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  Knight of Swords |
The Full Moon  Seven of Wands (Valour) |
The Waning Moon  Princess of Cups |
|
Significator #1  Nine of Swords (Cruelty) |
Significator #2  III – The Empress |
||
The Dark  Seven of Swords (Futility) |
The Secret of the High Priestess  Five of Wands (Strife) |
The Light  Ace of Wands |
|
The Next Step  Prince of Disks |
|||
Significator #1
Nine of Swords (Cruelty)
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Gemini
The Nine of Swords features nine long swords pointing downward, with blood dripping from their blades. This stark imagery symbolises mental torment, anguish, and the destructive nature of obsessive thoughts. The swords are arranged in a neat, symmetrical pattern, creating a sense of overwhelming confinement. The dripping blood adds an element of suffering, underscoring the emotional pain that often accompanies mental distress.
The Mars in Gemini influence links this card to the struggle of the mind—Mars, the planet of aggression and conflict, is paired with Gemini, the sign of duality and scattered thought. This combination reflects mental cruelty: the mind in conflict, torn between multiple, often contradictory thoughts, leading to heightened anxiety and self-inflicted pain. The Nine of Swords indicates that the distress is exaggerated and often caused by the inability to control overactive, fearful thinking. This card suggests you may be trapped by your mind, but relief comes with confronting these fears and breaking free from the cycle of overthinking.
In Relationships: The Nine of Swords indicates excessive worry or anxiety, maybe stemming from irrational fears or doubts. It suggests your mind is clouded by negative thinking, and you may be overly focused on problems that have not yet materialised. The card urges you to confront your fears and seek clarity, as the situation may not be as dire as you believe.
In Work: The Nine of Swords indicates mental stress, burnout, or overwhelming worry about the future. It suggests a period of sleeplessness, anxiety over work-related issues, or a fear of failure. The card advises you to address your mental health and seek help if needed, as the stress may be disproportionate to the actual situation.
Spiritually: The Nine of Swords represents despair or inner conflict. It suggests your mind is filled with self-doubt, fear, or confusion, preventing spiritual progress. The card calls for mental healing and the release of unnecessary worry to create space for inner peace and clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Swords can indicate a worsening of mental anguish, where you cannot break free from obsessive thoughts or fears. It may suggest depression, overwhelming anxiety, or hopelessness, where the mind is trapped in a cycle of negative thinking.
Significator #2
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.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Knight of Swords
Element: Fire of Air
Astrological Correspondence: Gemini
The Knight of Swords represents an intense, fast-moving force of intellect and action. He charges through the air with fierce determination, embodying the quick, forceful qualities of Air in motion. The Knight's swift movement symbolises his drive to deliver ideas and messages, pushing forward with unrelenting focus and mental energy. His actions are rapid and decisive, like a whirlwind of thought and communication, sometimes chaotic in their intensity.
This card signifies the action-oriented aspect of the Air element—taking intellectual concepts and turning them into tangible actions. However, the Knight of Swords can also represent the dangers of rushing forward without considering the consequences. His speed and energy may sometimes lead to hasty decisions or the need to reconsider the path after action has already been taken.
The Knight of Swords challenges you to embrace your intellectual power and take bold action but also reminds you of the need to temper that drive with caution, ensuring your pursuit of ideas does not lead to unintentional harm or misdirection. His energy encourages directness but warns against impatience.
In Relationships: The Knight of Swords can signify sudden and forceful communication or an intellectual attraction that dominates the emotional connection. Relationships may progress rapidly, but arguments or disagreements may also mark them if the parties involved are not careful in their approach. The Knight can indicate the need for quick, clear communication, but also suggests avoiding impulsive, hurtful words.
In Work: The Knight of Swords represents a fast-paced, intellectually driven professional environment. This is a person determined to achieve success by force of will, intellect, and swift action. However, this card can indicate that you might need to slow down and consider the consequences of your actions before you rush ahead. It's easy to become caught up in the speed of success and miss important details.
Spiritually: The Knight of Swords symbolises a quest for intellectual enlightenment, often seeking truth and knowledge through sharp analysis. This card can indicate a sudden spiritual awakening or an urge to rush towards spiritual goals but also warns that the pursuit of intellectual clarity can overshadow emotional or intuitive wisdom.
When ill-dignified: The Knight of Swords indicates impulsive, reckless behaviour driven by hasty thoughts and actions. You may rush into situations without thinking them through, leading to chaos or conflict. It's important to exercise caution and avoid becoming too forceful or aggressive in pursuing goals. This card can also point to misunderstandings or cutting words that cause damage to relationships or situations.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
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.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Seven of Swords (Futility)
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Aquarius
The Seven of Swords features six swords pointing downward, surrounding one large, central sword. The swords' arrangement creates a sense of imbalance, indicating confusion, strategy gone awry, or mental conflict. The large sword in the centre represents a central issue or challenge, while the six surrounding swords suggest attempts at intellectual or strategic action that fail to resolve the problem.
