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
| Early Causes | Higher Perceptions  9 of Clubs |
Triggering Causes |
 Temperance |
Necessary Conclusions |  3 of Diamonds |
| Significator #1 |  9 of Diamonds |
Significator #2 |
 Ace of Clubs |
Next Step |  9 of Spades |
 Ace of Diamonds |
||
Surprising Experiences  The Hermit |
||
| Outcome |
Significator #1
Ace of Clubs
New challenges which require movement, effort, energy or focus. A possible choice of aiming higher or reaching out sideways/laterally in our endeavours. Hesitancy or lack of confidence in moving away from what is seen as a comfort zone or position of safety.
Significator #2
9 of Spades
Feeling of despair or of being trapped. The incorrect belief there is no movement possible within a current predicament. Current aims or objectives tantalisingly out of reach. Indications that a problem or obstacle needs to be examined from a different angle or viewpoint if a way forward is to be identified. Giving up too easily on a task believing there is no hope.
Early Causes
Temperance
Temperance demonstrates the ability to maintain equilibrium between opposing elements; she is the bridge between extremes.
The Seeker as Temperance suggests a path of moderation; seeking internal balance before one is ready to face external challenges. This card may indicate the need to resolve conflicting aspects within ourselves before we are able to restore peace into our environment.
As a situation, this card indicates a stage of mediating between opposing views; finding the middle ground to facilitate progress; restoring order in a disruptive environment. As such, we may need to explore options that allow amicable solutions to present themselves rather than allow one or the other extreme to take over.
Triggering Causes
3 of Diamonds
Being grateful for what you have at your disposal, or offering thanks to those who have provided. Prioritising where to invest money or effort. Investing wisely in order to see long term gains or profits. Expecting everything to be provided for us with little or no effort on our part to earn those provisions.
Higher Perceptions
9 of Clubs
Standing together with others in order to deal with any eventuality or obstacle. This can also indicate you are about to encounter an obstacle of your own which may not be easy to dispel with. The need to consider an approach before you actually encounter the obstacle, so as to be best prepared. The encountering of intense opposition.
Necessary Conclusions
9 of Diamonds
The emptying of your life or environment of anything that is surplus to requirement, or no longer has relevance. Reflecting on what has gone, not realising there is still much to be gained in other ways. Lack of preparation for a journey or destination whereby there may be an expectation for everything to be provided to you instead of by you. The emotion of disappointment now in passing, with a readiness to learn from the experience before moving on.
The Next Step
Ace of Diamonds
Indication that a path previously trodden will change in the near future. Either something will be opening up and becoming apparent, or it could indicate the curtain is about to come down, possibly leading to closure of sorts. Wondering if the grass is in fact greener on the other side. Consideration given to what you have right now against what you could have.
Surprises
The Hermit
The Hermit card indicates a time of self-reflection or self-imposed solitude. It is a stage when we sense the need to explore how we view the world or relate to situations and people around us.
As the person, The Hermit card suggests a need for serenity; withdrawal from external conflicts to evaluate our beliefs, priorities or principles.
As a situation, The Hermit card suggests an objective exploration of all feasible options that may lead to the most desirable resolution within a conflict.
The Outcome
