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 Three of Swords (Sorrow)
Early Causes Seven of Wands (Valour)		Triggering Causes Ten of Swords (Ruin)
	Necessary Conclusions Prince of Wands
Significator #1 XIX – The Sun		Significator #2 Three of Cups (Abundance)
	Next Step Princess of Cups
	Surprising Experiences XX – The Aeon
	Outcome Ten of Disks (Wealth)

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

Three of Cups (Abundance)

Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Cancer

The Three of Cups, or Abundance, represents celebration, emotional fulfilment, and the joy of unity. It symbolises the flow of emotional energy shared between individuals in a harmonious, collective experience.

The card depicts three chalices floating in the water, surrounded by a vast sea. This imagery speaks to emotional harmony and the satisfaction of celebrating together. The card conveys communal joy, highlighting the strength of emotional connections and the importance of shared experiences in creating lasting bonds.

In Relationships: In romantic terms, the Three of Cups signifies a relationship enriched by friendship, mutual joy, and emotional companionship. It speaks to the celebratory aspects of love, where two people come together not only as lovers but also as friends, sharing in mutual happiness and enjoyment.

In Work: In a professional context, the Three of Cups indicates successful teamwork, collaboration, and a celebratory atmosphere within the workplace. This card suggests a time to celebrate collective achievements, where the entire team or group works well together to achieve success. There is an emphasis on positive, uplifting energy in the work environment.

Spiritually: The Three of Cups is about emotional unity and connection with others on a soul level. It may represent a time when the seeker feels deeply connected to a community or a higher purpose, where spiritual joy is shared with others. This card encourages you to celebrate your spiritual journey and share your light with others.

When ill-dignified: The Three of Cups can indicate overindulgence, excessive partying, or shallow relationships. It may suggest a lack of depth in social interactions, where people are more concerned with surface-level pleasures than meaningful connection. This card warns against using distractions like excessive drinking or partying to avoid deeper emotional work.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

Seven of Wands (Valour)

Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Leo

The Seven of Wands represents courage, determination, and the ability to stand strong in the face of adversity. The card depicts seven wands arranged in an unbalanced pattern, radiating an intense and challenging energy. Mars brings aggressive force, while Leo's fiery confidence demands bravery and self-assertion.

This card reflects a moment where one must defend their position, ideals, or achievements against opposition. It is a test of strength, resilience, and the willingness to fight for what one values, even when the odds seem overwhelming. The Seven of Wands emphasises the necessity of maintaining confidence and perseverance, as victory comes through the valour to stand firm amidst pressure. While the struggle may feel isolating, it also brings the opportunity to prove one's strength and commitment.

In Relationships: The Seven of Wands indicates a need to defend the integrity of a relationship. There may be external pressures or opposing viewpoints you must navigate to protect what you hold dear.

In Work: This card suggests you may find yourself in a competitive or challenging environment. It calls for the strength to maintain your position, assert your ideas, and rise above those who may challenge your authority or success.

Spiritually: The Seven of Wands signifies the need to stand firm in one's spiritual beliefs despite external pressures. You may face challenges from society, family, or even within yourself, but this card encourages you to remain true to your path.

When ill-dignified: The Seven of Wands may indicate an inability to defend oneself, a loss of ground, or the feeling of being overwhelmed by competition. It could suggest that you are fighting a battle not worth the energy or you may be losing your position due to arrogance or overconfidence. It advises recalibration and finding a more effective way to assert yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

Ten of Swords (Ruin)

Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Gemini

The Ten of Swords symbolises the culmination of mental struggle and the end of a difficult intellectual phase. The card depicts ten swords arranged in the shape of the Tree of Life, illustrating the collapse of mental structures. This imagery emphasises the breakdown of old thought patterns and the finality of a challenging mental cycle.

This card represents a moment of intense closure, often following conflict, betrayal, or harsh mental realisations. However, it is not merely a card of defeat—it marks the end of a chapter and the potential for renewal. The swords' placement in the Tree of Life suggests that the end of one cycle clears the way for new understanding and growth. Though the situation may feel like a dramatic loss, it carries the seed for transformation, indicating that closure creates space for new possibilities.

In Relationships: The Ten of Swords indicates a painful end or betrayal, often one where mental or emotional abuse has occurred. It may represent the end of a toxic situation or the final straw in a relationship that has been deteriorating for some time. While painful, this card can also indicate that you are ready for closure and can now move on to new possibilities.

In Work: The Ten of Swords signifies a complete failure or collapse of a project or endeavour, often because of betrayal, poor judgement, or harsh realities. It may represent the end of a career or a job but also suggests that this ending is necessary to make way for new opportunities. It's a card of finality and transition, signalling that the worst is over.

Spiritually: The Ten of Swords represents hitting rock bottom mentally and emotionally, but also the possibility of spiritual rebirth. It signals a time when you may have suffered greatly, but this suffering can lead to deeper understanding and growth. It encourages you to release old thought patterns and embrace a fresh, transformative spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: The Ten of Swords indicates prolonged suffering, often due to an inability to let go of mental hurts or betrayals. It suggests you may be stuck in a cycle of self-inflicted pain, unable to release negative thoughts or emotional baggage. The card warns against dwelling in despair and encourages you to recognise that the worst has passed and that renewal is possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

Three of Swords (Sorrow)

Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Libra

The Three of Swords symbolises mental anguish, sorrow, and clarity from confronting painful truths. It represents the difficult, often harsh, realities of life that require one to face mental or emotional suffering head-on. The card depicts three swords touching at their points, reflecting the tension and sharpness of conflicting thoughts and emotions. This is a card of sorrow and emotional intensity, but also one that points to the healing power of facing the source of the pain.

