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 ![]() Three of Diamonds |
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Early Causes
![]() Seven of Diamonds |
Triggering Causes
![]() Five of Clubs |
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Necessary Conclusions
![]() King of Spades |
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Significator #1
![]() Five of Hearts |
Significator #2
![]() Ten of Spades |
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Next Step
![]() Queen of Clubs |
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Surprising Experiences ![]() Two of Spades |
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Outcome ![]() Ace of Spades |
Significator #1
Five of Hearts
Disappointment (Mars in Scorpio): Turbulent waters mark the Five of Hearts—a card that speaks to the pain of unfulfilled expectations and the sting of betrayal. Its energy, charged by Mars in Scorpio, often manifests as intense grief, regret, or the aftermath of a broken bond. It serves as a sombre reminder that emotional setbacks are part of the transformative process, urging you to confront and heal your wounds so new growth may eventually emerge.
Grief, misfortune, sadness, regret, loss, treachery, bitterness, frustration, bad marriage, expectations unfulfilled.
Significator #2
Ten of Spades
Ruin (Sun in Gemini): At the culmination of a cycle, the Ten of Spades delivers a dramatic message of collapse and renewal. Bathed in the intense, illuminating energy of the Sun in Gemini, it represents the disintegration of old structures—where reason, when severed from reality, leads to disaster and the end of delusion. This card calls for a conscious reckoning with the forces that have driven you to ruin, urging you to dismantle what no longer serves you, so a more authentic and grounded vision may emerge. Spiritually, this card may mean the end of delusion.
Early Causes
Seven of Diamonds
Failure (Saturn in Taurus): Saturn in Taurus casts a sobering light on the Seven of Diamonds, which speaks to the perils of wasted effort and unfulfilled promises. This card reflects moments when hard work yields little gain, or when hopes are dashed by unforeseen obstacles. It urges you to reassess your strategies, learn from setbacks, and recognise that even failure carries the seeds of wisdom—encouraging you to recalibrate your approach for more fruitful outcomes.
Sloth, abandoned labour, hopes deceived, promises unfulfilled, disappointment.
Triggering Causes
Five of Clubs
Strife (Saturn in Leo): The Five of Clubs confronts you with the inevitable friction that accompanies any great endeavour. Under the stern influence of Saturn in Leo, this card signals conflicts—be they internal struggles, competitive battles, or clashes of will—that test your resolve. It serves as a reminder that growth often comes through adversity. It challenges you to confront your obstacles with discipline and fortitude, transforming strife into a catalyst for personal evolution.
Struggle, competition, opposition, violence, quarrelling, lust and carnal desire.
Higher Perceptions
Three of Diamonds
Works (Mars in Capricorn): The energy of Mars in Capricorn drives the Three of Diamonds to the forefront of enterprise and craftsmanship. This card is a dynamic emblem of construction, commerce, and the relentless pursuit of material gain through hard work and discipline. It serves as a reminder that success is built through consistent effort and strategic planning, urging you to invest your energy in projects that promise long-term growth and tangible rewards.
Construction, business, commerce, employment, material gain, growth.
Necessary Conclusions
King of Spades
Gemini: A dynamic master of communication and wit, he moves with agile energy and versatile skill. His clever mind and active nature drive him to explore multiple facets of any challenge, though his quicksilver approach can sometimes border on impetuosity. His presence inspires you to embrace duality—melding rapid thought with careful deliberation to achieve a well-rounded vision.
An active, skilful, witty, clever, fierce man.
The Next Step
Queen of Clubs
Aries: Radiating a calm yet potent presence, she blends serene attractiveness with the dynamic drive of Aries. Her relaxed strength and persistence make her a formidable force, though she shows little tolerance for opposition. She encourages you to stand firm in your convictions, adapting with grace while asserting your will in pursuit of creative endeavours.
Strength relaxed. Persistent, adaptive, but intolerant of opposition.
Surprises
Two of Spades
Peace (Moon in Libra): In the delicate balance of the Two of Spades, contradictory qualities converge to form a fragile equilibrium. Influenced by the reflective Moon in Libra, this card speaks of reconciliation and the emergence of calm after strife. It suggests that true peace can arise from the integration of opposing forces—an eventual harmony where past conflicts settle into a state of bittersweet resolution and renewed understanding.
Pleasure after pain. Quarrel resolved.
The Outcome
Ace of Spades
The Root of Air: This card bursts forth as the inception of intellect and spiritual conquest. It represents an invocated force—an elemental surge of clarity and willpower born from adversity. The Ace of Spades signals the moment when profound insight and strength are summoned through tribulation, empowering you to overcome obstacles by embracing mental acuity and challenge.
Invoked force, conquest, strength through tribulation.