The Magus warns of manipulation, overconfidence, or a scattering of energy. You are urged to examine your motives and ensure your actions serve the highest purpose, avoiding the temptation to misuse your gifts.
Triggering Causes
XVII – The Star
(Aquarius, Heh)
The Star represents hope, inspiration, and the flow of divine energy. Associated with Heh, the window, this card symbolises clarity and the opening of the soul to cosmic light. Aquarius, the zodiac of vision and humanitarian ideals, imbues the card with themes of enlightenment and universal connection.
The central figure is a nude woman, representing purity and vulnerability, pouring water from two vessels—one onto the earth and the other into a pool, symbolising the balance between spiritual and material realms. Behind her, a radiant star dominates the sky, surrounded by smaller stars, signifying guidance and hope. The background, rich with blues and violets, evokes the tranquillity of the natural world.
In Relationships: The Star suggests healing and renewed hope. It encourages you to trust in the flow of love and remain open to its guidance.
In Work: This card signifies inspiration and creative potential. You are advised to trust your intuition and align your efforts with a higher vision.
Spiritually: The Star symbolises a connection to the divine and the flow of universal energy. It calls you to share your gifts and have faith in the cosmic plan.
When ill-dignified: The Star warns of disillusionment, a loss of faith, or a failure to see one's potential. You are advised to reconnect with your inner light and trust in the process of renewal.
Higher Perceptions
IV – The Emperor
(Aries, Tzaddi)
The Emperor represents the force of order, authority, and structure, embodying the disciplined energy required to manifest power and stability in the material world. He is linked to Tzaddi, symbolising insight and vision, representing the ability to perceive higher truths and take decisive action in alignment with divine will. As the astrological ruler Aries, he brings fiery determination and a pioneering spirit.
The Emperor sits on a ram-adorned throne, a clear nod to Aries, surrounded by a vibrant red background that speaks of his dynamic energy and martial authority. His sceptre, along with the orb and cross, symbolises the dominion of spirit over matter. At his feet lies the double eagle shield, representing far-reaching vision and the ability to soar above obstacles. The geometric forms surrounding him suggest the stability of order, while the lamb beneath his throne reminds us of the balance between power and protection.
In Relationships: The Emperor indicates a relationship rooted in stability, leadership, and mutual respect. It calls for clarity, honesty, and the willingness to establish healthy boundaries and foundations.
In Work: This card represents mastery over the material realm and the ability to build structures that endure. It encourages you to take charge of your destiny confidently and lead by example.
Spiritually: The Emperor signifies the grounding of spiritual energy into practical action. He calls you to embody your highest ideals in your daily life, manifesting divine will through disciplined effort.
When ill-dignified: The Emperor warns of rigidity, authoritarianism, or a misuse of power. You are cautioned to balance control with flexibility and lead with wisdom rather than dominance.
Necessary Conclusions
XX – The Aeon
(Judgement, Fire, Shin)
The Aeon represents transformation, evolution, and the awakening to a higher state of consciousness. Associated with Shin, the tooth, this card reflects the process of breaking through old paradigms to embrace a new spiritual era. Crowley's reinterpretation of Judgement as The Aeon emphasises rebirth on a cosmic scale, rather than individual reckoning.
The central figure is the translucent child-god Horus, representing the dawn of a new age. Above him, Nuit, the goddess of infinite space, arches across the sky, and Hadit, the fiery point of divine inspiration, burns at her core. The two incarnations of the same figure symbolise the transition from the old to the new. The vibrant reds and blues throughout the card evoke the dynamic forces of destruction and creation.
In Relationships: The Aeon signifies the potential for profound change. It suggests leaving behind outdated patterns and embracing a higher level of connection and understanding.
In Work: This card indicates a turning point, calling you to align with your true purpose and embrace transformative opportunities.
Spiritually: The Aeon symbolises awakening to a higher state of being. It calls you to release the past and step into your divine purpose with courage and clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Aeon warns of resistance to change, clinging to outdated beliefs, or fear of transformation. You are advised to trust the process of renewal and embrace the potential of the new era.
