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  XVII – The Star |
The Full Moon  IV – The Emperor |
The Waning Moon  XIV – Temperance |
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Significator #1  XVIII – The Moon |
Significator #2  VII – The Chariot |
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The Dark  VI – The Lovers |
The Secret of the High Priestess  XV – The Devil |
The Light  VIII – Justice |
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The Next Step  XVI – The Tower |
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Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
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 Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
XIV – Temperance
Temperance represents balance, moderation, and the art of harmonising opposites. This card suggests a period of a careful blending of energies, creating harmony between diverse aspects of life.
Symbolism: Temperance is shown pouring liquid between two cups, symbolising the blending of forces or energies. Her wings suggest a spiritual connection, and her alchemical knowledge signifies a harmonious outcome. The card teaches the importance of moderation.
In Relationships: A balanced, harmonious relationship or the need for patience and moderation in love.
In Work: A time to blend different skills or approaches to find success. Collaboration and diplomacy are key.
Spiritually: A call for balance, peace, and alignment between the spiritual and material realms.
When ill-dignified: Excess, imbalance, or an inability to find middle ground.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
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 Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
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 Light is what is clearly recognized.
VIII – Justice
Justice represents balance, fairness, and accountability. This card calls for the resolution of disputes and alignment with truth and fairness in all areas of life.
Symbolism: Justice sits with a sword in one hand and scales in the other, symbolising impartiality, truth, and balance. Her crown and steady gaze emphasise her authority over matters of fairness.
In Relationships: A balanced relationship or the need to resolve unresolved issues with fairness and integrity.
In Work: Legal matters, contracts, or decisions that require careful evaluation.
Spiritually: A reminder to live truthfully, aligning actions with higher principles.
When ill-dignified: Dishonesty, imbalance, or the refusal to accept responsibility for one's actions.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
XVI – The Tower
The Tower signifies sudden upheaval, revelation, and the breaking down of false structures. This card represents moments of crisis or dramatic change that lead to profound transformation.
Symbolism: The Tower is struck by lightning, causing it to collapse. Figures fall from the tower, symbolising the suddenness and unexpected nature of the event. The crown-like top falling from the tower suggests that pride or false beliefs are being shattered.
In Relationships: A sudden revelation or event that shatters illusions, leading to change or the breakdown of a relationship.
In Work: Unexpected disruption, the destruction of old structures, or a breakdown of outdated systems.
Spiritually: A wake-up call that challenges beliefs or systems, leading to greater clarity and spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: Crisis, destruction without transformation, or a refusal to accept change.
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.
XV – The Devil
The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the enslavement of desires. It points to the darker aspects of the self, where one is bound by addictions, fears, or unhealthy attachments.
Symbolism: The Devil is depicted as a horned figure with a monstrous appearance, standing over two chained figures. The chains are loose, indicating that freedom is possible, but the figures are unaware of their power to escape. The card represents self-imposed limitations.
In Relationships: Unhealthy attachments, temptation, or toxic relationships. A call to break free from negative patterns.
In Work: Materialism, greed, or feeling trapped in a situation. The need to release limiting behaviours.
Spiritually: The need to confront personal fears, addictions, or attachments that block spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: Excess, obsession, or being enslaved by negative influences or desires.