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 King of Swords
Early Causes Six of Swords		Triggering Causes Two of Coins
	Necessary Conclusions Queen of Coins
Significator #1 Seven of Staves		Significator #2 Nine of Coins
	Next Step XXI – The World
	Surprising Experiences Seven of Swords
	Outcome II – The Popess

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

Seven of Staves

The Seven of Staves represents defence, resistance, and standing your ground. It symbolises the courage to protect what you've built and assert your position, even in the face of opposition.

Symbolism: The seven staves arranged in a symmetrical pattern suggest a challenge to your stability or position, yet they also indicate the strength and resilience required to protect it. The uneven arrangement reflects the dynamic energy of struggle and resistance. The pale tan background continues the theme of elemental energy, grounding the conflict within a broader context.

In Relationships: A time to defend your boundaries or assert your position. This card may indicate a need to stand firm in your values or beliefs, especially if they are being challenged.

In Work: A period of resistance in your professional life, where you must protect your ideas, position, or accomplishments from competition or opposition.

Spiritually: The Seven of Staves represents spiritual defence, a time to stand firm in your beliefs and spiritual practices. It invites you to protect your inner peace from outside forces.

When ill-dignified: Over-defensiveness, stubbornness, or aggression. This may indicate that you are unnecessarily guarding yourself from challenges or are too resistant to change.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

Nine of Coins

The Nine of Coins represents self-sufficiency, abundance, and material comfort. It signifies a time of enjoyment, where hard work has paid off, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labour. This card celebrates the pleasures of luxury, refinement, and personal achievement.

Symbolism: The stacked arrangement of nine coins reflects abundance and harmony. The stable design conveys accomplishment, stability, and satisfaction.

In Relationships: A relationship that is self-sufficient and fulfilling. The Nine of Coins suggests enjoying the fruits of love and mutual respect, with a sense of independence.

In Work: Financial success and personal achievement. This card represents enjoying the rewards of your hard work and attaining a comfortable, stable position in your career.

Spiritually: Fulfilment and the joy of having reached a place of peace and abundance in your spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: Over-indulgence, isolation, or dependence. The Nine of Coins warns against relying too heavily on material comforts or becoming disconnected from others.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

Six of Swords

The Six of Swords represents transition, moving forward, and mental clarity. It signifies a physical or mental journey towards calmer waters and a better state of mind. This card suggests moving on from a turbulent situation towards something more peaceful.

Symbolism: The six swords in crossed rows create balance, suggesting a journey that is orderly, though still in motion. The design evokes calm and progress, and the neutral background emphasises the steady movement towards clarity and peace.

In Relationships: Moving on from a difficult relationship or finding peace after emotional turmoil. The Six of Swords represents leaving the past behind and seeking harmony in new emotional terrain.

In Work: Transitioning to a new phase in your professional life, possibly leaving a challenging job or situation for a more peaceful and fulfilling one.

Spiritually: A period of spiritual transition and growth. The Six of Swords encourages you to leave behind old spiritual patterns that no longer serve you and seek inner peace and understanding.

When ill-dignified: Escaping from problems without resolving them or avoiding necessary emotional work. The Six of Swords warns against running away from unresolved issues.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

Two of Coins

The Two of Coins signifies balance, adaptability, and juggling multiple responsibilities. It represents the need to find harmony between different areas of your life, such as work and home, or managing various projects. This card encourages you to be flexible and adaptable, finding ways to keep everything in motion.

Symbolism: The symmetrical placement of the coins highlights balance and duality. The harmonious design suggests that while there is a need to manage different aspects of life, it is possible to do so successfully with care and focus.

In Relationships: Balancing responsibilities. This card suggests you must strike a balance to maintain a stable and fulfilling partnership.

In Work: A time to juggle multiple roles or responsibilities at work. The Two of Coins advises flexibility and time management to ensure success.

Spiritually: Finding the balance between the material and spiritual aspects of life. The Two of Coins encourages you to integrate both into a cohesive whole.

When ill-dignified: Overwhelm, imbalance, or struggling to manage responsibilities. The Two of Coins warns against neglecting one area of life for another.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

King of Swords

The King of Swords represents intellect, authority, and decision-making. This card signifies mastery of the mind, with the ability to use reason and logic to lead and protect. It highlights the power of wisdom, strategy, and clear judgement.