The Moon in Aquarius influence brings emotional confusion or distorted perceptions, where rational thought may be clouded by fears or hidden motives. This card points to the futility of relying solely on cleverness or deceit to solve problems. Instead, it urges you to face the situation directly, as manipulation is unlikely to bring lasting resolution.
The Seven of Swords warns of misdirected efforts, cautioning you to know the consequences of trying to escape or avoid the truth through deceit or cunning. It signals a time of reassessment, urging a clearer, more honest approach to mental challenges.
In Relationships: The Seven of Swords may suggest dishonesty, hidden motives, or the need for careful communication. It could indicate that one partner is concealing something important, or a relationship is built on mind games. The card calls for transparency and openness to avoid betrayal or misunderstanding.
In Work: The Seven of Swords may indicate that you are using strategy, perhaps even deceit, to achieve success. It suggests a need to be cautious of the ethics of your actions, as victory gained through dishonesty can be short-lived. Alternatively, the card may indicate a situation where you are being strategic, working behind the scenes to plan for future success.
Spiritually: The Seven of Swords indicates a need for discernment and caution. It may signify a situation where you are hiding your true spiritual intentions or are not being entirely honest with yourself. The card urges you to confront secrets or falsehoods to achieve spiritual clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Seven of Swords can signify outright deception, manipulation, or betrayal. It can also point to avoidance of the truth or a tendency to hide behind false pretences. This card warns against the misuse of intellect for personal gain, urging you to reconsider the ethics of your actions and motivations.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Prince of Disks
Element: Air of Earth
Astrological Correspondence: Taurus
The Prince of Disks represents the active, dynamic force within the Earth element, embodying the drive and determination needed to manifest material success. The Prince is depicted as a youthful figure holding a large disk, symbolising his connection to the material world and his unwavering focus on achieving practical goals. His element, Air of Earth, combines intellectual energy and strategy with the solid, grounding qualities of Earth. This fusion empowers him to take disciplined action in pursuit of material gain and stability.
The Prince of Disks is steadfast, practical, and diligent, bringing order and purpose to his endeavours. He represents a force of transformation in the material realm, working tirelessly to build lasting structures, wealth, and prosperity. While the Princess embodies receptive and nurturing qualities of Earth, the Prince is the active counterpart, initiating the processes that lead to tangible results. His approach is grounded in intelligence and practicality, ensuring that his goals are not only visionary but also achievable.
This card signifies the power of focused effort and the importance of perseverance in creating lasting success in the physical world. It encourages a balanced, methodical approach to manifesting desires, and serves as a reminder that patience and hard work will lead to prosperity and stability.
In Relationships: The Prince of Disks indicates a steady, committed individual who brings stability and reliability. He may represent someone willing to work hard to ensure the relationship's success, and who values loyalty and practicality in love. The Prince often symbolises a partner who brings financial or material security to the relationship.
In Work: The Prince of Disks signifies diligence, persistence, and hard work. This card points to someone dedicated to their career who works steadily towards material success. It may also indicate someone undertaking a project that requires consistency and long-term effort to bring results.
Spiritually: The Prince of Disks calls for a grounded and disciplined approach to spiritual work. He suggests that spiritual progress comes through steady, practical efforts and that one must apply the same dedication to spiritual growth as one would to material pursuits. The card also points to balancing spiritual goals with worldly responsibilities.
When ill-dignified: The Prince of Disks can indicate stubbornness or inflexibility, especially in material matters. It may suggest an overemphasis on work or the material world to the detriment of other aspects of life, such as relationships or spiritual growth. There may be a tendency to become too entrenched in your goals or ways of thinking, leading to stagnation.
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.
Five of Wands (Strife)
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Leo
The Five of Wands represents conflict, struggle, and the tension that arises from competing forces. The card features five crossed wands in an unbalanced configuration, with flames emanating erratically, symbolising disarray and discord. Saturn, the planet of limitations and discipline, meets the fiery and bold energy of Leo, creating a clash between authority, control, and the need for self-expression.
This card indicates a period of difficulty where challenges arise, either from external competition or internal conflicts. It reflects a situation where one's will and energy are met with resistance, demanding resilience and adaptability. Despite the chaotic energy, the Five of Wands also suggests an opportunity for growth through struggle, as obstacles force us to refine our approach and test our strength. It reminds you that conflict, while uncomfortable, can catalyse transformation and clarity.
In Relationships: The Five of Wands can indicate tension or disagreement. There may be a power struggle, competition, or a need to assert one's own desires. You are advised to navigate these challenges with patience and understanding.
In Work: This card suggests competition or conflict in the workplace. You may be facing challenges from colleagues or external forces. It is a time to maintain focus and rise above the noise to stay on course.
Spiritually: The Five of Wands represents the struggle between different aspects of the self. You may experience internal conflict or confusion about your spiritual path. It calls for introspection and a deeper understanding of the forces at play.
When ill-dignified: The Five of Wands suggests the conflict may be unnecessarily escalated, or you may be caught up in petty struggles. It warns against being distracted by trivial matters and encourages you to focus on the greater goal.