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 VI – The Lovers
Early Causes XV – The Devil (Lost card, substituted here)		Triggering Causes XIV – Temperance
	Necessary Conclusions XX – Judgement
Significator #1 XI – Strength		Significator #2 IV – The Emperor
	Next Step X – The Wheel of Fortune
	Surprising Experiences XVII – The Star
	Outcome V – The Pope

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

XI – Strength

Strength symbolises courage, patience, and the mastery of inner power. It reflects the triumph of compassion and self-control over brute force.

Symbolism: The figure's calm restraint of the lion reflects the balance of strength and gentleness. Her finely detailed garments and the rendering of the lion's mane reflect Renaissance artistry, while the golden background elevates the scene to a symbolic level.

In Relationships: A time to practise patience and understanding. Strength signals harmony through compassion.

In Work: Success through persistence and confidence. Strength encourages inner resolve rather than aggressive tactics.

Spiritually: Strength represents mastering the ego and cultivating inner peace through compassion.

When ill-dignified: Aggression, self-doubt, or weakness. It warns against succumbing to fear or forceful behaviours.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

IV – The Emperor

The Emperor symbolises structure, authority, and stability. He represents the power of rules and order to create security and success, though sometimes at the expense of flexibility.

Symbolism: Seated upright with a sceptre and orb, the Emperor exudes control and dominion. His luxurious robes and the golden background emphasise his regal and unshakable power. His stillness reflects his role as a protector of order and enforcer of discipline.

In Relationships: A relationship built on structure and commitment. It can suggest the presence of a protective partner or the need to establish boundaries.

In Work: Leadership, organisation, and discipline are essential for achieving success. The Emperor encourages taking control and assuming responsibility.

Spiritually: The Emperor teaches the importance of structure and discipline in spiritual practice, encouraging grounded growth.

When ill-dignified: Tyranny, rigidity, or abuse of power. It warns against controlling behaviours or excessive adherence to rules.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

XV – The Devil (Lost card, substituted here)

This card no longer exists, so the Marseille version is filling in. The Devil represents bondage, temptation, and the shadow self. It highlights the chains we impose upon ourselves through fear, obsession, or indulgence, urging us to confront these darker aspects to reclaim our freedom.

Symbolism: The Devil embodies primal instincts and the seduction of material or carnal desires. The chained figures symbolise voluntary entrapment, their loose bindings reminding us of the ability to escape our vices. The pedestal signifies false power, while the scene hints at the potential for redemption through self-awareness.

In Relationships: The Devil warns of unhealthy attachments, jealousy, or manipulative relationships. It challenges you to examine whether passion has turned into obsession.

In Work: This card can signify being trapped in a toxic work environment, greed, or overreliance on material success. It urges you to reflect on what fulfils you.

Spiritually: The Devil calls for self-awareness and shadow work. Confronting your inner fears or desires will lead to personal liberation.

When ill-dignified: When reversed or ill-dignified, the Devil signifies breaking free from constraints, overcoming addiction, or realising what binds you.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

XIV – Temperance

Temperance represents harmony, balance, and the art of blending opposites. It suggests a time of calm, careful moderation, and the synthesis of differing energies into a cohesive whole.

Symbolism: Pouring liquid from one vessel to another symbolises the balance and exchange between opposing forces—emotion and intellect, fire and water, inner and outer worlds. Her graceful posture and tranquil demeanour indicate deliberate action, emphasising that peace comes through moderation. The golden background elevates balance to the divine level, suggesting that harmony is sacred.

In Relationships: Temperance encourages balance in relationships. It asks for patience and moderation in interactions, fostering an environment where both partners can harmonise their differences.

In Work: Success comes through collaboration and maintaining equilibrium. This card advises you to blend your talents with those of others, seeking compromise rather than extremes.

Spiritually: Temperance represents spiritual equilibrium. It calls for integrating the material and spiritual worlds, balancing one's desires and needs for peace and alignment.

When ill-dignified: Imbalance, excess, or a lack of harmony. This could indicate dissonance in relationships, career, or spiritual practice, warning against overindulgence or extremes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

VI – The Lovers

The Lovers represent choice and the uniting of opposites. It embodies the transformative power of love and the necessity of making meaningful decisions.

