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 Knight of Staves
Early Causes Eight of Staves		Triggering Causes XVII – The Star
	Necessary Conclusions XIX – The Sun
Significator #1 Three of Cups		Significator #2 Nine of Swords
	Next Step Five of Cups
	Surprising Experiences Five of Swords
	Outcome VI – The Lovers

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

Three of Cups

The Three of Cups represents celebration, community, and joyful reunions. It speaks to the power of friendship, collaboration, and shared experiences. This card is often associated with a time of happiness and gathering, where emotional connections are strengthened.

Symbolism: The three chalices arranged with one on its side symbolise unity, community, and the strength of mutual support. The simple yet elegant design reflects harmony and shared joy among individuals. The card highlights the importance of celebration and connection in your emotional life.

In Relationships: Joyful celebrations, whether a reunion, an engagement, or sharing happy moments with a partner. It's a card of communal happiness and togetherness.

In Work: Successful collaborations or team efforts that lead to achievement. This card can also suggest celebrating your professional accomplishments with others.

Spiritually: A sense of spiritual community and shared experiences. The Three of Cups invites you to celebrate your spiritual growth with others and honour the joy of collective connection.

When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, exclusion from a group, or conflicts within a community. This card may warn against neglecting your emotional connections or becoming too focused on external celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords represents anxiety, nightmares, and mental distress. It signals a time of intense worry or fear that is often exaggerated or self-created. This card highlights the impact of negative thoughts and the toll they take on your mental health.

Symbolism: The formation of eight swords opposing the one below reflects the intense focus on worry, creating anxiety or mental overload. The repetitive pattern of the swords emphasises the sharpness of the thoughts that cause distress.

In Relationships: Anxiety, regret, or guilt. The Nine of Swords can indicate that fear or obsessive thoughts are clouding your ability to move forward.

In Work: Worry or mental stress related to your job or professional situation. This card points to the emotional toll that stress and overthinking are taking on you.

Spiritually: A period of spiritual doubt or anxiety. The Nine of Swords advises you to confront your fears and trust that they are only mental projections, not reality.

When ill-dignified: Escalated stress or overwhelming fear that leads to paralysis. The Nine of Swords warns against letting anxiety dominate your life or prevent you from taking action.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

Eight of Staves

The Eight of Staves represents speed, movement, and swift action. It signals rapid progress and the need to act suddenly to seize opportunities.

Symbolism: The eight staves arranged diagonally and flowing in two directions convey a strong sense of momentum and forward motion. The flowery pale tan background allows the focus to remain on the energy and speed represented by the staves, urging you to move quickly and decisively.

In Relationships: Rapid movement or sudden developments. This could indicate fast progress, new developments, or even a sudden romantic spark.

In Work: Swift action or an unexpected opportunity in your career. The Eight of Staves suggests now is the time to act quickly to capitalise on momentum and make the most of what comes your way.

Spiritually: Rapid spiritual growth or sudden insight. The Eight of Staves signals that clarity and enlightenment are on the horizon, and you must act swiftly to harness these energies.

When ill-dignified: Hastiness, impulsiveness, or lack of foresight. This warns against rushing into decisions or actions without considering the consequences.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

Knight of Staves

The Knight of Staves represents energy, action, and adventure. This card signifies someone who is driven, determined, and fearless in the pursuit of their goals.

Symbolism: The Knight riding a white horse, holding a staff, exudes power and motion. The horse's rearing pose conveys energy, while the knight's noble attire suggests refinement and authority. The background patterns reinforce the balance between dynamism and structure in his approach.

In Relationships: Boldness and action in your romantic life. The Knight of Staves signifies a passionate pursuit, whether the beginning of a thrilling romance or an energising reconnection.

In Work: Ambition, action, and boldness in your professional life. The Knight encourages you to take swift, passionate action towards your goals.

Spiritually: Rapid spiritual movement and growth. The Knight of Staves urges you to pursue your spiritual goals with energy, fearlessness, and determination.

When ill-dignified: Recklessness, impulsivity, or lack of thought. You may be moving too fast or charging ahead without considering the full implications of your actions.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

XIX – The Sun

The Sun represents vitality, clarity, and joyful achievement. It signifies success, enlightenment, and the unyielding energy of optimism and truth.

Symbolism: The child holding the radiant red head is a symbol of pure, untainted joy and triumph. The energetic movement of the figure contrasts with the calm, golden background, reflecting the vitality and dynamic energy of the Sun. This is a card of achievement, where obstacles are overcome through innocence, optimism, and a radiant spirit.

In Relationships: The Sun brings clarity and happiness. It suggests a time of positivity, joy, and mutual growth, where the light of truth shines on all interactions.

In Work: Success and fulfilment are on the horizon. The Sun encourages you to take confident action and bask in the warmth of your accomplishments.

Spiritually: Enlightenment and clarity. The Sun symbolises spiritual illumination, urging you to embrace your true self and the divine light within you.

When ill-dignified: Overconfidence, arrogance, or an inability to see things clearly. The Sun reversed may signal excess or an inflated ego, blinding one to the truth.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

Five of Cups

The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, and emotional setbacks. It reflects mourning or disappointment where the focus is on what has been lost rather than what remains. This card is about emotional recovery and learning to move forward from past hurt.

Symbolism: The five chalices, with one on its side, suggest an imbalance or disruption in your emotional life. The card highlights the contrast between the four cups still standing and the spilled one, reminding you that in loss there is still something to salvage or learn from. The detailing of the cups reinforces the depth of emotional investment.

In Relationships: Emotional pain due to loss or disappointment. This card encourages processing grief and finding hope in what remains.

In Work: Setbacks or disappointment in your professional life. The Five of Cups reminds you to focus on the lessons learned and not just the losses incurred.

Spiritually: A time of mourning or spiritual disillusionment. This card invites you to heal from old wounds and rebuild your spiritual connection.

When ill-dignified: Despair, regret, or an inability to move past emotional pain. The Five of Cups warns against dwelling on the past and losing sight of new opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

Five of Swords

The Five of Swords represents conflict, competition, and mental struggle. It suggests a situation where victory may come at a cost, with tension and discord present. This card can indicate a win achieved through manipulation, dishonesty, or at the expense of others.

Symbolism: The swords are arranged in an unbalanced formation of four-on-one, highlighting the disharmony and imbalance created by conflict. The uneven positioning of the blades reflects the instability caused by mental or emotional discord, while their fine craftsmanship hints at the complexity of the situation.

In Relationships: Conflict or mental challenges. The Five of Swords suggests that a fight or disagreement may have left scars, and one must decide whether to continue fighting or walk away.

In Work: A competitive or combative environment. This card warns that achieving success at the expense of others may lead to resentment or long-term harm.

Spiritually: Mental conflict or inner turmoil that disrupts your peace of mind. The Five of Swords advises resolving spiritual disputes and finding reconciliation within yourself.

When ill-dignified: Deception, defeat, or unnecessary conflict. The Five of Swords warns against manipulative behaviour or unnecessary mental battles that lead to no real resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

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.