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 ![]() 4 of Cups |
The Full Moon ![]() 9 of Cups |
The Waning Moon ![]() 6 of Pentacles |
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Significator #1 ![]() 5 of Pentacles The Secret of the High Priestess |
Significator #2 ![]() Page of Swords |
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The Dark ![]() 5 of Cups |
![]() 8 of Pentacles |
The Light ![]() Fortitude |
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The Next Step ![]() 5 of Wands |
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Significator #1
5 of Pentacles
Air conditioning is not a luxury, it's one of the most important things humankind ever invented. Comfort too is not to be taken lightly, if you aren't comfortable you can't enjoy what's before you, and if you can't enjoy what you've got, what's the point in living?
Significator #2
Page of Swords
Chaos is dangerous to both belligerents. If you have all the arms and all the thorns in the world, you're just as much a danger to yourself if you don't keep track of them.
The Waning Moon is the influence that you are putting behind you, as it moves into the past.
6 of Pentacles
Don't overlook a good solution just because it's obvious.
The Full Moon is the current influence at this time.
9 of Cups
A whole lot of cargo looks minimal when it's loaded onto a gigantic ship. This applies to more than one might expect.
The Waxing Moon indicates what is on the horizon; the approaching influence.
4 of Cups
When you order people to do something, be certain that your orders are clear.
The Light is what is clearly recognized.
Fortitude
Bravery and strength can get one killed, but they're still pretty badass. Don't fear what you needn't fear, but don't get carried away.
The Dark shows what is there but not fully perceived, though it has been noticed on a deeper level of consciousness.
5 of Cups
The problem with a hand of glory is that wax melts and glory fades.
The Next Step is the near future, where this journey will take you.
5 of Wands
The means may be grotesque, but if they get you what you want you'd do well to use them.
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 Pentacles
Things grow from other dead things. Don't overlook them for their dark origins, and don't dismiss the dead as a total erasure of what was.