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  Queen of Diamonds |
Triggering Causes |
 9 of Clubs |
Necessary Conclusions |  4 of Spades |
| Significator #1 |  Jack of Clubs |
Significator #2 |
 6 of Diamonds |
Next Step |  2 of Clubs |
 Imprisoned Instincts |
||
Surprising Experiences  Ace of Clubs |
||
| Outcome |
Significator #1
6 of Diamonds
Extending the hand of welcome or friendship. Being accepted into a community or circle where prejudgements are withheld. Offerings made unconditionally with no expectation of receiving in return. The passing on or sharing of attributes that can bring about harmony and acceptance.
Significator #2
2 of Clubs
The following a path which appears to have an intangible ‘something’ which makes it feel right at the time. Change of focus away from what is directly ahead to what is directly above guiding you. Following of your own instincts when there is a sense the way forward is no longer clear to you.
Early Causes
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.
Triggering Causes
4 of Spades
The need for mental release or relaxation. The taking of a 'time out' from situations that may have been the main contributory factors leading to mental fatigue. Acceptance of limitations, as well as acknowledgment of personal weaknesses. The courage to go public and be open regarding mistakes or shortcomings.
Higher Perceptions
Queen of Diamonds
Nurturing of what you have at your disposal, understanding any neglect could lead to loss. Creation of balance between what is desired and what is needed. Being considerate of the creative processes involved in producing what we have, with some awareness of global implications. Gathering of resources (materially or financially with a sense of responsibility as opposed to ignorance. This could indicate a person who has developed awareness of the issue of cause and effect, understanding the true value or cost of what they have in their environment.
Necessary Conclusions
Jack of Clubs
By nature a tendency to be impetuous or to be easily distracted. The characteristic of acting first and thinking later. A tendency to not think through repercussions of actions. A person who may not feel any sense of fear, and will tackle any task with vigour and enthusiasm.
The Next Step
Imprisoned Instincts
Imprisoned Instincts is traditionally known as the Wheel of Fortune card in tarot. While it denotes sudden change for better or worse, nothing in life happens overnight. Sometimes, we are aware of signs of change and address them or we may overlook them and pay for consequences later.
As the seeker, this card indicates that methods of coping to circumstance surrounding us contribute to what happens in the future. Thus, taking responsibility for decisions we make empower us to create the future we wish for ourselves. Taking action is a choice; doing nothing to change our circumstances is also a choice.
As a situation, Imprisoned Instincts suggest a change and while the circumstances may be out of our control but how we deal with what happened/happens is. Perhaps it is time to assess at personal methods of coping and not the event itself.
Surprises
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.
The Outcome
