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 Moon |
The Full Moon![]() 6 of Spades |
The Waning Moon![]() 7 of Clubs |
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Significator #1![]() Redemption |
Significator #2![]() 3 of Spades |
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The Dark![]() Ace of Hearts |
The Secret of the High Priestess![]() Duality |
The Light![]() The Soothsayer |
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The Next Step![]() 6 of Hearts |
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Significator #1
Redemption
It is where we will find the eye of the needle and cross it;
a place none may follow but it's going to be alright because we are finally ready to take
responsibility for choices we made; we are finally ready to face ourselves.
Who amongst us fear Judgement?
In search of redemption; what we reap as our reward is what we have sown all along.
Significator #2
3 of Spades
Loss of faith or believe, a pessimistic outlook in general. Internalising of negative emotions. A numbing of the soul or spirit to the extent we also become numbed to the pain or hurt that comes from external sources. The need to use insight to identify the real cause of pain or upset, as opposed to misperceived sources. The urge to cut within in order to release harmful or negative emotions.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
7 of Clubs
Depending on which character is identified with it could either indicate overcoming adversary against all the odds, or being the victim of the actions of another. Resistance to the fate faced by others. Reluctance to face consequences of personal actions, particularly if they are at the expense of others around you. If the flame is a focal point, it could show that consequences have been acknowledged, and action is being taken to purge the energy or memory of those deeds.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
6 of Spades
Moving on when the time is right, and on terms that are appropriate at the time. A warning that the way forward may have hidden obstacles, thus indicating the path is not an easy one to undertake. The utilising of blind faith as opposed to reasoned thought when proceeding ahead. The closing of the book on issues from the past, lessening the chance of them being able to play an active role in what is to come. The burning away or dissolving of hindering mind sets.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
The Moon
Jahanam is where dreams are woven; this is where cats learn to fly and birds carry swords;
this is where the Lady Moonshine hides the face of the Sun God
so that we may see the truths hidden in the dark and drive ourselves insane.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
The Soothsayer
The Soothsayer represents the concept of conformity; both secular and spiritual. It is a stage of learning socially acceptable behaviour and ideals.
As the seeker, the Soothsayer suggests a time of reflection, based on what is expected of us and if those expectations coincide 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 Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
Ace of Hearts
The possibility of extremes of emotion being experienced in equal measures. The real chance of being brought down to a ground level of being should we feel we have become over confident or egotistical. The start of an emotional roller coaster ride, possibly accompanied by a willingness to take risks even though it may cause us to crash harder as a result.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
6 of Hearts
Taking stock of yourself and where you have come from. This may give an indication of what is to come. Seeing yourself or others around you with eyes wide open, thus being aware of issues previously hidden. Being objective when viewing your previous actions, and by keeping emotion out of the equation it can lead to constructive enlightenment. Having no regret of previous actions, but acknowledgement of the fact they can prove to be valid life lessons for the future.
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.
Duality
Duality (traditionally known as Justice) is the card that represents cause and effect. Taking responsibility is not about assigning blame or surrendering to consequences blindly; rather it is about owning up to the circumstances we have helped create for ourselves.
Duality as an individual in a reading reminds us to weigh the severity of our actions carefully for every choice that we face and subsequent decision that we make sets the wheel in motion.
Duality as a situation may indicate the need to remain objective and impartial in assessing options that are open to the individual. Sometimes, clarity of thought cuts through confusion where emotions cloud the judgement.