Secret of the High Priestess Spread
Difficulty: Average
This spread makes a nice alternative to the Celtic Cross, which covers basically the same ground. It is useful when a question doesn't quite call for the Ankh spread. This tarot spread is helpful for looking into a current trend. The High Priestess may or may not present a mysterious secret to be analysed after the rest of the spread.
1. & 2. Main impulses representing the topic at hand. They may compliment or oppose one another.
3. This is the current influence at this time.
5. The Waning Moon is the influence that is moving into the past.
4. The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon, or the approaching influence. This is the immediate future.
7. The Light is what is clearly recognized, consciously.
6. The Dark indicates what is there but not fully perceived, though noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
8. The Next Step is the near future, where this journey leads.
9. The final tarot card, only if it happens to be of the Major Arcana, reveals the Secret of the High Priestess. This is a special message that should be given added weight.
Your Secret of the High Priestess Reading
The Waxing Moon  Nine of Wands (Strength) |
The Full Moon  Knight of Wands |
The Waning Moon  Three of Cups (Abundance) |
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Significator #1  XIX – The Sun |
Significator #2  Ace of Cups |
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The Dark  Six of Swords (Science) |
The Secret of the High Priestess  Ten of Cups (Satiety) |
The Light  V – The Hierophant |
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The Next Step  Two of Swords (Peace) |
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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
Ace of Cups
(Root of Water)
The Ace of Cups represents the origin of all emotional energy, a divine or universal flow of love, compassion, and spiritual connection. As the Root of Water, this card embodies the purest potential of emotional experience and intuition. The image features a cup floating above a sea of water, emanating a stream of light that represents an endless supply of love, emotion, and spiritual energy.
This imagery evokes emotional renewal and spiritual enlightenment, with the flowing water symbolising abundance and fertility in the emotional and spiritual realms. The Ace of Cups invites you into a moment of clarity, renewal, and healing, where the heart and soul are open to receiving and experiencing deep, unconditional love and compassion. It is a card of emotional awakening and spiritual blessing, suggesting the potential for new emotional beginnings or heightened spiritual experiences.
In Relationships: The Ace of Cups can indicate the beginning of a new, spiritually connected romance or a renewed sense of emotional intimacy. There is a deep well of emotional potential here—be it the birth of love or the rekindling of an existing connection at a profound level.
In Work: The Ace of Cups speaks to the emotional satisfaction derived from one's work or creative expression. It points to fulfilment from what you are doing, especially if it is connected to healing, the arts, or nurturing others. There is an overflow of positive energy, suggesting that work aligns with your core values and passions.
Spiritually: The Ace of Cups is a card of emotional awakening, intuition, and connection to the divine. It indicates a time of spiritual rebirth, where the seeker is being filled with spiritual nourishment. The Ace invites you to open your heart and embrace love and compassion as a guiding force.
When ill-dignified: The Ace of Cups can suggest emotional blockages, a closed heart, or a disconnection from one's emotional well-being. This may indicate an inability to connect with others on an emotional level or feeling empty despite a desire for deeper connection. There may be emotional stagnation or an inability to express your feelings clearly.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Nine of Wands (Strength)
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Sagittarius
The Nine of Wands represents resilience, inner strength, and the perseverance needed to overcome challenges. This card features nine wands arranged in a structured yet dynamic pattern, radiating energy and determination. The Moon brings intuition, emotional depth, and adaptability, while Sagittarius contributes an optimistic and expansive drive, resulting in a card that embodies enduring strength amidst adversity.
This card signifies the ability to push forward despite difficulties, maintaining resolve and focus even when the path is arduous. It reflects the culmination of effort, where one has faced many battles and emerged stronger, though perhaps weary. The Nine of Wands encourages you to trust your instincts, remain vigilant, and protect what you have worked hard to achieve. It is a reminder that the final stretch of a challenge requires courage and unwavering determination.
