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  Seven of Swords |
The Full Moon  Knight of Coins (artwork from another Visconti deck) |
The Waning Moon  Queen of Staves |
|
Significator #1  Nine of Cups |
Significator #2  Two of Staves |
||
The Dark  Four of Staves |
The Secret of the High Priestess  Nine of Swords |
The Light  VII – The Chariot |
|
The Next Step  Five of Coins |
|||
Significator #1
Nine of Cups
The Nine of Cups represents emotional contentment, satisfaction, and the fulfilment of desires. It indicates a time of emotional happiness and the realisation of personal goals.
Symbolism: The nine chalices are arranged in a grid, symbolising balance and fulfilment. Their elaborate designs reflect the richness of the emotional experience, while the uniformity of the arrangement suggests completeness and stability.
In Relationships: Emotional fulfilment and contentment. This card signifies the realisation of romantic dreams or a period of joy and connection with a partner.
In Work: Professional satisfaction and the achievement of goals. The Nine of Cups represents a time of success and personal accomplishment in your work life.
Spiritually: Emotional harmony and spiritual fulfilment. The Nine of Cups invites you to celebrate your spiritual achievements and the peace you've cultivated.
When ill-dignified: Complacency, overindulgence, or taking things for granted. The Nine of Cups warns against resting on your laurels or neglecting personal growth.
Significator #2
Two of Staves
The Two of Staves symbolises duality, decision-making, and the balancing of forces. It represents a time when a choice must be made, but the way forward is clear only through contemplation and internal balance.
Symbolism: The two staffs, arranged symmetrically, reflect the concept of partnership, opposition, or balance. The delicate flourishes at the bases suggest that, though the decision may be significant, it need not be rushed. The flowery background continues the theme of elegance, inviting you to focus on the inner dynamics between opposing forces.
In Relationships: A decision lies ahead—whether to commit, balance differences, or choose a path together. This card invites careful deliberation before taking action.
In Work: A time to evaluate your options, whether expanding your horizons or staying the course. It speaks to the importance of balancing ambition with patience.
Spiritually: The Two suggests an inner conflict or a need to find balance within yourself. This card encourages introspection and a search for harmony.
When ill-dignified: Indecision, imbalance, or the inability to make a clear choice. You may be stuck in a state of conflict, unable to resolve opposing forces in your life.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Queen of Staves
The Queen of Staves represents charisma, confidence, and leadership. She embodies the qualities of grace, strength, and warmth, guiding others with her inner fire.
Symbolism: The Queen, holding her staff with both hands, radiates elegance and power. Her rich gown and contemplative expression show a balance between intellect and intuition. The textured tapestry-like background reinforces her high status, while her poised presence speaks to her command of both the material and spiritual realms.
In Relationships: A strong and supportive presence. The Queen of Staves suggests you bring warmth, confidence, and leadership to your partnership.
In Work: Leadership, creativity, and confidence in your work. This card signals that you are in a position of authority, capable of inspiring and guiding others.
Spiritually: The Queen of Staves encourages you to embrace your spiritual strength and leadership, trusting your intuition and inner wisdom.
When ill-dignified: Dominance, arrogance, or possessiveness. This card warns against being controlling or letting your confidence turn into stubbornness.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Knight of Coins (artwork from another Visconti deck)
The Knight of Coins represents diligence, responsibility, and slow, steady progress. It symbolises a person dedicated to their work, committed to long-term goals, and willing to work hard to achieve success. This card speaks to patience and perseverance.
Symbolism: The steady horse and calm posture reflect the Knight's disciplined nature. The horse's grounded movement contrasts with the dynamic energy of other Knights, highlighting the Knight of Coins' deliberate pace.
In Relationships: Steady, dependable progress. The Knight of Coins represents a relationship based on responsibility, loyalty, and commitment.
In Work: Diligence and hard work towards career goals. The Knight of Coins emphasises patience and consistency in achieving professional success.
Spiritually: A time of steady spiritual progress. The Knight of Coins invites you to commit to your spiritual practices with consistency and patience.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, stubbornness, or an inability to adapt. The Knight of Coins warns against becoming too rigid or focused on minor details, preventing growth.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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 Light is what is clearly recognized.
VII – The Chariot
The Chariot symbolises determination, willpower, and triumph through self-discipline. It represents the ability to move forward and achieve success by mastering conflicting forces.
Symbolism: The stationary horses reflect control rather than speed, while the charioteer's detailed attire and golden background emphasise victory and refinement. The calm pose suggests strength in discipline over chaos.
In Relationships: A time to take charge of your relationship's direction. The Chariot signals progress but warns against domination.
In Work: Triumph through focus and determination. It's a call to harness all resources and overcome obstacles confidently.
Spiritually: The Chariot encourages the mastery of inner conflicts to progress along the spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: Loss of direction, lack of control, or excessive force. It warns against being carried away by ambition or unchecked emotions.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Four of Staves
The Four of Staves represents completion, stability, and celebration. It signifies a time of solid foundations, harmony, and joy in both personal and professional endeavours.
Symbolism: The four staves, arranged in a balanced, crossing pattern, suggest structure and completion. The subtle detailing reflects refinement and attention to detail, while the flowery backdrop emphasises the simplicity and elegance of the accomplishment. The card's composition signifies a time to celebrate what has been achieved and appreciate the stability now in place.
In Relationships: A time of stability and celebration within your relationship. The Four of Staves suggests harmony, engagement, or even marriage. It's a time to enjoy the fruits of shared efforts.
In Work: Achievement and recognition. This card signifies the completion of a project, a successful milestone, or the solidification of your professional position.
Spiritually: A sense of spiritual fulfilment and peace. The Four of Staves indicates that you are grounded in your spiritual journey, enjoying the harmony you've created within.
When ill-dignified: Complacency or an inability to move beyond the current structure. It may indicate the stability you've achieved has become stagnant, or you've lost sight of future growth.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Five of Coins
The Five of Coins signifies hardship, financial loss, and feelings of exclusion. It represents times of struggle or difficult circumstances, often related to material or financial difficulties. However, it also highlights the importance of seeking help and support during challenging times.
Symbolism: The crossing arrangement of the five coins creates a sense of imbalance and struggle. Their positioning highlights uncertainty and the need for external help or support.
In Relationships: Feeling abandoned or unsupported. The Five of Coins suggests financial or emotional hardship and the need for mutual care and compassion.
In Work: Financial difficulty or job insecurity. This card calls for resourcefulness and suggests seeking help or guidance during tough times.
Spiritually: A sense of spiritual poverty or abandonment. The Five of Coins reminds you to seek support and remember that even in difficult times, there is a way forward.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, despair, or neglect. The Five of Coins warns against wallowing in difficulty without reaching out for assistance or hope.
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.
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.