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 The Devil |
The Full Moon The Wheel of Fortune |
The Waning Moon The Universe |
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Significator #1 Adjustment |
Significator #2 The Fool |
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The Dark The Chariot |
The Secret of the High Priestess The Hermit |
The Light The Emperor |
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The Next Step Art |
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Significator #1
Adjustment
Libra
Justice. Balance is achieved through adaptation. You may need to take a look at the book.
Meaning:
Justice, balance, equilibrium. A pause in the action to achieve balance.
Significator #2
The Fool
Air
The Fool represents a childlike attitude and awareness, his eyes now open to a new world. A limited awareness at this point in the journey makes for awe and adventure. Beginner's luck. An umbrella shelters his awareness.
Meaning:
Impulsive child-like behaviour.
Ill-dignified: folly, extravagance, frenzy, delirium, intoxication.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
The Universe
Earth
The spider in the man's head is a reference to Leary's octave rhythms. The spider and web indicate man's nature to perceive and even weave his own reality. The web also indicates being trapped in our own perception of reality. It may also hint at the nature of the interaction between this and other universes.
Meaning:
The realisation of the whole matter. The essence of the query itself. Synthesis. Crystallisation. Could represent something extremely important.
When ill-dignified: A cruel world.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
The Wheel of Fortune
Jupiter
Who knows what the Wheel of Providence has in store for you? Deep down inside, you do.
Meaning:
Providence, fate, karma. A change in fortune, generally a good change.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
The Devil
Capricorn
The Devil is your opposite, <%custom1%>, your Anima or Animus, your Demonic Self. (s)He is your dark side and your inner child. The traits that we lack in our own selves causes us to seek completion in many of our relationships. Most of our earthly relationships are based on fulfilling this Devil inside of us. In certain people such as the very well-rounded or spiritually developed, this part of the personality may already be fulfilled. The children walk with The Devil hand in hand.
Meaning:
Temptation, obsession, impulsiveness, ambition, materialism, self-fulfilment, fate.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
The Emperor
Aries
The king of the world represents power, authority, and male vitality. The ruler sitting on his throne bears the male symbols of earthly authority. The lamb at his feet represents not only the sheepishness of his servants, but the self-sacrifice required of a great leader.
Meaning:
Ambition, conquest, originality, leadership, stability, realisation, power, fortitude, powerful man, authority, conviction.
Ill-dignified: bad temper, counterproductive pride, rashness, even megalomania.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
The Chariot
Cancer
Your soul is like the driver and your body is the vehicle for your personal exploration of the universe.
Meaning:
The charioteer is a link in a chain of command. Exploration of the universe, obedience, hope, triumph.
When ill-dignified: status-quo maintenance muscle.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
Art
Sagittarius
Temperance or Alchemy. Creation by way of the marriage of opposites. You are what you create. An androgenous figure stirs the pot. The unity of opposite alchemical symbols (lion + eagle) has produced alchemical GOLD.
Meaning:
Realisation of objectives and goals. Successful combination of energies. A string of successful magickal manoeuvres culminating in solidification. Calculated action. Management.
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.
The Hermit
Virgo
Solitary time. Father Time retreats from society to be alone. The mirror represents reflection and inner self-discovery. Cerberus follows the lantern as the Hermit enlightens his dark side. Turned sideways, the hourglass represents a moment of timelessness, and at this juncture the Hermit realises the nature of eternity.
Meaning:
Divine inspiration, wisdom, finding one's guiding light, a period of time being out of touch with society, circumspection, self-knowledge.
When ill-dignified: loneliness, despair, loss of sanity, paranoia.
