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  Ace of Staves |
The Full Moon  Ace of Cups |
The Waning Moon  Two of Cups |
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Significator #1  Queen of Cups |
Significator #2  Six of Coins |
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The Dark  King of Staves |
The Secret of the High Priestess  IV – The Emperor |
The Light  Queen of Swords |
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The Next Step  Nine of Staves |
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Significator #1
Queen of Cups
The Queen of Cups represents emotional wisdom, intuition, and nurturing. She embodies the ability to care for others while staying connected to her own emotions. This card symbolises empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of emotional needs.
Symbolism: The Queen sits gracefully on her throne holding her cup, suggesting a deep connection to her emotions. The patterns of her gown and the lavish background emphasise her emotional maturity and nurturing energy.
In Relationships: A loving, nurturing energy. The Queen of Cups signifies emotional support, empathy, and an intuitive understanding of love.
In Work: The ability to lead with emotional intelligence and compassion. The Queen of Cups invites you to nurture your creative or emotional projects, guiding others with care and wisdom.
Spiritually: A time to trust your intuition and embrace emotional depth in your spiritual life. The Queen of Cups calls for self-care and listening to your inner emotional wisdom.
When ill-dignified: Over-sensitivity, emotional manipulation, or neglecting your needs while caring for others. The Queen of Cups warns against becoming immersed in others' emotions at the expense of your own well-being.
Significator #2
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.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
Two of Cups
The Two of Cups represents mutual love, partnership, and emotional harmony. It reflects the balance between two individuals, suggesting that both partners offer their hearts equally. This card symbolises the harmonious exchange of energy and emotional support.
Symbolism: The two chalices, positioned one above the other, reflect equality and mutual respect. The designs on the cups show that while there are differences, they complement each other perfectly. The symmetrical arrangement emphasises the theme of balance and unity in relationships.
In Relationships: Deep connection and mutual understanding with a partner. The Two of Cups signals emotional balance and union, whether in a romantic partnership or a close friendship.
In Work: A strong, supportive collaboration or partnership that brings emotional fulfilment and success. This could represent a productive relationship where both parties work in harmony.
Spiritually: Union with a higher power or deeper connection to the divine. This card suggests emotional balance and spiritual partnership.
When ill-dignified: Disharmony, imbalanced relationships, or emotional disconnection. The Two of Cups can warn of emotional misunderstandings or an unbalanced partnership.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups signifies the birth of emotions, spiritual renewal, and the flow of abundance. It represents the opening of the heart, the initiation of emotional healing, and the potential for deep, transformative love. This card invites you to embrace your emotions with openness and trust, knowing that your emotional reservoir is being replenished.
Symbolism: The ornate chalice symbolises emotional receptivity and divine blessing. The stream of water flowing from its rim represents the endless flow of love and creativity, while the simple background emphasises the purity of this new emotional beginning. The card evokes feelings of peace, connection, and the potential for emotional fulfilment.
In Relationships: The beginning of a new, emotionally fulfilling relationship or a deepening of connection with someone already in your life. This is a time of emotional renewal and openness.
In Work: The birth of new opportunities that align with your passions and creativity. It signals a time to trust your intuition and pursue work that brings you joy.
Spiritually: A call to open your heart and embrace spiritual growth. The Ace of Cups encourages you to explore your inner world and find healing and emotional wholeness.
When ill-dignified: Emotional blockages, closed off from new experiences, or difficulty trusting emotions. This suggests there is a resistance to embracing emotional flow.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
Ace of Staves
The Ace of Staves represents the spark of creation, vitality, and the raw energy of new beginnings. It embodies the potential of a seed, ready to sprout and grow into something magnificent. This is the card of inspiration, energy, and the initiation of new ventures.
Symbolism: The upright staff, with its textured bark and emerging sprout, symbolises the beginning of a new cycle, full of potential and promise. The plain tan background highlights the purity and simplicity of the elemental energy, inviting you to step forward with enthusiasm and confidence. The sprout near the base reminds you that all growth begins with a single step.
In Relationships: A new beginning or a burst of passion in your romantic life. The Ace invites fresh energy and the excitement of new connections or the rekindling of a relationship.
In Work: The birth of a new project or opportunity. The Ace of Staves signals that now is the time to seize your creative potential and pursue your ambitions.
Spiritually: A call to action. The Ace suggests you are on the verge of spiritual awakening or taking a new path. Trust your instincts and take the first step towards growth.
When ill-dignified: Lack of direction or motivation, possibly feeling uninspired. You may be hesitant to begin, caught in uncertainty or fear of failure.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords represents clarity, independence, and intellect. This card signifies a woman who is wise, perceptive, and quick-witted. She embodies the ability to cut through confusion and speak truth while showing compassion and understanding.
Symbolism: The Queen's commanding yet calm demeanour and careful posture symbolise authority in both intellect and emotions. Her elegant surroundings highlight her wisdom and stature.
In Relationships: Emotional independence and clear communication. The Queen of Swords suggests you can navigate relationships with clarity and a balanced approach.
In Work: The ability to lead with intellect, discernment, and clear communication. This card represents mental sharpness and decisive action in your professional life.
Spiritually: A time of mental clarity and spiritual discernment. The Queen of Swords encourages you to cut through illusions and pursue truth in your spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: Coldness, bitterness, or being harsh. The Queen of Swords warns against using your intellect as a tool for manipulation or becoming too detached from your emotions.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Nine of Staves
The Nine of Staves represents resilience, endurance, and standing firm against adversity. It symbolises the strength to keep going despite challenges or setbacks.
Symbolism: The nine staves crossing evoke the image of a protective barrier. The design reflects both endurance and vigilance, as each staff represents a test that has been overcome, yet the gaps remind you to stay aware. The pale tan background reinforces the card's quiet strength and perseverance.
In Relationships: Endurance and commitment through difficult times. The Nine of Staves suggests that, despite obstacles or struggles, you have the strength to maintain and protect the relationship.
In Work: Perseverance and resilience in your professional journey. This card suggests you may be nearing the end of a difficult period and are strong enough to push through.
Spiritually: The Nine of Staves reflects inner strength and resilience in your spiritual journey. You may face trials, but you possess the endurance to stay true to your path.
When ill-dignified: Exhaustion, defensiveness, or being overwhelmed. You may feel the burden of too much resistance, and it's time to evaluate whether you're pushing yourself too hard.
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.
IV – The Emperor
The Emperor symbolises structure, authority, and stability. He represents the power of rules and order to create security and success, though sometimes at the expense of flexibility.
Symbolism: Seated upright with a sceptre and orb, the Emperor exudes control and dominion. His luxurious robes and the golden background emphasise his regal and unshakable power. His stillness reflects his role as a protector of order and enforcer of discipline.
In Relationships: A relationship built on structure and commitment. It can suggest the presence of a protective partner or the need to establish boundaries.
In Work: Leadership, organisation, and discipline are essential for achieving success. The Emperor encourages taking control and assuming responsibility.
Spiritually: The Emperor teaches the importance of structure and discipline in spiritual practice, encouraging grounded growth.
When ill-dignified: Tyranny, rigidity, or abuse of power. It warns against controlling behaviours or excessive adherence to rules.