In Relationships: The Nine of Wands represents a period where you may feel guarded or defensive because of experiences. It suggests a time of emotional resilience, where you are protecting the relationship or your heart but still willing to continue fighting for love.
In Work: This card indicates that you have faced many obstacles in your career or pursuits and are now standing strong, prepared to face any further challenges. It calls for perseverance and the belief that you can overcome any remaining difficulties.
Spiritually: The Nine of Wands speaks to spiritual endurance. You may have gone through difficult periods in your spiritual path but have come out stronger. This card encourages you to remain vigilant and steady as you continue your journey.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Wands can indicate weariness, defensiveness, or being overwhelmed. You may feel like giving up or be too focused on old wounds to move forward. It warns against becoming too rigid or entrenched in past difficulties.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
V – The Hierophant
(Taurus, Vav)
The Hierophant is a figure of sacred knowledge and spiritual authority, acting as the bridge between the divine and the mundane. Linked to Vav, the nail, he unites opposing forces and secures the sacred connection between heaven and earth. Taurus, the zodiac sign of stability and sensuality, lends him an enduring, earthy strength.
The Hierophant is depicted as a commanding figure robed in red, symbolising spiritual power and divine authority. He stands as a bridge between the divine and material realms. A large pentagram glows on his chest, signifying mastery over the elements and sacred knowledge. He holds a three-ringed sceptre, representing dominion over body, mind, and spirit. The Egyptian priestess beneath him suggests hidden wisdom or esoteric teachings. Surrounding him are symbolic beasts—the bull of Taurus, an elephant, and four cherub masks—reinforcing themes of strength, structure, and initiation into higher knowledge. The composition conveys mystical revelation, initiation, and the channelling of sacred truths.
In Relationships: The Hierophant suggests relationships guided by shared values, spiritual connection, and mutual growth. It emphasises the importance of trust, commitment, and alignment in beliefs.
In Work: This card speaks to mentorship, tradition, and the power of established systems. It advises you to seek wisdom from trusted sources and honour the tried-and-true methods that lead to success.
Spiritually: The Hierophant represents initiation into higher knowledge and the sacred mysteries. He invites you to seek wisdom from spiritual teachings and align your actions with divine will.
When ill-dignified: The Hierophant warns against dogmatism, blind adherence to tradition, or excessive reliance on external authority. You are advised to discern whether you are following your spiritual truth or conforming to others' expectations.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Six of Swords (Science)
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Aquarius
The Six of Swords depicts six swords arranged to form a Rosicrucian Cross, symbolising mental clarity, focus, and intellectual transformation. The swords point inward towards the centre, reflecting a concentration of mental energy aimed at achieving insight and resolution.
This card represents a transition from confusion to clarity, with the influence of Mercury in Aquarius highlighting a shift towards rational thinking and progressive ideas. It signifies overcoming mental challenges and moving towards a more enlightened perspective through intellectual discipline and mental evolution.
In Relationships: The Six of Swords can signify moving on from emotional turmoil or difficult situations. It suggests healing and transition, where you are leaving behind emotional baggage or moving towards a calmer, more peaceful state. It may indicate that it's time to let go of old wounds in love and seek a more rational and clear-headed path forward.
In Work: The Six of Swords suggests transition, possibly involving a move to a new job or a shift in career direction. It indicates mental clarity and the ability to leave behind old limitations, signalling a fresh approach to work. It may also suggest a time to travel or seek new opportunities that bring growth.
Spiritually: The Six of Swords represents a journey of enlightenment, where you are moving towards greater understanding or higher wisdom. It suggests confusion or emotional struggle is being left behind, and you are embarking on a path towards spiritual clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Six of Swords may indicate resistance to change or being stuck in a transition that isn't moving forward. It could suggest that you are struggling to leave behind mental baggage or remain mired in confusion, even when there are opportunities for progress. This card can warn against avoidance, where you refuse to move on or face the challenges of change.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Two of Swords (Peace)
Astrological Correspondence: Libra
The Two of Swords represents a moment of mental conflict, where you are confronted with opposing thoughts or emotions, signalling a need for balance and resolution. The card features two crossed swords, their blades intersecting at the centre of the card, symbolising the tension between conflicting mental forces. This imagery conveys inner peace amidst mental tension, as you are called to navigate through indecision and find harmony in your thoughts.
