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 II – The Popess
Early Causes Six of Cups		Triggering Causes Knight of Cups
	Necessary Conclusions Seven of Staves
Significator #1 Two of Coins		Significator #2 XVI – The Tower (Lost card, substituted here)
	Next Step Four of Coins
	Surprising Experiences Seven of Coins
	Outcome Ten of Staves

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

XVI – The Tower (Lost card, substituted here)

This card no longer exists, so the Marseille version is filling in. The Tower symbolises upheaval, sudden change, and the destruction of false structures. It heralds moments of revelation that, while shocking, clear the way for growth and truth.

Symbolism: The lightning bolt represents divine intervention shattering illusions and falsehoods. The crumbling tower signifies the collapse of unstable foundations. The falling figures illustrate vulnerability and the inevitability of change, while the broken shield reflects the fragility of ego and human constructs. Despite the chaos, the background suggests this upheaval is necessary for enlightenment.

In Relationships: The Tower signals a sudden shake-up, possibly a breakup or revelation. Though painful, it clears the way for honesty and authenticity.

In Work: Expect abrupt changes, such as a job loss or major restructuring. Though unsettling, this card pushes you to re-evaluate your priorities and rebuild stronger foundations.

Spiritually: The Tower challenges false beliefs and spiritual stagnation. A moment of crisis will lead to profound insight and transformation.

When ill-dignified: When reversed or ill-dignified, the Tower suggests avoiding necessary change, delaying the inevitable, or clinging to a crumbling situation. It warns that resisting transformation can lead to prolonged suffering.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

Six of Cups

The Six of Cups represents nostalgia, memory, and emotional healing. It suggests a return to simpler times, either through revisiting the past or through healing that allows you to reconnect with the joy and innocence of youth. This card speaks to emotional renewal through reflection and reconciliation.

Symbolism: The six chalices arranged in two neat rows represent order, structure, and continuity. The card's composition evokes feelings of harmony and nostalgia, with continuity between past and present. The ornate designs on the chalices emphasise the beauty of memories and the emotional depth of this reflection.

In Relationships: Reconnection with a past relationship or rekindling old emotional bonds. The Six of Cups speaks to the sweetness of nostalgia and the healing power of revisiting old joys.

In Work: Reflecting on experiences in your career and using them to inform future decisions. This card can also suggest a time to revisit childhood dreams or talents.

Spiritually: A return to emotional balance through spiritual healing. The Six of Cups invites you to connect with the joy and simplicity of your spiritual roots.

When ill-dignified: Living too much in the past, or being stuck in memories. This card warns against becoming too nostalgic and neglecting the present.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

Knight of Cups

The Knight of Cups represents emotional pursuit, idealism, and romanticism. It speaks to the pursuit of dreams, following one's heart, and embarking on emotional quests with passion and dedication.

Symbolism: The knight on horseback, holding a cup, exudes an energy of romantic idealism and emotional drive. The pale horse's steady gait and the knight's confident posture suggest a balance between passion and grace.

In Relationships: Pursuing romance with enthusiasm and idealism. The Knight of Cups suggests a time of emotional pursuit, whether the beginning of a romance or a passionate phase in an existing relationship.

In Work: A pursuit of creative or emotional fulfilment. This card represents following your heart and idealism in professional endeavours.

Spiritually: The quest for spiritual or emotional fulfilment. The Knight of Cups invites you to pursue your highest ideals and trust your intuition on your spiritual journey.

When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, emotional highs and lows, or unrealistic expectations. The Knight of Cups warns against becoming too idealistic or pursuing unrealistic goals without grounding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

Four of Coins

The Four of Coins represents stability, security, and holding onto material wealth. It suggests a need for caution and conservatism, especially with finances or possessions. This card speaks to the desire for safety and control but warns against becoming too rigid or possessive.

Symbolism: The symmetrical arrangement of the four coins creates a sense of groundedness and stability. Their equal spacing emphasises the need for balance and security in your material life.

In Relationships: A need for security or stability. The Four of Coins may suggest that you are holding onto someone or something too tightly, creating a sense of possessiveness.

In Work: Focusing on building and preserving financial stability. This card suggests a cautious approach but warns against being too conservative or resistant to change.

Spiritually: A focus on building material security at the cost of spiritual growth. The Four of Coins encourages you to be mindful of becoming too attached to the material world.

When ill-dignified: Greed, possessiveness, or excessive control. The Four of Coins warns against hoarding or becoming attached to material things at the expense of personal growth.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Seven of Coins

The Seven of Coins represents patience, investment, and assessment. It signifies a time to step back and evaluate the progress of your efforts. This card emphasises the importance of patience and the need to wait for the fruits of your labour to manifest.

Symbolism: The irregular arrangement of the seven coins suggests growth, progress, and the anticipation of results. Their grouping represents the natural rhythm of growth, with some efforts taking longer to bear fruit than others.

In Relationships: Reflecting on the progress of a relationship and taking stock of where things are headed. The Seven of Coins encourages patience and careful assessment before making major decisions.

In Work: Evaluating your career progress and investments. This card advises you to assess the returns of your efforts, as growth may be gradual.

Spiritually: A time of spiritual assessment, where you evaluate your progress on your path. The Seven of Coins encourages patience and trust in the process.

When ill-dignified: Impatience, frustration, or lack of faith. The Seven of Coins warns against rushing or abandoning your efforts prematurely.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

Ten of Staves

The Ten of Staves represents burden, responsibility, and the weight of obligations. It suggests a time when you may feel overwhelmed or overextended by the demands placed upon you.

Symbolism: The ten staves, tightly clustered, evoke the image of a heavy load or responsibility that is difficult to bear. The densely packed design highlights the weight and complexity of the situation, while the pale tan background provides a calm counterpoint to the intensity of the composition.

In Relationships: Being overburdened by responsibilities or feeling weighed down by obligations. This card may indicate that you're taking on too much, or the relationship is becoming a source of stress.

In Work: A period of overwhelming responsibility or pressure at work. The Ten of Staves advises you to assess whether you are spreading yourself too thin or neglecting self-care.

Spiritually: Feeling weighed down by obligations or spiritual duties. You may be carrying too much responsibility, making it difficult to find peace or progress.

When ill-dignified: Burnout, exhaustion, or an inability to delegate. This card warns against carrying too much on your shoulders without seeking help or finding balance.