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  Seven of Disks (Failure) |
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Early Causes
 Two of Cups (Love) |
Triggering Causes
 X – Fortune |
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Necessary Conclusions
 VIII – Adjustment |
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Significator #1
 XXI – The Universe |
Significator #2
 Three of Wands (Virtue) |
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Next Step
 Princess of Disks |
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Surprising Experiences  Eight of Cups (Indolence) |
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Outcome  Ace of Wands |
Significator #1
XXI – The Universe
(Saturn, Earth, Tau)
The Universe is the culmination of the journey, symbolising integration, completion, and the harmonious union of opposites. Associated with Tau, the cross, this card reflects the materialisation of divine will and the synthesis of all forces. Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, anchors the card in themes of order and manifestation.
The central figure is a nude woman, symbolising the perfected self, dancing within a ring of stars, on the head of an enormous serpent. She holds tools of creation in her hands, embodying mastery over all elements. Around her, the four cherubim faces—the lion, the eagle, the man, and the bull—represent the fixed signs of the zodiac and the balance of cosmic forces, as water flows from their noses and mouths. The background represents the infinite possibilities of the universe.
In Relationships: The Universe signifies fulfilment and the realisation of harmony. It encourages you to celebrate the unity and wholeness of your connections.
In Work: This card indicates the successful completion of a cycle and the achievement of long-term goals. You are advised to reflect on your accomplishments and prepare for new horizons.
Spiritually: The Universe symbolises enlightenment, the integration of all aspects of the self, and the realisation of cosmic unity. It calls you to embrace your place within the greater whole and celebrate the infinite potential of existence.
When ill-dignified: The Universe warns of stagnation, fear of completion, or an unwillingness to move forward. You are advised to release resistance and trust in the cycles of growth and transformation.
Significator #2
Three of Wands (Virtue)
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Aries
The Three of Wands represents the harmonious alignment of will, action, and purpose. It symbolises confidence, leadership, and the strength to act with integrity. The card depicts three wands crossed in balance, radiating stability and mutual support. Flames emanate from the centre, representing the creative and dynamic energy of fire that has been focused and directed constructively.
This card is about the manifestation of one's will through effort and coordination. It marks the point where initial efforts have taken root and a solid foundation has been established, allowing for continued growth and success. Unlike the chaos of unbridled ambition, the Three of Wands reflects a disciplined and virtuous use of power, ensuring that actions align with one's higher principles. It is a card of optimism, self-assurance, and the momentum to build upon early achievements.
In Relationships: The Three of Wands indicates growth and development. The connection has reached a point where both parties can begin to see the potential for a shared future and greater commitment.
In Work: This card suggests you are beginning to see the first signs of success from previous efforts. It encourages you to continue building on their foundations and look forward to even greater accomplishments.
Spiritually: The Three of Wands represents the expansion of spiritual knowledge and understanding. It signifies progress and the beginning of a deeper connection with the divine.
When ill-dignified: The Three of Wands may suggest overconfidence, impatience, or a lack of focus. You could be spreading yourself too thin or expecting results too quickly. It advises careful planning and the need to be patient as the process unfolds.
Early Causes
Two of Cups (Love)
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Cancer
The Two of Cups, or Love, represents the union of two souls in a balanced, reciprocal exchange of emotion. It symbolises the pure and harmonious flow of love, affection, and mutual understanding between two individuals. This card highlights the emotional bond that creates a harmonious partnership where both parties share a deep connection.
Flowing liquid connects two cups, symbolising the free exchange of love and emotional energy between two people. This card can represent any emotional partnership, from romantic relationships to friendships, where mutual support and emotional balance are key. It speaks to a moment of connection, harmony, and the potential for a spiritually fulfilling union.
In Relationships: The Two of Cups signals the blossoming of a harmonious partnership based on mutual respect, love, and emotional intimacy. It suggests a balanced connection where both individuals are in sync and emotionally supportive. This card marks a time of union and emotional fulfilment.
In Work: The Two of Cups indicates successful collaboration, partnerships, and teamwork. It suggests emotional intelligence and mutual support are present in the workplace, creating an environment where cooperation and shared goals lead to success.
Spiritually: The Two of Cups represents the union of the self with divine love or higher spiritual wisdom. It indicates a harmonious connection with the universe, where you are in alignment with your inner truth and can feel fulfilled.
When ill-dignified: The Two of Cups may suggest disharmony in relationships, a lack of emotional connection, or a feeling of imbalance. It may point to a disconnect between two people, where emotional needs are not being met or communication is lacking. There may be an inability to form deep, meaningful bonds.
Triggering Causes
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.
Higher Perceptions
Seven of Disks (Failure)
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Taurus
This card represents a period of introspection and re-evaluation concerning material efforts. It depicts a series of seven disks arranged in an unbalanced pattern, symbolising the results of investments and efforts that have not yet materialised or reached their potential. The image suggests that while the seeds of progress have been sown, they are not yielding the expected results, and there may be stagnation or lack of progress.
This card reflects a time when you must pause and assess whether your material endeavours are still on track. The Seven of Disks asks you to evaluate your literal and metaphorical investments and determine whether to continue with the current path or cut your losses. The energy of Saturn in Taurus brings a message of slow growth and caution, emphasising the need for patience and discipline. However, it also points to the potential for failure, suggesting that not all endeavours are destined for success.
The Seven of Disks encourages careful consideration of one's approach to material pursuits and reminds you that sometimes progress may take longer than anticipated, but the key lies in strategic reassessment and patience.
In Relationships: The Seven of Disks may indicate dissatisfaction or a sense that things are not progressing as expected. You may question whether your emotional investments are yielding the desired results. This card asks for patience and introspection before making decisions.