Symbolism: The young couple standing beneath Cupid symbolises connection and divine guidance in love. The formal Renaissance clothing and the golden background elevate their union to a sacred level, while the static composition emphasises balance and deliberate choice.

In Relationships: A powerful connection that unites hearts and souls. It may signify a new relationship or a pivotal choice in love.

In Work: A partnership or decision with far-reaching consequences. The Lovers encourage the alignment of values with your work.

Spiritually: The Lovers symbolise unity with your higher self and the harmonious integration of opposites.

When ill-dignified: Temptation, discord, or indecision. It warns against superficial connections or poor choices.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

XX – Judgement

Judgement is the call for awakening, renewal, and reckoning. It signals a time of reckoning with the past, a moment of judgement that clears the way for a fresh start and new direction.

Symbolism: The angel blowing the trumpet signals a divine call to action, summoning figures from their tombs to rise and transform. The symmetrical composition emphasises the balance between life and death, while the golden glow underscores the sacred nature of the awakening. The figures' age gap represents a new life, renewed through divine grace.

In Relationships: Judgement invites you to release past hurts and transform your relationships. It calls for honesty, introspection, and a fresh start in emotional matters.

In Work: A moment of reckoning, where past actions may come to light. This card suggests an opportunity for reinvention, a chance to leave behind outdated modes of working and embrace new ways.

Spiritually: Judgement calls for spiritual awakening and enlightenment. It asks you to evaluate your choices and rise to your higher calling.

When ill-dignified: Denial, resistance to transformation, or an inability to face the truth. This may indicate emotional or spiritual stagnation, or the refusal to heed the call of renewal.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

X – The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune signifies cycles, fate, and the ever-changing nature of life. It reminds us of the importance of adaptability and acceptance in the face of change.

Symbolism: Figures ascending and descending on the wheel represent the ups and downs of life. The patterns add richness to the composition, while the golden background underscores the divine and inevitable nature of change.

In Relationships: A turning point in relationships, whether for better or worse. The Wheel reminds us to embrace change.

In Work: Unexpected opportunities or setbacks. It advises adaptability and resilience in navigating shifting circumstances.

Spiritually: The Wheel teaches surrender to the cycles of life and faith in the greater plan of the universe.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, bad luck, or repeating cycles. It warns against clinging to the past or fearing the future.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

XVII – The Star

The Star is the card of hope, inspiration, and divine guidance. It signals a time of clarity and renewal, where one is aligned with their highest potential and the energies of the universe.

Symbolism: The woman beneath the large, radiant star symbolises divine connection and the flow of universal wisdom. Her upward-reaching arms indicate a yearning for enlightenment or higher understanding, while her delicate robes and the shimmering golden backdrop suggest purity, healing, and inspiration. The simplicity of the composition focuses on the power of the celestial symbol above, offering a vision of clear direction.

In Relationships: A time of healing and optimism. The Star signals hope for the future of a relationship, inspiring trust and a deep connection between partners.

In Work: Clarity and insight bring success. The Star indicates that inspiration and divine guidance will lead you towards the right path.

Spiritually: A card of spiritual renewal, the Star calls you to reconnect with your higher self and seek inspiration from the divine.

When ill-dignified: Delusion, disillusionment, loss of hope, or a feeling of being disconnected from your higher purpose. This warns against losing sight of your spiritual or personal goals.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

V – The Pope

The Pope represents tradition, spiritual authority, and shared values. He embodies the connection between divine wisdom and earthly institutions, urging adherence to established principles.

Symbolism: The Pope's raised hand conveys blessing, while his staff with a triple cross represents divine authority. The kneeling figures at his feet highlight devotion and the transmission of sacred teachings. The symmetrical composition and golden background reinforce his role as a stabilising spiritual guide.

In Relationships: A union founded on shared values or traditions. It may suggest the influence of societal expectations on relationships.

In Work: Success comes through adherence to established systems or mentorship from a trusted authority figure.

Spiritually: The Pope urges respect for spiritual traditions and the wisdom passed down through generations.

When ill-dignified: Dogma, blind conformity, or resistance to innovation. It cautions against rigid adherence to outdated ideas.