Libra's influence highlights the importance of balance, suggesting that resolution can only be achieved through equilibrium and careful contemplation. The swords' crossing forms a stable structure, emphasising the need to bring mental clarity and alignment to opposing views or choices.
The Two of Swords invites you to seek peace by considering your options and allowing time for reflection. This card reminds us that balance, particularly in moments of mental conflict, can lead to a clear path forward. While the answer may not be apparent, this card encourages you to trust that clarity will emerge through patience and introspection.
In Relationships: The Two of Swords may indicate a relationship at a standstill, where both partners face an important decision, yet neither can move forward due to uncertainty or lack of communication. This card suggests the need for both partners to open their eyes and see things clearly before making a decision that will affect the relationship.
In Work: The Two of Swords may indicate a situation where you are facing a difficult choice or a mental block in your career. It suggests the need to weigh different options before making a decision that will influence the next phase of your work. It can also indicate the need for a balance between competing interests.
Spiritually: The Two of Swords suggests you may be at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take in your spiritual life. It indicates a time of indecision or a need to balance different aspects of your spiritual journey, such as intellect versus intuition, before going forward.
When ill-dignified: The Two of Swords can point to avoidance, emotional blockages, or the inability to decide out of fear or confusion. A tendency to ignore or suppress critical issues may lead to greater internal conflict. It may also represent mental stagnation or the inability to see a solution to a problem.
The Secret of the High Priestess - if, and only if, this card a Major Arcana, it reveals the Secret of the High Priestess. This is a special spiritual message that you should pay extra special attention to. If it is not a trump, the Priestess has revealed no secret.
Ten of Cups (Satiety)
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Pisces
The Ten of Cups represents the completion of emotional cycles, where fulfilment reaches its peak yet carries the potential for stagnation or excess. The card depicts ten overflowing cups arranged in a balanced yet dynamic structure, with their contents spilling out. This imagery suggests emotional abundance but hints at the challenge of sustaining such fullness without tipping into indulgence or dissatisfaction.
Mars in Pisces combines the drive and passion of Mars with Pisces' fluid and sensitive nature. This astrological pairing emphasises the dynamic tension between the pursuit of emotional fulfilment and the need for spiritual depth and renewal. It reflects the active effort required to balance intense emotions and ensure they remain enriching rather than overwhelming.
The Ten of Cups signifies the realisation of emotional harmony and the culmination of heartfelt desires, particularly in relationships and personal connections. While it celebrates joy and completeness, it also serves as a reminder to seek new horizons once the current cycle is fulfilled, ensuring that emotional growth continues. At this stage in the Suit of Water, the cups are brimming, more than full. It implies that a continual effort to maintain this state is necessary, naturally involving a constant need to manage stress.
In Relationships: The Ten of Cups signals the culmination of passion. This card suggests emotional harmony, mutual understanding, and the successful merging of hearts. It can indicate the realisation of long-term love goals, such as marriage or family unity.
In Work: The Ten of Cups represents fulfilling professional goals that bring emotional satisfaction. It suggests a harmonious work-life balance and contentment with one's professional accomplishments, although not without stress. This is a card of success in the broader sense, where work and personal life are aligned, but it warns of the additional weight of the responsibility involved.
Spiritually: The Ten of Cups represents emotional and spiritual fulfilment, indicating you are at peace with yourself and your spiritual journey. It suggests oneness with the divine and emotional alignment with your spiritual truth.
When ill-dignified: The Ten of Cups can point to an illusion of happiness or emotional disconnection within a family or relationship. There may be unfulfilled potential or strained harmony, where superficial happiness masks deeper emotional issues or discontentment.