With Saturn's influence in Libra, the Three of Swords emphasises the need for structure and discipline in dealing with mental and emotional hardship. While the card may signify heartache or betrayal, it also invites you to understand the lessons that emerge from these experiences. There is clarity in this suffering, as difficult as it may be, which leads to growth and transformation.

The Three of Swords urges you to acknowledge your sorrow, accept the lessons it brings, and move towards healing. It is a reminder that, although painful, confronting emotional distress opens the door to wisdom and resilience.

In Relationships: The Three of Swords often points to heartbreak, betrayal, or the end of a relationship. It suggests you may be facing emotional pain or a difficult separation. While painful, it can also indicate the end of confusion, as the truth gets revealed.

In Work: The Three of Swords can represent disappointment or betrayal within the workplace, perhaps a sudden failure, a broken partnership, or a loss. It signals a need to grieve and process the pain but also suggests clarity will emerge as you face the truth of the situation.

Spiritually: The Three of Swords points to the necessity of confronting inner pain or sorrow to achieve spiritual growth. This card invites you to face difficult emotions head-on and use them to develop strength and wisdom. It suggests that healing comes from acknowledging pain and moving through it with awareness.

When ill-dignified: The Three of Swords may indicate an inability to heal from old wounds, or a tendency to dwell in heartbreak without moving forward. You may be stuck in a cycle of mental suffering or unable to release old pain. It could also signify mental cruelty or the misuse of intellect in causing harm to others.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

Prince of Wands

Element: Air of Fire

Astrological Correspondence: Leo

The Prince of Wands represents the intellectual and communicative aspects of Fire, where mental energy and creative passion converge. As Air of Fire, he embodies the visionary thinker who brings dynamic ideas, plans, and strategies to life with inspiration and daring. The Prince is a passionate and courageous individual, full of bold concepts and the drive to translate them into action.

This card symbolises the spirit of adventure and enterprise, where creativity is channelled into purposeful movement. It is a card of intellectual boldness, where ideas ignite like wildfire and are swiftly translated into reality. The Prince of Wands is a figure of immense energy, filled with determination and enthusiasm to take on challenges, initiating projects with great confidence. He encourages you to embrace the power of your thoughts and ambitions, and act decisively in the pursuit of your goals.

In Relationships: The Prince of Wands represents passion and excitement. This can indicate a fast-moving romance full of desire and adventure, but it can also imply someone committed to the thrill of pursuit rather than steady emotional intimacy. The Prince is often the impulsive lover, driven by the desire for adventure or novelty.

In Work: In the professional world, the Prince of Wands is an energetic and bold leader, pushing projects forward with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose. He represents the catalyst for action, the one who brings ideas into motion. However, this card also warns that rushing forward without a solid plan can lead to burnout or missed opportunities.

Spiritually: The Prince of Wands can indicate intellectual exploration or philosophical inquiry. You may seek ways to expand your mind, often through bold or unconventional means. The card may also represent an energetic search for truth or personal enlightenment.

When ill-dignified: The Prince of Wands can indicate mental restlessness, hasty decisions, or an excessive focus on novelty at the expense of deeper commitment. You may be easily distracted or prone to acting on impulse without thinking through the consequences. This card warns against reckless behaviour or a lack of foresight in your actions.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

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 Outcome

Ten of Disks (Wealth)

Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Virgo

This card represents the culmination of material success and the realisation of long-term financial and material security. It signifies abundance, prosperity, and the foundation built through hard work, dedication, and practical wisdom.

The imagery in the Ten of Disks reflects the achievement of lasting material stability, symbolising the results of consistent effort and wise decisions over time. This card represents not only individual wealth but also the potential for collective prosperity, such as family legacy, inheritance, or generational wealth. It is the card of lasting success that extends beyond the present moment to touch future generations.

With the influence of Mercury in Virgo, the Ten of Disks emphasises the intellectual and practical considerations that lead to long-term stability, such as planning, organisation, and attention to detail. This card suggests a time of financial ease and material comfort has arrived or is within reach, brought about by the steady application of effort and wisdom. It speaks to fulfilment and satisfaction in the material realm, highlighting the fulfilment of knowing your material foundation is secure and enduring.

In Relationships: The Ten of Disks can represent stability and creating a secure, nurturing environment. It suggests a relationship grounded in shared material success and mutual support. There may be a focus on family and long-term commitment, or the building of a lasting foundation for the future. This card could also point to inheritance or the transfer of wealth, either materially or through shared wisdom.

In Work: The Ten of Disks points to the fruition of years of hard work. This is the reward for staying committed to your goals and putting in the effort to build a foundation for your future. It may signify financial success, security, and the establishment of long-term wealth. It is a card of prosperity achieved through discipline, focus, and consistency. The Ten of Disks is the ultimate card of material fulfilment and represents the completion of a cycle where the fruits of your labour are now realised.

Spiritually: The Ten of Disks suggests that true wealth comes from balancing material abundance with spiritual wisdom. It emphasises the importance of securing your material and physical needs to progress spiritually, showing that success in the material world is not separate from spiritual growth. The card calls for gratitude and wisdom in managing both your physical and spiritual resources.

When ill-dignified: The Ten of Disks may indicate a misplaced focus on material wealth at the expense of emotional, relational, or spiritual richness. It can point to overindulgence, greed, or the dangers of becoming attached to financial success or status. This card, when negatively aspected, may also highlight issues related to inheritance, family disputes, or the breakdown of long-term stability, particularly if that foundation was built upon unstable or selfish motives.