Symbolism: The King's confident posture and ornate throne signify his authority and mental mastery. The sharpness of the sword reflects his ability to lead with reason, while the metallic backdrop emphasises his regal nature.

In Relationships: Intellectual maturity and leadership. The King of Swords suggests a partner who leads with logic and fairness, maintaining emotional balance and clarity.

In Work: Mastery in your profession, especially in roles that require intellect, strategy, and leadership. This card encourages decisive and fair action.

Spiritually: Mastery over your mental and spiritual path. The King of Swords urges you to trust in your wisdom to guide others and yourself.

When ill-dignified: Rigidity, coldness, or controlling behaviour. The King of Swords warns against becoming too detached, manipulative, or authoritarian.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

Queen of Coins

The Queen of Coins represents nurturing, abundance, and practical wisdom. She is a motherly figure who embodies warmth, security, and the ability to create a stable and prosperous environment for others. This card speaks to a balance of generosity, practicality, and a grounded approach to material wealth.

Symbolism: The Queen's regal yet nurturing posture, along with her detailed gown and the coin she holds, reflects her ability to create abundance through care, planning, and attention to detail. The golden tapestry symbolises wealth and elegance.

In Relationships: A loving, supportive partner who creates a warm, stable home. The Queen of Coins encourages a relationship rooted in care, nurturing, and shared prosperity.

In Work: A grounded, practical approach to career success. The Queen of Coins suggests using your skills to create financial security for yourself and others.

Spiritually: Spiritual abundance through nurturing practices. The Queen of Coins advises using your spiritual wisdom to care for yourself and others.

When ill-dignified: Over-protection, possessiveness, or neglecting your own needs for the sake of others. The Queen of Coins warns against being controlling or too focused on material wealth.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

XXI – The World

The World represents completion, wholeness, and the harmonious integration of all aspects of life. It is the last card of the Major Arcana, signalling the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

Symbolism: The two ethereal figures holding the globe or portal represent the union of duality and the achievement of balance. The rolling plains and distant mountains beneath the golden sky symbolise the vast potential of the world, and the figures' gesture of offering suggests a celebration of accomplishment. The card evokes cosmic harmony, completion, and the endless cycles of existence.

In Relationships: The World signifies a complete and fulfilling relationship, one where both partners are in harmony and balanced with each other. It's a time of celebration and unity.

In Work: Completion of a major goal or project. The World indicates the successful culmination of efforts, with new horizons opening up in your professional life.

Spiritually: A time of wholeness. The World signifies a sense of fulfilment and oneness with the universe, representing the final stage of spiritual evolution.

When ill-dignified: Incompletion, being stuck, or an inability to move forward. This card warns of a lack of closure or an unfinished journey that hinders your growth.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords represents secrecy, deception, and strategy. It speaks to situations where you may feel the need to be clever, sneaky, or evasive to get what you want. This card can indicate an act of stealth or even betrayal, but it also highlights the need for careful planning and discretion.

Symbolism: The unbalanced arrangement of the swords suggests movement, stealth, and uncertainty. The overlapping blades hint at hidden motives or the complexity of a situation that requires more than just straightforward action.

In Relationships: Hidden agendas or deception. The Seven of Swords advises caution, as someone may not be entirely honest with you or you may be hiding something.

In Work: Strategic planning or taking calculated risks. The Seven of Swords can suggest that you are working behind the scenes to achieve your goals, but caution is needed to avoid deceit.

Spiritually: Secrets or hidden truths within your spiritual path. This card encourages you to examine any areas where dishonesty or avoidance might be hindering your growth.

When ill-dignified: Betrayal, dishonesty, or evasion. The Seven of Swords warns against deceitful actions or neglecting the truth for personal gain.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

II – The Popess

The Popess signifies intuition, mystery, and hidden wisdom. She represents the need to look inward and trust one's inner voice while respecting the unknown and unseen.

Symbolism: Her veil and book symbolise the sacred mysteries she guards. The golden background elevates her presence, while her fancy robes reflect the complexity of her spiritual knowledge. Her composed demeanour conveys her role as a keeper of divine truths.

In Relationships: A time to trust your instincts. The Popess may suggest unspoken feelings or the need for patience.

In Work: Hidden opportunities or knowledge may come to light. Use intuition and discretion when making decisions.

Spiritually: A call to explore inner wisdom and the mysteries of life. Trust the subtle guidance of intuition.

When ill-dignified: Secrets, deception, or an overreliance on logic at the expense of intuition.