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 9 of Coins	The Full Moon Judgement		The Waning Moon The Empress
	Significator #1 Prince of Swords	Significator #2 8 of Coins
The Dark Princess of Cups	The Secret of the High Priestess 8 of Cups		The Light Princess of Swords
	The Next Step King of Cups

 

 

 

Significator #1 

 

Prince of Swords

The strong helmet protects the prince, while, with eyes closed and head bent forward, he is demolishing the hard wall. Some bricks are falling down. A part of the wall looks like a bookcase.

This is all about ancient knowledge and opinions, the details of which are being asked about or, in the truest sense of the word, which are being blown into mid-air. However, with his eyes closed the prince cannot take into consideration what he is throwing around.

 

 

Significator #2 

 

8 of Coins

Four pentacles are already completed and are standing under the table. They are the pentacles from the first four Pentacle cards.

The hour-glass shows that time is still needed for the work. The handle of the tool looks like a wand and indicates that, with the necessary commitment (small flame), success will slowly develop (leaf). The storm announces the future success.

 

 

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

 

The Empress

The illustration represents growth, nature and fertility. One can see certain fruits, including two pomegranates (fertility). The ears of corn represent the Empress' secret crown. The apple is in the shape of a heart. The three fish in the water symbolise feelings and emotionalism, as well as the Empress' figure three.

The illusion of a bowl, in which the fruit is lying, can be connected with conception, the uterus and with pregnancy. The trees present slow growth. The Empress is holding her sceptre in her left hand.

 

 

 

The Full Moon is the current influence at this time. 

 

Judgement

Classical symbols are also used here. Five graves are opening up, out of which stretches a hand to awaken a new life. The implication of the archangel Gabriel is blowing the trumpet of the Resurrection. One of the hands shows three fingers, which portrays a release from the grave's number four. It is also a gesture of the Hierophant.

The number five, shown by the number of hands and flowers, points to entirety. The aim is to see material things as being divine, so as to unite them and not to damn them and so create a new division. The flowers are about to bloom and through their colours the subjects of integration and entirety are emphasised again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

9 of Coins

A pile of pentacles is being held by two hands. The scene looks like a rich garden, protected by a wall. Grapes in the foreground and valuable rings on both of the hands emphasise the impression of wealth.

The bird of prey has many different faces. It is protecting what it has seized. Its figure alone makes a good impression. However, it is also a bird which captures its prey, as its name indicates.

 

 

The Light is what is clearly recognized. 

 

Princess of Swords

She looks suspicious, she is holding her sword, ready for action. She needs to be at a distance from the castle, which is too near, but she wants to feel this nearness. The three swords in the heart above her point to injuries.

She does not seem to enjoy the beauty of the two flowers, the heads of which she has just cut off. She will perhaps be sorry later. Her books are sacred and she also writes down her thoughts. One can imagine how beautiful her hair is, which she has not completely hidden under her helmet.

 

 

 

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

 

Princess of Cups

Waves emboss the picture and the princess‘ hair and the night-sky move with them. The moon and stars indicate intuition and emotionality.

The eyes seem to mirror the night-light, and also point to the personal inner starry sky. The hearts in the picture speak for themselves and the three fish suggest approaching materialism.

 

 

 

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

 

King of Cups

The king's figure and features show a certain easy-going nature and goodness. The throne's decoration underlines the qualities of love and joy which are engraved on him.

He is holding a gift in his right hand. He is very much aware that presents play an important role in friendships. The table in the background, prepared for festivities, encourages a social gathering.

 

 

 

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. 

 

8 of Cups

Seven cups are covered with a cloth, so that they won't be damaged during absence. A cup is being held in the left hand and a sword in the right. They look like a complementary couple.

There is water to the right and left of the path and one must take care not to tread in it. In the background we can see the Hermit's hut and several hills, which could turn out to be mountains. The waxing moon shows uncertainty. The journey might not be too easy.