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  XX – Judgement |
The Full Moon  XVIII – The Moon |
The Waning Moon  IV – The Emperor |
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Significator #1  XXI – The World |
Significator #2  VI – The Lovers |
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The Dark  XIX – The Sun |
The Secret of the High Priestess  III – The Empress |
The Light  V – The Pope |
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The Next Step  X – The Wheel of Fortune |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
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.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
IV – The Emperor
The Emperor embodies structure, authority, and rational leadership. He embodies the power of order and disciplined action, urging us to establish strong foundations and clear boundaries in all aspects of life.
Symbolism: Adorned with a regal crown and seated on an imposing throne, the Emperor exudes control and stability. His detailed, authoritative attire and the subtle inclusion of esoteric symbols speak to a mastery over both the material and the mystical realms, emphasising the importance of balance between external order and inner wisdom.
In Relationships: The Emperor encourages healthy dynamics marked by protection, responsibility, and mutual respect. His energy suggests that strong leadership and clear boundaries can foster trust and stability within partnerships.
In Work: Success in professional endeavours comes through strategic planning, disciplined execution, and the establishment of order. The Emperor's influence highlights leadership, authority, and the ability to structure one's environment for optimal productivity.
Spiritually: Embodying a union of earthly power and cosmic order, the Emperor invites you to align your will with higher universal principles. His guidance emphasises the importance of self-discipline and integrity on the path to spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: A misaligned Emperor may indicate an overbearing or inflexible attitude, where authority turns into domination and rigidity stifles creativity and progress.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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 Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
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 Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
X – The Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune signifies change, cycles, and destiny. The wheel turns, representing the ebb and flow of fortune and the constant cycles of life.
Symbolism: The wheel, surrounded by figures and animals, turns with inevitability. A sphinx sits atop the wheel, symbolising wisdom amidst life's changes. The card reflects the role of fate in the twists and turns of existence.
In Relationships: A shift in relationship dynamics or new opportunities.
In Work: Fortuitous changes or shifts in circumstances, often outside of your control.
Spiritually: Trust in the cycles of life and accept the flow of destiny.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change or feeling trapped in an unfavourable cycle.
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.
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.