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  Ten of Swords |
The Full Moon  Ace of Swords |
The Waning Moon  Seven of Cups |
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Significator #1  Ten of Coins |
Significator #2  0 – The Fool |
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The Dark  Knave of Staves |
The Secret of the High Priestess  Six of Coins |
The Light  Knave of Cups |
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The Next Step  XIX – The Sun |
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Significator #1
Ten of Coins
The Ten of Coins signifies wealth, legacy, and long-term success. It represents a culmination of efforts that have resulted in financial stability and the ability to pass on a legacy. This card celebrates family, heritage, and the fulfilment of long-term goals.
Symbolism: The symmetrical arrangement of ten coins emphasises completion, legacy, and the culmination of a journey. The rich details of the coins reflect the lasting impact of your achievements.
In Relationships: Stability, commitment, and family. The Ten of Coins speaks to building a lasting foundation for future generations and finding fulfilment in long-term relationships.
In Work: A time of financial abundance and career success. This card indicates that you have achieved a stable and prosperous position, and your legacy is secure.
Spiritually: A sense of fulfilment and the ability to pass on wisdom to future generations. The Ten of Coins encourages you to focus on leaving a lasting, positive legacy.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, generational wealth without purpose, or difficulty passing on your legacy. The Ten of Coins warns against becoming too focused on material wealth at the expense of relationships or spiritual growth.
Significator #2
0 – The Fool
The Fool symbolises new beginnings, innocence, and an open-hearted journey. He represents the spirit of adventure and trust in the unknown, unburdened by experiences or material concerns. His path is one of discovery, where curiosity leads the way.
Symbolism: The vagabond's tattered clothing reflects detachment from societal norms, while his staff and bundle suggest minimal baggage—both physical and emotional. The golden background highlights his eternal and universal journey. His carefree, open-mouthed expression conveys both the naivety of youth and the wisdom of freedom from expectations.
In Relationships: A signal to take risks or approach relationships with spontaneity and trust. It cautions against naivety or reckless behaviour.
In Work: An invitation to embrace a new path or project with an open mind. The Fool encourages experimentation and trust in one's instincts.
Spiritually: The Fool represents faith in the journey ahead and the courage to step into the unknown. He invites the seeker to trust the divine flow.
When ill-dignified: Foolishness, poor judgement, or recklessness. It warns against ignoring practicalities or rushing ahead blindly.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Seven of Cups
The Seven of Cups represents choices, illusions, and dreams. It speaks to a time of possibility and decision-making, where many options are available, but it can also indicate confusion or a tendency to chase unattainable fantasies. This card invites you to assess your options.
Symbolism: The seven chalices, arranged asymmetrically, reflect the idea of varied possibilities, each with its own allure. The uneven arrangement symbolises the unpredictability of choice and the potential for distraction or confusion. The decoration of the chalices suggests each option carries its own emotional weight.
In Relationships: A period of many choices in your romantic life, but also a time to be cautious of unrealistic expectations or illusions. This card asks you to consider your options.
In Work: Multiple career paths or opportunities are available, but you may feel overwhelmed or unsure which one to pursue. The Seven of Cups advises introspection and discernment in your decision-making process.
Spiritually: A time to evaluate spiritual paths and opportunities. The Seven of Cups invites you to look beyond illusions and focus on what resonates with your soul.
When ill-dignified: Confusion, unrealistic expectations, or escapism. The Seven of Cups warns against being overwhelmed by too many choices or falling for empty promises.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Ace of Swords
The Ace of Swords symbolises mental clarity, new ideas, and breakthrough moments. It represents the power of the mind to cut through confusion and offer insight, truth, and understanding. This card marks a moment of intellectual clarity, a new beginning for thought processes, and the potential to solve problems or resolve conflicts through logic and sharp perception.
Symbolism: The solitary sword represents a decisive force, a sharp intellect cutting through the fog. The flowery background highlights the clarity that accompanies the realisation or epiphany. This card invites you to embrace your mental power and use it.
In Relationships: A breakthrough in communication or understanding in your relationship. This could signify a moment of honesty or intellectual connection that clears misunderstandings.
In Work: The arrival of new opportunities for intellectual growth or clarity in your professional life. It's a time to make decisions based on logic and rational thinking.
