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 II – The High Priestess
Early Causes I – The Magician		Triggering Causes XX – Judgement
	Necessary Conclusions V – The Pope
Significator #1 XIX – The Sun		Significator #2 XVIII – The Moon
	Next Step XI – Strength
	Surprising Experiences XVII – The Star
	Outcome XIII – Death

 

 

 

 

Significator #1

XIX – The Sun

The Sun represents clarity, success, and vitality. It signifies moments of joy, abundance, and realising one's potential.

Symbolism: The Sun shines gloriously over a youthful couple, symbolising innocence, energy, and optimism. A multi-coloured brick wall shelters them, representing protection, growth, vitality, and success. The clear sky suggests obstacles are removed and clarity reigns.

In Relationships: Joyful, open-hearted love. The Sun represents happiness, clear communication, and successful partnerships.

In Work: Success, recognition, and the fulfilment of goals. Positive energy surrounds professional endeavours.

Spiritually: Enlightenment and the ability to see the truth clearly.

When ill-dignified: Arrogance, overconfidence, or a tendency to overlook important details in the pursuit of success.

 

 

 

 

 

Significator #2

XVIII – The Moon

The Moon signifies illusion, intuition, and the subconscious mind. It represents the mystery of the unknown, hidden fears, and the need to trust inner guidance while navigating uncertainty.

Symbolism: The Moon is depicted with two dogs howling at the moon, symbolising the pull of primal instincts. A crayfish crawls from the water, representing the subconscious emerging into consciousness. The path leads towards a distant horizon, symbolising the journey through confusion to clarity.

In Relationships: Illusions in relationships, emotional confusion, or hidden feelings. Trust your intuition to navigate these uncertain waters.

In Work: Uncertainty or the need to trust your instincts. Hidden factors may influence the situation.

Spiritually: A time to confront fears, listen to your inner voice, and seek clarity in moments of doubt.

When ill-dignified: Deception, illusion, or being misled by false hopes or unclear situations.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Causes

I – The Magician

The Magician signifies mastery, skill, and the power to shape reality. This card represents harnessing resources and directing one's energies towards success. The Magician embodies the potential to manifest desires into tangible form.

Symbolism: He stands before a table with tools representing the four elements: a cup (Water), a sword (Air), a coin (Earth), and a wand (Fire). His raised wand symbolises the connection between spirit and matter, and his hat, shaped like an infinity symbol, signifies endless potential.

In Relationships: A time to use charm, wit, and initiative to build or strengthen relationships.

In Work: Opportunity, success, and the power to manifest goals through skill and action.

Spiritually: The Magician teaches the importance of intention, focus, and using one's talents for higher purposes.

When ill-dignified: Deception, manipulation, or scattered energy. Warning against using one's power for selfish gain.

 

 

 

 

 

Triggering Causes

XX – Judgement

Judgement signifies awakening, rebirth, and the call for transformation. It represents a moment of reckoning, where one must confront past actions and make a decisive move towards spiritual renewal.

Symbolism: The card depicts an angel blowing a trumpet, summoning the figures below to rise from their graves. This symbolises resurrection, awakening, and the opportunity to start anew. The figures represent souls being called to accountability and transformation.

In Relationships: A transformative period in relationships, where past actions and decisions must be reconciled.

In Work: A time of reckoning, where decisions from the past may come to fruition, calling for a new direction.

Spiritually: Spiritual awakening and the need to answer a higher call. Transformation and rebirth are key themes.

When ill-dignified: Denial, avoidance of responsibility, or refusal to embrace the transformative potential of change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Perceptions

II – The High Priestess

The High Priestess represents intuition, wisdom, and hidden knowledge. She invites introspection and reminds us to trust our inner voice in uncovering truths that are not immediately apparent.

Symbolism: Seated on a throne with a book of wisdom and keys, the High Priestess represents access to esoteric knowledge. The curtains behind her suggest mystery and the boundary between the conscious and unconscious realms.

In Relationships: Emotional depth, secrets, or a need for patience and understanding.

In Work: Hidden opportunities, deep research, or learning emerging from within.

Spiritually: Trust your intuition and explore spiritual truths beyond the material world.

When ill-dignified: Ignorance, repressed emotions, or manipulation behind the veil of mystery.

 

 

 

 

 

Necessary Conclusions

V – The Pope

The Pope represents tradition, spiritual guidance, and morality. He symbolises the need for structure, passing sacred knowledge, and alignment with established systems or mentors.

Symbolism: Seated on a throne with a triple-cross sceptre and a raised hand in blessing, the Pope embodies divine wisdom. The twin pillars behind him suggest the gateway to higher knowledge and understanding.

In Relationships: A traditional, committed relationship or the need to realign with moral principles.

In Work: Seek guidance from a mentor or adhere to established structures for success.

Spiritually: The Pope calls for a return to faith, ethics, and divine wisdom in all aspects of life.

When ill-dignified: Dogmatism, hypocrisy, or blind adherence to outdated traditions.

 

 

 

 

 

The Next Step

XI – Strength

Strength symbolises inner strength, courage, and emotional mastery. It represents the power of compassion and grace in overcoming challenges, rather than brute force.

Symbolism: A woman calmly subdues a lion, symbolising the triumph of inner strength over raw power. Her serene expression and gentle hands show mastery through patience and understanding.

In Relationships: Strength to overcome emotional challenges through understanding and patience.

In Work: Success through resilience, determination, and tact, not through force.

Spiritually: Mastery of inner impulses and alignment with higher virtues.

When ill-dignified: Weakness, impatience, or misuse of power in challenging situations.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprises

XVII – The Star

The Star represents hope, inspiration, and divine guidance. This card signifies moments of clarity, healing, and the connection to higher aspirations.

Symbolism: The Star is a nude woman pouring water onto the ground and into a pool, symbolising the flow of spiritual energy. A star shines brightly above her, representing guidance and inspiration. The peaceful, open landscape conveys hope and renewal.

In Relationships: A time of healing, hope, and emotional renewal. This card suggests trust and faith in the potential for deep connection.

In Work: Inspiration, new opportunities, and alignment with your true calling.

Spiritually: A period of spiritual renewal, where divine guidance leads the way towards greater fulfilment.

When ill-dignified: Hopelessness, lack of faith, or feeling disconnected from one's spiritual path.

 

 

 

 

 

The Outcome

XIII – Death

Death signifies transformation, endings, and new beginnings. Rather than literal death, it represents the end of a phase in life, making way for rebirth and regeneration.

Symbolism: Death is portrayed as a skeleton reaping the harvest with a scythe, signifying purification and the promise of growth. Parts of the fallen lie before them, representing what must be left behind for transformation to occur. The card's imagery reminds us that change is inevitable.

In Relationships: An ending or significant change, clearing the way for fresh developments or perspectives.

In Work: The end of a project, job, or phase of life, leading to the start of something new and transformative.

Spiritually: A transformative time where old beliefs or habits must be released for personal growth.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, or fear of transformation.