The Next Step
III – The Empress
(Venus, Daleth)
The Empress is a vibrant manifestation of fertility, creativity, and the nurturing power of love. Associated with Daleth, the door, she represents the gateway to abundance and the generative forces of the divine feminine. Venus, the planet of beauty and harmony, infuses her with grace, sensuality, and the power to create life and art in all forms.
The imagery of The Empress radiates lushness and vitality. She is enthroned amidst a verdant paradise, symbolising her role as the Earth Mother. Her gown flows in harmonious patterns of red, green, and gold, adorned with pomegranates—a symbol of fertility and the mysteries of creation. In her right hand, she holds a lotus flower, representing purity and spiritual unfolding. At her feet rests a shield emblazoned with an alchemical double eagle. She gazes at a dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, while the aura around her suggests industrious creativity and the interconnectedness of life.
In Relationships: The Empress signifies profound connection, nurturing energy, and the blossoming of relationships. She encourages you to cultivate love with patience and care, allowing it to flourish naturally.
In Work: This card indicates a fertile period for creativity and growth. You are encouraged to trust your creative instincts and nurture your projects with love and dedication, knowing abundance will follow.
Spiritually: The Empress represents the divine source of life and the sacred connection to nature. She calls you to honour your creative power and embrace the beauty and abundance within and around you.
When ill-dignified: The Empress warns of stagnation, overindulgence, or smothering tendencies. You are advised to examine whether your actions are rooted in genuine love or in a need to control and ensure you are not sacrificing yourself for others.
Surprises
XIX – The Sun
(Sun, Resh)
The Sun radiates with the energy of vitality, clarity, and triumphant renewal. Associated with Resh, the face, this card symbolises self-awareness, illumination, and the expression of the inner light. The Sun, as the central celestial body, embodies life, growth, and divine purpose.
The imagery is vibrant and joyous, as the golden sun blazes in the sky, surrounded by rays of light that fill the scene with warmth and illumination. Beneath it, twin children dance in a fertile landscape, representing innocence, harmony, and the unification of opposites. The background is lush with fields and flowers, a testament to the creative and nurturing power of the sun's energy. The card radiates an undeniable sense of triumph and clarity.
In Relationships: The Sun signifies joy, harmony, and mutual understanding. It brings light to connections, encouraging open communication and the sharing of love without reservation.
In Work: This card represents achievement and the realisation of goals. You are advised to embrace your success and lead confidently.
Spiritually: The Sun symbolises enlightenment, integrating the self, and realising your divine purpose. It calls you to step into your power and radiate your truth confidently.
When ill-dignified: The Sun warns of arrogance, egotism, or overexposure. You are advised to balance your confidence with humility and guard against burning out your energy.
The Outcome
XI – Lust
(Leo, Teth)
Lust, known as Strength in many other decks, takes on a unique and profound meaning in the Book of Thoth. This card signifies the ecstatic embrace of life's passions and the power derived from uniting primal instincts with spiritual purpose. Associated with Teth, the serpent, it symbolises both the kundalini energy and the continuous cycles of transformation and renewal. Leo, the zodiac of courage and vitality, infuses the card with boundless confidence and creative expression.
The central figure is a woman riding a multi-headed beast, a symbol of primal forces mastered and directed towards a higher purpose. Her nudity represents authenticity and fearlessness, while the cup she holds aloft is the Holy Grail, symbolising the ultimate spiritual goal. The beast itself, covered in fiery hues, represents the dynamic power of creation, destruction, and renewal. The background is filled with swirling red and gold, reflecting the intensity of life force and divine energy.
In Relationships: Lust represents passion, desire, and a fearless embrace of emotional intensity. It encourages you to fully engage with your relationships, revelling in love's transformative power.
In Work: This card signifies success achieved through boldness, enthusiasm, and a connection to one's creative instincts. You are advised to channel your energy into projects that ignite your passion.
Spiritually: Lust symbolises the awakening of spiritual vitality and integrating one's primal and divine natures. It calls you to surrender to the ecstatic flow of universal energy.
When ill-dignified: Lust warns of unchecked desires, destructive passions, or an overindulgence in material pleasures. You are advised to restore balance and align your desires with a higher purpose.