Spiritually: Spiritual clarity or a new insight into your path. The Ace of Swords encourages you to seek the truth in your spiritual journey, embracing the power of clear thought and discernment.
When ill-dignified: Confusion, dishonesty, or unclear thinking. The Ace of Swords warns against impulsive decisions or misinterpretations.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Ten of Swords
The Ten of Swords signifies an overwhelming and painful ending. It suggests a situation that has reached its breaking point, often after a period of mental or emotional strain. This card points to the finality of a difficult chapter and the potential for renewal after a painful conclusion.
Symbolism: The array of ten swords represents the intensity of betrayal, loss, or defeat. The overwhelming nature of the arrangement emphasises the depth of the crisis. The contrast between the swords and the flowered background highlights the gravity of the situation and the possibility of a new beginning once the pain subsides.
In Relationships: A painful breakup or emotional betrayal. The Ten of Swords marks the end of a challenging relationship or emotional chapter but also signals the opportunity for healing.
In Work: The culmination of a difficult period at work, possibly signalling job loss or failure. This card suggests that, while painful, the end of this chapter clears the way for new opportunities.
Spiritually: A painful spiritual awakening or crisis. The Ten of Swords invites you to embrace the lessons learned and recognise that endings often bring new beginnings.
When ill-dignified: A protracted period of suffering or an unwillingness to move on from the past. The Ten of Swords warns against dwelling in pain or allowing it to define you.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Knave of Cups
The Knave of Cups represents new emotional beginnings, curiosity, and intuition. It signifies the start of a new emotional journey, often marked by creativity, exploration, and open-heartedness.
Symbolism: The youthful figure holding a cup symbolises emotional openness and the willingness to explore new feelings and ideas. The vibrant green background contrasts with the figure's more muted robes, indicating that while this journey is new, it is rooted in emotional understanding.
In Relationships: A new romantic adventure, or the beginning of emotional exploration. This card signals fresh beginnings and open-hearted communication.
In Work: Creative opportunities or a new phase in your professional life. The Knave of Cups suggests following your intuition and embracing new emotional connections in your work.
Spiritually: A time of exploration and discovery. This card invites you to listen to your inner voice and follow your emotional intuition on your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: Emotional immaturity, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of direction. The Knave of Cups warns against rushing into things without considering the consequences.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Knave of Staves
The Knave of Staves represents youthful enthusiasm, exploration, and new beginnings. This card signifies a time of discovery and creative energy, where the world is seen with fresh eyes.
Symbolism: The Knave, holding a staff and standing confidently, embodies the spirit of adventure and curiosity. The lush green ground beneath their feet suggests new beginnings rooted in fertile possibilities, while their elaborate, dark robes signify maturity and depth despite their youth. The golden background emphasises their potential and promise.
In Relationships: A new, exciting chapter in your romantic life. The Knave of Staves suggests the beginning of a passionate connection or the rekindling of youthful excitement.
In Work: A time of learning and exploration in your professional life. The Knave of Staves indicates being on the verge of an exciting new venture or creative project.
Spiritually: The beginning of a new spiritual path or awakening. This card invites you to approach your spiritual journey with open-mindedness and enthusiasm.
When ill-dignified: Immaturity, impulsiveness, or lack of direction. This suggests you may be rushing into something without considering the consequences.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
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 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.
Six of Coins
The Six of Coins represents generosity, charity, and balance in giving and receiving. It speaks to the flow of wealth, where resources are shared. This card emphasises the importance of fair exchange and the joy of helping others.
Symbolism: The even arrangement of the six coins suggests balance and fairness. The vertical alignment represents the flow of giving and receiving, highlighting harmony in financial or material exchanges.
In Relationships: A balanced relationship where both partners give and receive equally. The Six of Coins encourages acts of kindness, generosity, and mutual support.
In Work: Financial generosity or fair exchanges at work. This card suggests that assisting others can bring abundance and harmony into your career.
Spiritually: The spiritual law of giving and receiving. The Six of Coins encourages you to give freely, knowing that your actions will come back to you in time.
When ill-dignified: Imbalance in giving or receiving, manipulation, or exploitation. The Six of Coins warns against selfishness or using generosity to manipulate others.