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 Sun	The Full Moon 5 of Hearts		The Waning Moon Death
	Significator #1 3 of Hearts	Significator #2 Strength
The Dark The Priestess	The Secret of the High Priestess The Emperor		The Light Page of Spades
	The Next Step 8 of Spades

 

 

 

Significator #1 

 

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.

 

 

Significator #2 

 

Strength

The Strength card may suggest imposing one's will upon another whether intentional or not. It is a stage where we learn that true strength lies not in our ability to control what is in our external reality; rather it is about enduring hardships with grace and maintaining compassion.

The seeker as Strength advises us to explore aspects within that drives us to manipulate, control or influence people or situations without consideration. It may be an indication for us to realise that true strength lies not in exerting our will through force.

The situation as Strength may suggest a stage to evaluate the circumstances with objectivity. To maintain our position without compromise; if we perceive retreat as a weakness instead of strength.

 

 

The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past. 

 

Death

There will come a time when all things end; a death that leaves one gasping for hope; fighting to cling on; afraid to let go. There will come a time when dreams of happy endings are rudely awakened by reality; wisps of wishful thinking disappearing into smoke; gone without a trace. There will come a time when the human heart breaks under such punishment; giving way to grief; dying bit by bit until it beats no more.

As a seeker, this card suggests a stage where one needs to learn to accept death as part of a natural cycle of life; deal with processes of letting things go; the need to move on.

As a situation, this card denotes an ending; thus, we may need to ask ourselves if holding on to something or someone may be detrimental to our growth. The time to let go will come when we acknowledge the need to do so.

 

 

 

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

 

5 of Hearts

Uncertainty when faced with something that cannot be perceived with full clarity. The need to either take the risk or to look for other alternatives, otherwise there is real risk no progress at all can be made. Tentative steps towards taking a look at the face or façade you may have portrayed to yourself or others, understanding what is seen may lead to discomfort or a change in outlook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence. 

 

The Sun

Light gives clarity; from darkness we seek out the light and if it burns;
if it turns us to dust under the harshness of its glare,
that is the ultimate liberation for enlightenment frees the soul from its earthly bondage.

 

 

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

 

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.

 

 

 

The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness. 

 

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 Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you. 

 

8 of Spades

Issue of either feeling either trapped or protected, often by the energies of another. The relinquishing of personal freedom. Putting yourself out to ensure the safety or well-being of another. Either being smothered by the attentions of someone else, or being the person who is doing the smothering.

 

 

 

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. 

 

The Emperor

The Emperor card represents structure; the need for it or lack of it. It is about setting standards to adhere to, limitations and boundaries of rules of engagement and maintaining them. At a stage when one cannot identify such boundaries, The Emperor provides an idealised example until rigid adherence becomes a burden of expectations.

As the Seeker, this card represents the need to identify standards that are meaningful rather than those imposed by others. To discard old boundaries or limitations for new ones is a stage of self-regulation by which one identifies the principles to live by.

In a situation, this card suggests that stability may be achieved when a sound structure is in place.