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  Ace of Swords |
The Full Moon  Nine of Wands (Strength) |
The Waning Moon  XII – The Hanged Man |
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Significator #1  Six of Swords (Science) |
Significator #2  Five of Disks (Worry) |
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The Dark  Ten of Disks (Wealth) |
The Secret of the High Priestess  XV – The Devil |
The Light  Seven of Cups (Debauch) |
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The Next Step  Three of Disks (Works) |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
Five of Disks (Worry)
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Taurus
This card symbolises material challenges, hardship, and feelings of insecurity. The image of five disks scattered and disconnected represents financial or material instability, often accompanied by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear about the loss of wealth or resources. This card reflects the difficulties that arise when material circumstances are not in alignment, and it points to struggles that may leave one feeling deprived or vulnerable.
Despite the sense of hardship, the Five of Disks also suggests change and recovery are possible, especially if one faces these difficulties with perseverance and determination. The influence of Mercury in Taurus stresses the need for clear communication, careful thought, and practical action in navigating through this period of instability. The card reminds you that, although the situation may seem bleak, persistence and adaptability can pave the way for renewal and recovery in the material realm.
In Relationships: The Five of Disks can signal feelings of neglect, isolation, or worry. There may be concerns about security, whether emotional or financial, leading to strain within a partnership. The card advises you to face challenges together and not allow fear or insecurity to dominate the relationship.
In Work: The Five of Disks suggests financial difficulties or setbacks. It may point to job loss, debt, or economic downturns that can create insecurity. The card encourages you to persevere and seek new opportunities, as material stability can be restored with the right effort and mindset.
Spiritually: The Five of Disks may indicate spiritual poverty or disconnection from one's higher self. It can suggest a lack of faith in the face of adversity or material struggle. The card encourages you to find strength within and trust that spiritual renewal is possible, even during challenging times.
When ill-dignified: The Five of Disks can point to extreme loss, greed, or a fixation on material concerns at the expense of everything else. There may be a tendency to wallow in despair or make rash decisions based on fear or panic. You may be facing unnecessary difficulties due to poor choices or neglect.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
XII – The Hanged Man
(Water, Mem)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, transformation, and the wisdom gained through self-sacrifice. Associated with Mem, the waters, this card embodies the flow of unconscious depths and the mysteries that lie beyond the material world. It is not a card of suffering but one of enlightenment through letting go.
The central figure is suspended upside-down, forming a cross with his legs, a symbol of balance and sacrifice. His arms form a triangle, evoking the union of spirit and matter. Behind him, the swirling blue-green background suggests the ocean of the subconscious. The serene expression on his face reflects the tranquillity found in surrendering to a greater truth. Around him, rays of light emanate, signifying the revelation that arises from this state of suspension.
In Relationships: The Hanged Man suggests a need for patience, selflessness, and understanding. It encourages you to see things from your partner's perspective and release control.
In Work: This card indicates a period of pause or sacrifice, where immediate goals may need to be set aside for long-term growth. You are advised to trust in the process and focus on the bigger picture.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man symbolises enlightenment achieved through surrender and the release of ego. It calls you to embrace the transformative power of stillness and contemplation.
When ill-dignified: The Hanged Man warns of stagnation, resistance to change, or clinging to outdated beliefs. You are advised to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the wisdom of surrender.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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 Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Ace of Swords
(Root of Air)
The Ace of Swords represents the inception of intellectual clarity, truth, and the pure power of the mind. As the root of Air, this card signifies the primal force of reason, insight, and the ability to cut through confusion with decisive thought. The sword emerges triumphantly to penetrate a crown, symbolising the victorious nature of intellect and the potential for mental breakthroughs.
This card carries the energy of divine inspiration, where ideas and truths are revealed with sharp precision. It embodies the potential for new beginnings in the realms of thought, communication, and decision-making, offering the clarity needed to navigate complexity and uncover hidden truths.
The Ace of Swords invites you to wield your intellect with purpose and integrity. It encourages you to embrace the power of your mind, use discernment, and seek higher truths. While the energy of this card is potent, it also serves as a reminder that insight must be applied wisely to achieve meaningful results.
In Relationships: The Ace of Swords suggests clear communication or an intellectual breakthrough regarding a relationship. This card could indicate the need for a rational approach to love or a new idea about how to move forward. It can also indicate the need for honest, open communication to resolve any confusion or misunderstandings.
In Work: The Ace of Swords represents a new beginning in intellectual or professional pursuits. It signifies the initiation of a project or idea that requires sharp intellect, decisive action, and clear thought. You may experience a breakthrough moment in your work, perhaps leading to a fresh perspective or new opportunity.
Spiritually: The Ace of Swords points to an epiphany, a sudden insight, or an awakening that brings clarity and understanding. You are being called to engage with truth and intellect on your spiritual journey, cutting through illusion and seeking knowledge that will illuminate your path forward.
