Ankh Layout
Difficulty: Kind of tough
The Ankh Spread is for questions about the causes behind trends. It is similar to the Celtic Cross and Secret of the High Priestess layouts, 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 reveals the spiritual background and causes of the situation, while the stem of the base focuses on prospects for the outcome.
The first two runes represent the two parent causes of the situation. They will either complement each other or show two opposing sides of a conflict, depending on how they relate. These are the significator runes of the Ankh layout.
3. This rune shines light upon the early causes of the trend in question.
4. Pinpoints the causes that triggered the current situation.
5. Reveals the spiritual perspective of the subject at hand.
6. This rune examines the reasons why this course of action had to unfold, as a means to this end.
At this point, it is good to pause to soak in the meaning of the first six runes before moving forward to the last three runes. The last three reveal prospects for the future.
7. The Next Step gives clues about the immediate future.
8. Surprising Experiences encountered en route to the result.
9. This represents the result.
Your Ankh Reading
| Early Causes | Higher Perceptions  Ansuz |
Triggering Causes |
 Naudhiz |
Necessary Conclusions |  Gebo |
| Significator #1 |  Ingwaz |
Significator #2 |
 Eihwaz |
Next Step |  Mannaz |
 Uruz |
||
Surprising Experiences  Fehu |
||
Outcome  Tiwaz |
Significator #1
Eihwaz
Eihwaz is a rune of progress. The desire for material gain provides motivation and a sense of purpose. It indicates a plan being formulated and moving forward. May indicate a person who can be trusted. Some keywords are: honesty, dependability, reliability, endurance, strength, defence, protection.
Ill-dignification can mean: confusion, delays, disturbance, destruction, dissatisfaction, weakness.
Significator #2
Mannaz
Mankind, the Self; the individual or the human race. Your attitude toward others and their attitudes towards you. Friends and enemies, social order. This is the rune of help. Intelligence, forethought, creative ability, divine awareness.
Ill-dignification suggests a problem with authority, or possibly a conflict with people of a different culture. Mortality, blindness, self-deception, manipulation, cunning, slyness. A warning to be more careful of people, to pay closer attention to their motives. This rune may indicate a period of depression and suggests waiting or seeking consultation before making any important decisions.
Early Causes
Naudhiz
Naudhiz warns about awareness of one's limitations. But resistance builds strength. Delays, restrictions, confusion, conflict, and the will to defeat them. Endurance, survival, determination. Patience and endurance are called for. Innovation, adaptation, and independence. The will power to direct fate.
An opportunity may not be what it seems. You may want to wait before making any important decisions. Tension in relationships is likely. If a risk has been taken, results are still forthcoming. Stress, and frustration are also associated with this sign.
Triggering Causes
Gebo
Gifts, in the spirit of both giving and receiving. Gebo is one of the runes of love, relating to partnerships and generosity. Matters related to exchanges. This rune can suggest an important favour and self-sacrifice as a reward in itself.
Ill-dignification can mean selfishness, loneliness, desperation, over-sacrifice, or bribery.
Higher Perceptions
Ansuz
Ansuz signifies the protection of Odin, concerned with man's connection with the universe, spiritual messages, learning, communication, and the spoken word. Signs, inspiration, visions, and the symbolic power of words and names.
Acceptance of good advice yields blessings in health, harmony, and wisdom. Non-acceptance of good advice results in manipulation by others, misunderstanding, and delusion. Vanity and arrogance may deceive one's self. This rune may indicate that dreams are giving you important messages that you should take note of.
Necessary Conclusions
Ingwaz
This is the rune of male health, fertility, creativity, gestation, and personal growth. Common sense, simple virtue, family, home. The spark of a new idea could start a fire. Often relates to a pivotal point, perhaps a rest stage, a time of relief, of healing and regeneration. A time when loose ends can be tied, freeing one to possibly move in a new direction. You must listen to yourself.
Ill-dignification can suggest impotence and circular movement. Production, labour, work.
The Next Step
Uruz
Self-improvement is the ideal of this rune, which indicates the formation of a pattern of success. Responsibility and authority earned raise one's personal stock. New awareness makes it possible to capitalise on new opportunities, and this rune's appearance suggests that opportunity is about to knock. This rune suggests a period of wonder and adventure before adaptation settles in. Beginner's luck, freedom, electricity, action, courage, strength, tenacity, understanding, experience. Masculine sexual potency.
Surprises
Fehu
Fehu is one of three mother stones. This rune deals with earning success in matters of material gain or the increase of knowledge. It reveals an impending influence of prosperity, abundance, fullness, and happiness. It can indicate climbing the social ladder. Other key words are: vitality, energy, power, mojo, foresight, fertility, creativity, motion.
The Outcome
Tiwaz
Tiwaz is the warrior rune, and also one of the runes of love. It is concerned with self-knowledge, self-actualisation, leadership, authority, rationality, honour, justice, and self-sacrifice. Opportunities should be seized. Success is indicated by this rune, particularly in competitive and legal matters.
Ill-dignification can mean writer's block, creative slump, over-analysis, over-sacrifice, injustice, imbalance. Conflict, strife, and losing in competitive matters. A lack of passion, miscommunication, even a separation. The male in a relationship may be involved for superficial reasons.
