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  VI – The Lovers |
The Full Moon  Five of Staves |
The Waning Moon  Three of Cups |
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Significator #1  XI – Strength |
Significator #2  King of Staves |
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The Dark  Three of Swords (from another Visconti deck) |
The Secret of the High Priestess  Knave of Coins |
The Light  XIX – The Sun |
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The Next Step  Ten of Swords |
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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
King of Staves
The King of Staves represents authority, vision, and mastery. He is the embodiment of focused action, leadership, and the ability to direct energy towards a clear, long-term goal.
Symbolism: The King sits on his throne, holding his staff with dignity. His royal robes and crown symbolise his mastery and wisdom, while his composed expression suggests thoughtful decision-making. The repeating ornate pattern in the background reinforces the themes of structure, control, and power.
In Relationships: Leadership, vision, and maturity. The King of Staves represents a steady and visionary partner who provides guidance and stability.
In Work: Mastery of your craft and a clear vision for your future. The King encourages strategic leadership and long-term planning in your professional endeavours.
Spiritually: Mastery over your spiritual path. The King of Staves invites you to embody your inner wisdom and use it to lead others or further your own spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: Dictatorship, narrow-mindedness, or rigid thinking. This card warns against becoming too controlling or focused only on your vision at the expense of others' needs.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
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.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Five of Staves
The Five of Staves represents conflict, competition, and challenge. It symbolises the tension that arises when different forces or perspectives clash, but also the opportunity for growth through these struggles.
Symbolism: The five staffs crossing at various angles evoke discord, but the composition remains visually balanced. This dynamic tension suggests the conflict is not necessarily destructive, but a part of the process of growth and resolution. The flowers in the background underscore that this challenge is a natural, even necessary part of the journey.
In Relationships: Tension or conflict may arise, but this card suggests that healthy competition or differing viewpoints can lead to growth if managed properly.
In Work: Competition, challenges, or rivalry may be present. The Five of Staves urges you to stay focused and resilient, as this conflict can sharpen your skills and propel you forward.
Spiritually: Conflicts or challenges may arise, but they are opportunities to refine your beliefs and strengthen your character.
When ill-dignified: Escalating conflict or unnecessary competition. This could indicate that the struggle is becoming unproductive, leading to frustration or exhaustion.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
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 Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Three of Swords (from another Visconti deck)
The Three of Swords represents heartbreak, emotional pain, and sorrow. It signifies a time of emotional distress or grief, often stemming from betrayal, rejection, or loss. This card highlights the painful but necessary process of healing and moving through emotional challenges.
Symbolism: The three swords crossing reflect the pain of emotional betrayal or hurt. The inverted triangular formation emphasises the gravity of the situation, drawing attention to the emotional core. The stark simplicity of the design reinforces the rawness of emotional distress.
In Relationships: Heartbreak or emotional turmoil caused by separation, betrayal, or unrequited love. The Three of Swords encourages you to face your pain and allow yourself time to heal.
In Work: Disappointments or challenges in your professional life. This card can represent a painful decision or the end of an important chapter.
Spiritually: A time of spiritual grief or disillusionment. The Three of Swords invites you to process your emotional wounds and trust in the healing process.
When ill-dignified: Holding onto hurt or bitterness. The Three of Swords warns against allowing emotional pain to define you or inhibit growth.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
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 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.
Knave of Coins
The Knave of Coins symbolises curiosity, learning, and the pursuit of material knowledge. It represents a youthful figure starting a journey of growth, especially in the material or financial realm. This card speaks to new opportunities for learning and exploration, especially in practical skills.
Symbolism: The Page's focused posture, with the coin held carefully, reflects a contemplative approach to new opportunities. The lush green surroundings suggest growth and vitality, while the metallic background represents potential and opportunity.
In Relationships: A new phase in love where learning, growth, and exploration are important. The Knave of Coins suggests an enthusiastic approach to relationships, eager to build something lasting.
In Work: Beginning a new career journey or learning a new skill. This card encourages you to embrace new opportunities and focus on your development.
Spiritually: A time of spiritual learning and exploration. The Knave of Coins invites you to seek new spiritual practices or teachings to expand your path.
When ill-dignified: Naivety, immaturity, or a lack of focus. The Knave of Coins warns against superficial approaches or neglecting the work required for growth.