Ankh Spread
Difficulty: Kind of tough
The Ankh Spread is for deeper 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 shows the deeper spiritual background and causes of the situation, while the stem of the base shows your prospects for the outcome.
The first 2 cards represent the 2 parent causes of the situation. They will either compliment each other or show 2 opposing sides of a conflict, depending on how they relate. These are the significator cards of the Ankh spread.
3. This card shows the early causes of the trend in question.
4. Shows the causes that triggered the current situation.
5. Reveals the spiritual perspective of the subject at hand.
6. This card informs the querent of the reasons why the spirit demanded this course of action to unfold, in that it was a means to this end. This can not be avoided.
At this point, you want to pause to soak in the meaning of the first 6 cards before moving forward to the last 3 cards. The last 3 will show your prospects for the future.
7. The Next Step gives clues about the immediate future.
8. Surprising Experiences encountered en route to the end result.
9. This represents the end result.
Your Ankh Reading
| Early Causes | Higher Perceptions  The Priestess |
Triggering Causes |
 Page of Spades |
Necessary Conclusions |  The Tower |
| Significator #1 |  The Soothsayer |
Significator #2 |
 4 of Diamonds |
Next Step |  9 of Hearts |
 3 of Clubs |
||
Surprising Experiences  The Hermit |
||
Outcome  The Empress |
Significator #1
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.
Significator #2
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.
Early Causes
Page of Spades
Concise method of expression using appropriate methods or tools for any given situation. Changing the environment around you by replacing anything that harbours memories of the past or elicits less than conducive emotion. Change of approach whereby the bigger picture becomes more apparent.
Triggering Causes
The Tower
Is it be better to hold on to a lie because it gives us hope;
or is it be better to know a truth that throws us off the edge of deception into the abyss below?
Higher Perceptions
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 dicipher 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.
Necessary Conclusions
The Soothsayer
The Soothsayer represents the concept of conformity; both secular and spiritual. It is a stage of learning socially acceptable behavior and ideals.
As the seeker, the Soothsayer suggests a time of reflection, based on what is expected of us and if those expectations coincides with our own.
As a situation, the Soothsayer indicates a phase of learning as well as understanding the environment one is in; and adapting to it without losing oneself in the name of conformity.
The Next Step
3 of Clubs
Leaving behind of constraints, or the use of our spiritual wings to soar higher. The confidence to stretch ourselves and reach higher than we thought was initially achievable. The keeping of our feet on the earth, where we focus on what is within reach as opposed to trying for something that is possibly beyond our means. Can also indicate not wanting to extend our abilities through fear of being met with failure.
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 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
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, its what we do with them that determines success or failure.
