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  IX – The Hermit |
The Full Moon  VII – The Chariot |
The Waning Moon  XII – The Hanged Man |
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Significator #1  VI – The Lovers |
Significator #2  XXI – The World |
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The Dark  II – The High Priestess |
The Secret of the High Priestess  XIII – Death |
The Light  III – The Empress |
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The Next Step  XVIII – The Moon |
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Significator #1
VI – The Lovers
The Lovers represents choice, duality, and the connections that shape our lives. This card often signals a critical decision between love and duty, passion and responsibility.
Symbolism: A young man stands between two women, representing virtue and temptation, while a winged figure above aims a bow and arrow, guiding his choice. The lush background reflects the complexity and growth that relationships bring.
In Relationships: Choices in relationships, including romantic triangles, commitment, or the deepening of bonds.
In Work: A crossroads where personal values must be aligned with career decisions.
Spiritually: A call to balance inner conflicts and unite dualities in the quest for harmony.
When ill-dignified: Indecision, infidelity, or superficiality in relationships.
Significator #2
XXI – The World
The World represents completion, fulfilment, and the achievement of wholeness. This card signifies the end of a cycle and the successful realisation of goals and aspirations.
Symbolism: The World features a figure dancing within a wreath, holding two wands. The four corners of the card show the symbols of the fixed signs of the zodiac: the bull, lion, eagle, and man, representing the harmony of the four elements and the completion of the journey.
In Relationships: Harmony, fulfilment, and the completion of a phase of a relationship. The achievement of mutual understanding and goals.
In Work: The successful completion of a project or phase, leading to accomplishment and new beginnings.
Spiritually: The attainment of wholeness, completion, and the alignment of the self with the universe.
When ill-dignified: Complacency, stagnation, or the inability to move forward despite opportunities for growth.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
XII – The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man symbolises suspension, sacrifice, and a shift in perspective. This card represents moments when one must release old beliefs or attachments to gain deeper insight and understanding.
Symbolism: The Hanged Man is depicted hanging upside down, suspended by one foot. His serene expression reflects acceptance and surrender, as he finds wisdom through a change in perspective. His hair resembles a crown symbolising enlightenment and the illumination gained through this pause.
In Relationships: A period of reflection, where relationships may need to be reassessed. It could also suggest a sacrifice for love or personal growth within relationships.
In Work: A time for letting go of old ways of thinking, re-evaluating goals, or waiting patiently for a shift in circumstances.
Spiritually: A time for surrender and spiritual enlightenment, achieved through a different perspective.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, indecision, or an unwillingness to make necessary sacrifices for growth.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
VII – The Chariot
The Chariot represents victory, control, and determination. It signifies the ability to overcome obstacles and navigate life's challenges through focus and willpower.
Symbolism: The charioteer rides a chariot drawn by two sphinxes, symbolising opposing forces that must be balanced. The chariot is adorned with symbols of conquest, and the figure wears a crown, signifying authority and triumph.
In Relationships: A relationship driven by effort and mutual determination, or one that requires balance and compromise.
In Work: Triumph through perseverance, conquering challenges with focus.
Spiritually: A journey of self-mastery, overcoming inner struggles, and moving forward with purpose.
When ill-dignified: Recklessness, lack of direction, or being pulled in conflicting directions.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
IX – The Hermit
The Hermit represents wisdom, introspection, and the search for spiritual clarity. He calls for a retreat into solitude to find deeper meaning.
Symbolism: The Hermit holds a glowing lantern, symbolising divine wisdom. His staff represents the guidance he offers others, while the snake hints at his persuasiveness. His solitary journey through a barren landscape reflects the pursuit of enlightenment.
In Relationships: A time for introspection and finding deeper meaning.
In Work: A need for solitude, mentorship, or stepping back to reassess goals.
Spiritually: A journey of spiritual discovery and the search for deeper truths.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, withdrawal, or stagnation in one's journey.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
III – The Empress
The Empress embodies creativity, fertility, and nurturing energy. She symbolises the fruitful aspects of life, from creativity to personal growth, and encourages abundance in all forms.
Symbolism: Adorned with a crown of stars, she sits in a lush, fertile garden, holding a sceptre and shield. These symbols signify both authority and protection. The crescent moon beneath her feet connects her to cycles of intuition and growth.
In Relationships: Nurturing love, emotional bonds, or the creation of something new in a relationship, such as a family.
In Work: Success in creative ventures, productive work, and harmony.
Spiritually: Connection with natural and cosmic cycles, alignment with divine timing.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, overindulgence, or the misuse of creative energy.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
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.
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.
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.