When ill-dignified: The Ace of Swords can suggest mental confusion, unclear thought, or a struggle to communicate effectively. It may point to a time of mental overwhelm or the misuse of intellect, where your thoughts or words cause harm or misunderstanding. There may be difficulty in seeing the truth or recognising it when it appears.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Seven of Cups (Debauch)
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Scorpio
The Seven of Cups signifies emotional excess, illusion, and the dangers of overindulgence. This card depicts seven cups arranged chaotically, overflowing with murky, stagnant liquid, emphasising the corruption of pure emotional energy. The imagery conveys decay, as the once-refreshing waters of gladness and emotional fulfilment have become polluted by excess, indulgence, or lack of clarity.
Venus in Scorpio combines the seductive and magnetic qualities of Venus with Scorpio's intensity and depth, highlighting the tension between desire and emotional saturation. This card reflects the risks of being seduced by fleeting pleasures, ungrounded fantasies, or false promises, leading to a state of disillusionment and emotional stagnation.
The Seven of Cups warns against being caught in illusions or distracted by unproductive desires. It challenges us to discern between genuine fulfilment and empty indulgence. While it may tempt us with alluring possibilities, it urges us to ground ourselves, clear emotional confusion, and make choices that lead to lasting satisfaction and renewal.
In Relationships: The Seven of Cups suggests you may face many emotional choices, perhaps feeling uncertain about which path to take. It can indicate a tendency to be drawn to unrealistic or illusory relationships or desires, cautioning you to look beyond appearances and follow your heart.
In Work: The Seven of Cups warns of the dangers of distraction or chasing unrealistic opportunities. You may be overwhelmed by numerous options or distracted by tempting but empty promises. It advises you to focus on practical goals and avoid emotional escapism or fantasy-driven decisions.
Spiritually: The Seven of Cups points to confusion or a scattering of emotional or spiritual energy. You may be pulled in multiple directions or have trouble discerning between true spiritual paths and distractions. It invites you to ground yourself, focusing on the path that resonates most deeply with your soul.
When ill-dignified: The Seven of Cups can indicate emotional confusion or disillusionment. You may face excessive emotional choices, each more fleeting than the next, leading to indecision or a lack of emotional clarity. There may be a tendency to become consumed with fantasy at the expense of tangible reality, leading to disappointment.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Three of Disks (Works)
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Capricorn
This card represents the creative energy of the material world. It symbolises the early stages of a project or endeavour, where solid foundations are laid, and the initial success of turning a vision into reality. The imagery emphasises the act of building, forming, and creating, illustrating the groundwork being established for something that has the potential to grow into a larger, more successful manifestation.
The Three of Disks suggests you are involved in a process of construction, whether literal or metaphorical, and are seeing the fruits of your effort begin to take shape. This card highlights the importance of persistence, collaboration, and focusing on the practical aspects of bringing ideas to fruition. The influence of Mars in Capricorn signifies a concerted effort towards tangible results, urging you to continue applying hard work and determination to ensure the success of your endeavours. It encourages building upon existing foundations to create something lasting.
In Relationships: The Three of Disks suggests teamwork and the collaborative effort needed to make a relationship successful. It could indicate working with a partner to build a future or invest in shared goals. This card is a positive omen for relationships built on mutual effort and shared practical goals.
In Work: In professional matters, the Three of Disks indicates the productive stage of a project or business venture when early results show promise. It suggests the need for attention to detail and teamwork. This card is a signal of success through hard work and collaboration.
Spiritually: The Three of Disks represents the work required to build a solid foundation in one's spiritual practice. The card suggests that spiritual growth will be attained through dedication, practice, and attention to detail. It may also symbolise integrating spiritual teachings into everyday life, creating a balanced and fruitful path.
When ill-dignified: The Three of Disks can indicate a lack of progress or failure to put in the work to achieve success. It may suggest that efforts are disjointed, uncoordinated, or poorly executed, and can represent dissatisfaction or frustration with the material aspects of a project.
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.
XV – The Devil
(Capricorn, Ayin)
The Devil symbolises bondage, materialism, and the potent, often misunderstood forces of desire and instinct. Associated with Ayin, the eye, this card invites a piercing vision into the illusions and structures that bind us. Capricorn, the zodiac of ambition and discipline, infuses the card with themes of mastery over material and earthly limitations.
The central figure is a goat before a phallic structure, symbolising generative power and material dominance. This card is seething with esoteric symbols of competition within a person. The background, webbed in deep, earthy tones, suggests the shadowy nature of the forces at play. The card is alive with energy, hinting at temptation and the potential for liberation.
In Relationships: The Devil represents intense, often obsessive attraction. It can warn of relationships rooted in control or dependency, urging you to assess whether your connections are serving your growth.
In Work: This card suggests material success, often achieved through relentless ambition. However, it warns of becoming enslaved by wealth or status and advises balancing ambition with higher values.
Spiritually: The Devil symbolises the necessity of confronting and integrating one's shadow self. It calls you to transcend material attachments and awaken to higher truths.
When ill-dignified: The Devil warns of oppression, excessive materialism, or destructive desires. You are advised to liberate yourself by recognising and overcoming illusions and self-imposed limitations.