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 XIX – The Sun
Early Causes XVII – The Star		Triggering Causes XI – Lust
	Necessary Conclusions VIII – Adjustment
Significator #1 VII – The Chariot		Significator #2 XV – The Devil
	Next Step VI – The Lovers
	Surprising Experiences II – The Priestess
	Outcome XIV – Art

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

VII – The Chariot

(Cancer, Cheth)

The Chariot represents triumph through willpower, discipline, and the unification of opposing forces. Associated with Cheth, the fence, it symbolises both protection and the boundaries that define and direct progress. Cancer, the zodiac sign of emotional depth and intuition lends the card its nurturing energy, ensuring that strength is tempered with compassion.

The Charioteer is a figure of regal composure, encased in golden armour and standing within a shell-like chariot. This shell evokes the protective qualities of Cancer, while the armour signifies spiritual and emotional fortitude. In his hands, he holds the Holy Grail, a symbol of divine purpose and spiritual attainment. The four sphinxes that draw the chariot—two white and two dark—represent the dual forces of light and darkness, which the Charioteer must master to move forward. The canopy above him is adorned with stars, linking his journey to celestial guidance and higher aspirations.

In Relationships: The Chariot indicates a relationship that requires balance and mutual effort to succeed. It suggests overcoming obstacles through shared determination and a focus on common goals.

In Work: This card signifies victory achieved through discipline, focus, and the ability to steer conflicting forces towards a unified purpose. You are encouraged to remain steadfast and clear in your intentions.

Spiritually: The Chariot represents the journey of the soul towards higher awareness, guided by the alignment of will and intuition. It calls you to embrace your inner strength and move forward confidently.

When ill-dignified: The Chariot warns of a loss of direction, internal conflict, or reckless ambition. You are advised to reassess your goals and ensure you are not being led astray by conflicting desires or external pressures.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

XV – The Devil

(Capricorn, Ayin)

The Devil symbolises bondage, materialism, and the potent, often misunderstood forces of desire and instinct. Associated with Ayin, the eye, this card invites a piercing vision into the illusions and structures that bind us. Capricorn, the zodiac of ambition and discipline, infuses the card with themes of mastery over material and earthly limitations.

The central figure is a goat before a phallic structure, symbolising generative power and material dominance. This card is seething with esoteric symbols of competition within a person. The background, webbed in deep, earthy tones, suggests the shadowy nature of the forces at play. The card is alive with energy, hinting at temptation and the potential for liberation.

In Relationships: The Devil represents intense, often obsessive attraction. It can warn of relationships rooted in control or dependency, urging you to assess whether your connections are serving your growth.

In Work: This card suggests material success, often achieved through relentless ambition. However, it warns of becoming enslaved by wealth or status and advises balancing ambition with higher values.

Spiritually: The Devil symbolises the necessity of confronting and integrating one's shadow self. It calls you to transcend material attachments and awaken to higher truths.

When ill-dignified: The Devil warns of oppression, excessive materialism, or destructive desires. You are advised to liberate yourself by recognising and overcoming illusions and self-imposed limitations.

 

 

 

 

 

Early 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

VIII – Adjustment

(Libra, Lamed)

In the Thoth deck, the card traditionally known as Justice is renamed Adjustment, reflecting the dynamic nature of balance and the constant recalibration required to maintain harmony. Associated with Lamed, the ox-goad, it represents the guidance and discipline needed to align oneself with universal truth. Libra, the zodiac of balance and fairness, infuses the card with its themes of equity and measured judgement.

The central figure of Adjustment is a serene androgynous figure holding a sword while balancing on their toes, between a balanced pair of scales. The sword symbolises the piercing clarity of truth, while the scales represent the cosmic law of cause and effect. Their poised stance is framed by geometric patterns, emphasising precision and the mathematical order of the universe. Behind them, a brilliant green background evokes the idea of renewal and the living equilibrium of nature.

In Relationships: Adjustment highlights the importance of honesty, fairness, and mutual accountability. It encourages you to communicate openly and seek a balanced dynamic.

In Work: This card suggests success will come through careful analysis, ethical decision-making, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It warns against cutting corners or ignoring the consequences of actions.

Spiritually: Adjustment signifies alignment with divine truth and the quest for inner harmony. You are called to reflect on your actions and ensure they are in alignment with your highest principles.

When ill-dignified: Adjustment warns of imbalance, dishonesty, or an inability to take responsibility for one's actions. You are advised to confront uncomfortable truths and restore equilibrium through introspection and accountability.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

II – The Priestess

(Moon, Gimel)

The Priestess is a figure of serene and inscrutable wisdom, embodying the mysteries of the subconscious and the cycles of the Moon. She corresponds to Gimel, the camel, representing the capacity to traverse vast spiritual deserts and access hidden truths. The Moon's influence lends her an air of receptivity, intuition, and connection to the rhythms of the cosmos.

Seated on her throne, the Priestess holds a bow, an emblem of Artemis and lunar cycles, symbolising her mastery of timing and precision. Her arms mirror the crescent moons of the background, merging her form with the sea of the unconscious. Before her, a tapestry adorned with pomegranates and palms veils the sacred mysteries, separating the seen from the unseen. At her feet lies the crescent moon, a symbol of her dominion over intuition and the waxing and waning cycles of existence.

In Relationships: The Priestess indicates the presence of profound emotional depth and unspoken bonds. It encourages you to trust your intuition and explore the layers of your connection without rushing to conclusions.

In Work: This card suggests the answers lie in reflection and inner knowledge rather than external action. It advises you to trust your instincts and remain patient while the path unfolds.

Spiritually: The Priestess represents the deep well of inner wisdom, the gateway to divine knowledge. She calls you to explore your dreams, meditations, and intuitions for insight into the mysteries of the self and the universe.

When ill-dignified: The Priestess cautions against passivity, confusion, or ignoring intuitive warnings. You are advised to confront hidden fears and distinguish between genuine intuition and projections of the unconscious mind.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

XIV – Art

(Sagittarius, Samekh)

Art, traditionally called Temperance, represents the alchemical process of transmutation and the blending of opposites. Associated with Samekh, the prop, this card signifies the support and structure needed to integrate seemingly opposing forces. Sagittarius, the zodiac of exploration and synthesis, infuses the card with visionary energy and optimism.

The central figure is a radiant androgynous being with two faces engaged in an alchemical act of union. They pour liquid from one vessel into another, blending fire and water, symbolising the merging of opposites to create something entirely new. Around them, symbols of the zodiac and alchemical glyphs emphasise the universal nature of this process. The golden background radiates the light of inspiration and higher purpose, while the stream of power arching above the pot signifies hope and divine harmony.

In Relationships: Art represents the balance and integration of differences. It encourages you to find harmony through patience, communication, and mutual understanding.

In Work: This card signifies success achieved through creativity, innovation, and the ability to blend diverse elements into a unified whole. You are advised to embrace flexibility and trust in your creative process.

Spiritually: Art symbolises the quest for inner balance and the alchemical transformation of the self. It calls you to embrace your contradictions and to unite yourself in service of a higher purpose.

When ill-dignified: Art warns of imbalance, lack of focus, or the inability to harmonise opposing forces. You are advised to recalibrate and approach your challenges with patience and creativity.