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 Princess of Cups
Early Causes III – The Empress		Triggering Causes Queen of Disks
	Necessary Conclusions Nine of Cups (Happiness)
Significator #1 Knight of Wands		Significator #2 Ace of Wands
	Next Step XIV – Art
	Surprising Experiences Knight of Disks
	Outcome I – The Magus

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

Knight of Wands

Element: Fire of Fire

Astrological Correspondence: Sagittarius

The Knight of Wands embodies the pure, unbridled energy of Fire in its most dynamic form. As Fire of Fire, he is the embodiment of passionate action, adventure, and relentless pursuit of goals. The Knight represents a fearless, enthusiastic warrior who acts with boldness and intensity, ready to charge forward into unfamiliar territory without hesitation.

This card signifies the drive to break boundaries, embrace new challenges, and explore uncharted paths. The Knight of Wands is a force of nature, radiating energy and vitality that propels him into action. His fiery spirit is uncontained, seeking freedom and new experiences. While this card represents ambition and a desire for conquest, it also warns of impulsiveness and a lack of focus that can lead to burnout or scattered efforts. The Knight of Wands encourages you to embrace your courage and enthusiasm, but reminds you to maintain direction and purpose in your ventures.

In Relationships: The Knight of Wands represents a passionate, fast-moving romance. There is little patience for hesitation or stagnation, and the Knight's approach to love is one of intensity, fervour, and excitement. This card may suggest a whirlwind romance, characterised by excitement and boldness, but also perhaps a lack of stability or depth.

In Work: The Knight of Wands represents the energetic pursuit of career goals and the pursuit of new ventures. This is the go-getter always ready for the next enormous opportunity, charging forward without fear. However, the Knight's restless energy can sometimes lead to burnout or an incomplete follow-through on projects, so caution is advised in maintaining focus.

Spiritually: The Knight of Wands signifies a quest for knowledge or self-improvement driven by intense passion. You may be seeking higher truths with tremendous fervour, though your approach may be more about action and experience than contemplation. This card encourages bold spiritual experimentation, but also warns of burnout or excessive zeal without balance.

When ill-dignified: The Knight of Wands can represent recklessness, impulsivity, and a lack of direction. He may act too quickly or too aggressively, disregarding the consequences of his actions. In this state, the Knight's energy is unbalanced, leading to rash decisions, uncompleted projects, or a tendency to act out of ego rather than purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

Queen of Disks

Element: Water of Earth

Astrological Correspondence: Virgo

The Queen of Disks represents the receptive, nurturing qualities of the Earth element, blending practicality with emotional depth and intuition. She is depicted seated upon a throne, overlooking a thriving harvest from above, symbolising the fertility, stability, and prosperity she nurtures. This card embodies the nurturing force that not only creates a stable and loving environment but also grounds emotional energies into tangible, material results.

The Queen of Disks combines the emotional sensitivity of Water with the grounded, stable nature of Earth, offering a harmonious balance between intuition and practicality. She is the archetype of a wise and compassionate figure who can provide for others and create an environment where both physical and emotional well-being can flourish. Her wisdom is rooted in her ability to manage both material and emotional realms, ensuring that both are in harmony and serve to sustain growth.

This card emphasises the importance of creating a stable foundation in all areas of life—be it in family, business, or personal well-being. It encourages nurturing your environment with care, patience, and understanding to bring about long-lasting stability and prosperity. The Queen of Disks reminds us that abundance arises from a balanced approach to life, where material and emotional needs are honoured and cultivated.

In Relationships: The Queen of Disks represents a loving partner who creates a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment. She values loyalty and security and brings emotional depth to her connections. This card may also indicate the need for you to focus on providing care and support to your loved ones or to nurture the relationship through practical, everyday actions.

In Work: The Queen of Disks suggests that success is achieved through patience, nurturing, and consistent effort. She symbolises the ability to create stability and security in one's career, especially through careful planning and grounded decisions. The Queen also embodies wealth that comes through hard work, intuition, and a focus on long-term stability.

Spiritually: The Queen of Disks calls for grounding and nurturing one's spiritual practice. She suggests the need to be practical and patient in spiritual matters, focusing on creating a stable foundation for growth. She also highlights the importance of taking care of the physical body and environment as part of a holistic spiritual path.

When ill-dignified: The Queen of Disks may indicate a tendency to become overly materialistic, possessive, or controlling. She may represent someone too focused on appearance or superficial security who neglects emotional or spiritual growth. The card also warns against being too concerned with the physical aspects of life to the exclusion of deeper, more meaningful pursuits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

Princess of Cups

Element: Earth of Water

The Princess of Cups symbolises emotional sensitivity, creativity, and the grounding of feelings into tangible forms. She represents the nurturing and receptive qualities of water tempered by the practical, stabilising energy of earth. Holding a cup and surrounded by serene imagery, the Princess radiates an aura of calm reflection, signalling an intimate connection with the emotional and intuitive realms. She is encircled by symbols of the universe and crystallisation.

Virgo's influence lends her a sense of precision and care, encouraging you to translate emotional insight into meaningful, productive expressions. This card suggests a phase of emotional exploration, where feelings are not only felt deeply but also refined and shaped into art, nurturing acts, or personal growth.