In Work: The Seven of Disks suggests a period of review, where you evaluate the outcome of your efforts. This card can indicate a feeling of stagnation or frustration with a lack of progress, but it also encourages careful assessment before continuing. It may signify the need for strategic adjustments or a new direction.
Spiritually: The Seven of Disks indicates a need for self-reflection. You may feel stagnant or question your spiritual path. It encourages patience and contemplation, asking you to assess where you are and what you seek before continuing on your journey.
When ill-dignified: The Seven of Disks can indicate failure, frustration, or lack of foresight. It suggests your efforts are misdirected or that you are being too critical of your progress. There may be a tendency to give up prematurely or to fail to evaluate the situation properly before making a decision.
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
Princess of Disks
Element: Earth of Earth
The Princess of Disks represents the physical manifestation of the Earth element. Eternally pregnant, she embodies the material world in its most pure and unrefined state, symbolising the potential to bring the intangible into tangible form. The Princess of Disks is depicted plunging a spear into the earth while holding a large disk, symbolising both her connection to the Earth and her potential to manifest the material world through patience and diligent effort.
The Princess is connected to nature, the land, and the physical reality around her, representing abundance, fertility, and the ability to bring material success into reality. This card suggests that material growth is achieved through practicality, persistence, and grounded action. The Princess of Disks embodies a youthful, fresh perspective on the material world, often indicating the beginning of a new venture or an exploration into one's potential in the material realm.
Her presence in a reading may point to a period where you focus on practical matters, cultivating the resources necessary for future success. The card serves as a reminder that steady work, attention to detail, and a connection to nature are key to manifesting your goals in the material world.
In Relationships: The Princess of Disks can represent someone who is nurturing and grounded. She may be a caretaker or someone who brings stability to the relationship. This card can also suggest new beginnings or fresh, grounded energy entering a relationship, possibly indicating the start of something long-term and stable.
In Work: The Princess of Disks symbolises a time of new beginnings or a fresh approach to material pursuits. It may point to the early stages of a business or financial venture, or the development of a new skill or talent that will later bring success. This card encourages focus, diligence, and practicality in your career.
Spiritually: The Princess of Disks represents grounding, practicality, and connecting with the Earth. She may symbolise the need to ground one's spiritual practice in the physical realm. The card suggests that tending to the material world and embracing its lessons nurtures spiritual growth .
When ill-dignified: The Princess of Disks can point to an overemphasis on material concerns or an inability to appreciate the deeper, spiritual aspects of life. There may be a tendency to become attached to wealth, status, or possessions, neglecting more meaningful pursuits. She may also indicate a lack of maturity in approaching material matters.
Surprises
Eight of Cups (Indolence)
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Pisces
The Eight of Cups represents stagnation, disillusionment, and the weariness that arises from unfulfilled emotional needs. This card features eight cups arranged in an imbalanced structure, with their contents spilling out or appearing stagnant. The imagery conveys decay and loss, symbolising the dissatisfaction of clinging to unproductive emotional attachments or patterns.
Saturn in Pisces reflects the tension between structure and fluidity, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining emotional boundaries in the face of dissolution or disappointment. This astrological pairing underscores the feeling of being weighed down by emotional fatigue or the realisation that what once brought joy no longer fulfils or inspires.
The Eight of Cups signifies the need to let go of what has become draining, even if it requires confronting discomfort or loss. It marks a pivotal moment of release, encouraging a quest for deeper meaning and renewal. By recognising the futility of staying in an unfulfilling situation, the card points towards the potential for growth and transformation through emotional detachment and self-reflection.
In Relationships: The Eight of Cups often points to a relationship that, despite its outward appearance of fulfilment, no longer satisfies the seeker's emotional needs. You may be ready to leave behind a relationship or feel a sense of loss or disappointment, understanding that something more profound is required to restore your emotional balance.
In Work: The Eight of Cups suggests a desire to leave behind an unfulfilling job or career. You may feel disconnected or uninspired by your work and ready to seek new opportunities that better align with your emotional or spiritual goals. This card may indicate a major change or transition in the professional sphere.
Spiritually: The Eight of Cups represents a turning away from superficial or hollow experiences and seeking something of greater depth. It may indicate a spiritual quest, a period of introspection where the seeker must leave behind old beliefs or practices to pursue more meaningful growth.
When ill-dignified: The Eight of Cups can signal an emotional retreat into isolation or the avoidance of necessary change. It can indicate that you are unwilling to walk away from an unfulfilling situation, despite your inner knowing that it is time for something new. There may be a reluctance to let go, resulting in stagnation.
The Outcome
Ace of Wands
(Root of Fire)
The Ace of Wands bursts with raw, fiery energy, representing the essence of creation, power, and new beginnings. This card features a radiant, explosive pillar of fire, emanating brilliant golden flames. The flames twist and curl into serpentine forms, symbolising uncontained potential, primal force, and the dynamic nature of inspiration. Surrounding jagged lightning bolts reinforce the card's theme of sudden illumination and transformative energy. This is the unfiltered essence of fire—pure will, passion, and the unstoppable drive to bring something new into existence.
In Relationships: The Ace of Wands signals the beginning of a passionate and dynamic relationship, full of energy and potential. It represents the excitement of a new romantic connection or the rekindling of a passionate bond.
In Work: This card suggests a surge of inspiration or the start of an exciting new project. It encourages you to take bold action and trust in your creative abilities to manifest your ambitions.
Spiritually: The Ace of Wands represents the spark of spiritual awakening or a new phase in spiritual growth. It urges you to trust your inner fire and seek alternative paths of enlightenment and self-expression.
When ill-dignified: The Ace of Wands can indicate a lack of direction, wasted energy, or premature enthusiasm. It cautions against rushing into new ventures without a solid foundation or purpose. You should reflect on whether your creative impulses are grounded or merely fleeting.