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  The Empress |
Triggering Causes |
 8 of Hearts |
Necessary Conclusions |  4 of Diamonds |
| Significator #1 |  7 of Hearts |
Significator #2 |
 9 of Hearts |
Next Step |  3 of Hearts |
 Temperance |
||
Surprising Experiences  The Priestess |
||
| Outcome |
Significator #1
9 of Hearts
Personal nurturing whereby the true spirit has the chance to emerge and subsequently flourish. Replacing of negative thoughts and emotions of the self with more positive ones. Understanding that love of the self is more important than the love that is offered to another. Having confidence in showing to the world and those around you your emotional self as well as your physical self.
Significator #2
3 of Hearts
The demonstration of being a true friend in circumstances where others may choose to turn a blind eye. Being with someone and accepting them for what they are and who they are. A state whereby it is possible to feel comfortable with the energies of another, even though both parties may be partaking in different activities. The ability to watch over someone we care about without taking on the role of judge and jury should we disagree with their actions.
Early Causes
8 of Hearts
The feeling of desolation or loneliness. Being caught up in personal thoughts often negative to the extent external influences/supportive energies go unnoticed. The walking away from a situation which may have caused heartache towards something more positive. The painful acknowledgement that no more can be done with the only real option being that of walking away.
Triggering Causes
4 of Diamonds
The coveting of possessions, or taking a protective stance in order to prevent loss. Obsession about what is desired as opposed to focussing on what is already at hand. Hoarding or collecting of more than is actually necessary. Giving an unhealthy or inappropriate sense of importance to certain items under ownership.
Higher Perceptions
The Empress
The Empress card suggests a stage of gestation; it is defined by how one develops providence into something more. If an opportunity presents itself, this card represents the need find the balance between knowing when to foster growth and when to let go.
As the Seeker, this card represents the reality that too much attention stifles development, too little and it verges on neglect.
In a situation, The Empress card is a reminder that opportunities are abundant, it's what we do with them that determines success or failure.
Necessary Conclusions
7 of Hearts
The appearance of options or choices but with no indication which may be preferable at the time. Presence of something potentially positive or uplifting, which if ignored may pass by with an opportunity thus being missed. Emotions becoming more linear whereby objectivity is being restored. The feeling of 'running on empty' for a while but with the indication the end of this negative state is within sight.
The Next Step
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.
Surprises
The Priestess
The Priestess card may suggest non-reaction. Whether caused by tension or inner turmoil, it is a stage where opposing influences may require time to find balance once again.
The seeker as The Priestess cannot yet decipher the signs to understand them, thus it is necessary to watch, listen, learn and not react in order to make informed choices.
The situation as The Priestess may indicate a time to reflect on root causes of opposing influences that are contributing to tension in an environment.
The Outcome