The Princess of Cups invites introspection and the discovery of beauty in emotional subtleties. She encourages you to embrace your inner world with curiosity and mindfulness, allowing emotions to inspire creativity, connection, and grounded expression. Her presence reminds us that even the most delicate feelings can be a foundation for growth and tangible achievement.

In Relationships: The Princess of Cups speaks to someone beginning to open up emotionally. This card can indicate the early stages of a relationship, where feelings are still forming and evolving. The Princess encourages you to approach relationships with both curiosity and sensitivity, allowing your emotional landscape to unfold in a grounded manner.

In Work: The Princess of Cups suggests you may embark on a new path that requires emotional investment, perhaps in creative, artistic, or healing endeavours. The card encourages finding a balance between emotional and practical work and suggests a time of personal growth or exploration of your emotional capabilities.

Spiritually: The Princess of Cups represents a time of emotional discovery, when you may explore new spiritual paths or practices. This card can also indicate an increased sensitivity to the spiritual realm, where you feel a heightened sense of intuition and emotional awareness.

When ill-dignified: The Princess of Cups can indicate emotional immaturity or a lack of direction in one's emotional life. There may be an over-sentimental approach to life, where feelings cloud judgement, or you may struggle to understand your emotions. It could also indicate a tendency to indulge in unrealistic fantasies or disconnect from reality.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

Nine of Cups (Happiness)

Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Pisces

The Nine of Cups represents joy, emotional abundance, and the fulfilment of heartfelt desires. This card depicts nine cups arranged symmetrically, overflowing with clear, pure water, symbolising the harmonious flow of emotional energy. The imagery exudes completeness and satisfaction, reflecting the culmination of efforts that lead to genuine happiness.

Jupiter in Pisces combines the expansive, benevolent energy of Jupiter with Pisces' intuitive and empathetic nature, creating a powerful alignment of emotional depth and generosity. This pairing amplifies the sense of boundless joy, compassion, and the effortless manifestation of desires.

The Nine of Cups signifies a time of emotional contentment and the realisation of aspirations. It encourages you to revel in your achievements, appreciate the beauty of life's blessings, and share your joy with others. While it is a card of celebration and abundance, it also reminds us to remain open to the continuous flow of emotional energy, ensuring that happiness is not stagnant but ever-renewing.

In Relationships: The Nine of Cups signifies the satisfaction of emotional desires. It can indicate the fulfilment of a romantic wish, such as finding true love, an emotionally harmonious relationship, or strengthening an existing bond. There is contentment and emotional satisfaction in the romantic sphere.

In Work: The Nine of Cups represents emotional fulfilment through one's work. It suggests you are on the path towards achieving your professional goals and are experiencing success and satisfaction. This is a card of recognition, where you can bask in the joy of your accomplishments.

Spiritually: The Nine of Cups is a card of emotional and spiritual fulfilment. It suggests a time of peace, harmony, and the realisation of spiritual desires. You may feel aligned with your higher self and at peace with your spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: The Nine of Cups can indicate emotional overindulgence, satisfaction derived from shallow or materialistic pursuits, or complacency. It can point to a temporary sense of fulfilment that does not last, leading to emotional emptiness after the initial joy fades.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Knight of Disks

Element: Fire of Earth

Astrological Correspondence: Aquarius

The Knight of Disks represents the dynamic, action-oriented force within the Earth element, focused on practical innovation and intellectual transformation. The Knight is depicted riding a horse, stopped in a field ripe for harvest, symbolising his thoughtful yet purposeful approach to change. Unlike other Knights fuelled by raw energy, the Knight of Disks harnesses a clear vision that guides his methodical actions in the material world.

His element, Fire of Earth, signifies the application of passionate, transformative energy to the practical, grounded realm of materiality. The Knight of Disks is driven by the intellectual spark that ignites new ideas, and he can bring those ideas into tangible form, manifesting lasting change. His actions are grounded in practicality, and his innovative thoughts challenge the status quo while ensuring they are feasible and rooted in the physical world.

This card encourages us to think creatively, apply new solutions with a solid, practical foundation, and transform the material realm through intellect and purpose. The Knight of Disks teaches that change can be achieved through thoughtful, intentional actions that balance idealism with grounded reality.

In Relationships: The Knight of Disks can indicate a partner who is intellectual, innovative, and has a vision for the future. He may bring new ideas or approaches to a relationship, often seeking to create stability through innovation. However, the Knight of Disks may also point to a relationship where intellectual connection is prioritised over emotional intimacy.

In Work: The Knight of Disks suggests someone who is a visionary and can apply new ideas to achieve material success. It indicates a time when intellectual work and practical application can yield significant results. The card encourages thinking outside the box but in a way that is grounded in reality.

Spiritually: The Knight of Disks represents pursuing new ideas and knowledge. It encourages you to explore innovative approaches to spiritual practice while maintaining a grounded, practical approach. The Knight represents intellectual clarity and the application of new concepts in your spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: The Knight of Disks can indicate a lack of flexibility or a rigid, dogmatic approach to life. You may be overly focused on material gain or be unwilling to consider new perspectives or approaches. There may also be an overreliance on intellectual reasoning at the expense of emotional or spiritual insight.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

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.