The High Priestess
Keywords
Light: Intuition, Duality, Receptivity, Mystery, Sensitivity
Shadow: Secrecy, Repression, Confusion, Mistrust
Concepts/Archetypes: Subconsciousness, The Mirror, Memory, Pattern Recognition
Numerology - 2
Keywords: Intuition, Duality, Discernment, Opposites, Relationships, Polarity, Balance, Reflection, Receptivity
Other Cards Connected Numerically: The 2s of each suit. Justice (11) and Judgement (20).
Correspondences
Cosmic: The Moon
Chord: G Sharp
Hebrew Letter-Word: Gimel (camel)
Element: Water
Archangel: Gabriel (Levannael)
Minor Card With Similar Energy Signature: 2 of Swords
Meaning
The High Priestess is a guardian to the mysterious records. She represents subconsciousness, intuition, the arcane and the occult. The High Priestess understands that which drives our impulses, recognizing the true root of all things. While she may signify that which is hidden, it is also important to note that much of what is obscured to us is due to our own inability to know where or how to look. The High Priestess also symbolizes duality, characterized by the number 2. She sits in-between opposites, learning to discern that from this, and through keen observation, falls wisely in the centre. The High Priestess represents a guardian to our own inner temple. While The Hierophant reveals outer doctrine, The High Priestess reveals that which is hidden, buried, within each of us. She may express herself not as knowledge from a book, but rather insight that comes suddenly, a gut feeling or an impulse.
“She is, in fine, the Queen of the borrowed light, but this is the light of all. She is the Moon nourished by the milk of the Supernal Mother .” - A.E. Waite
In A Reading, The High Priestess Could Be Saying…
Trust your intuition.
Everything will be revealed in time.
There is more to the situation than meets the eye.
Listen to what is being said between the lines.
Go within.
"You cannot enter the temple by the development of either the heart or mind alone, but only by the equal development of both." - Manly P. Hall
The Symbols
Palms & Pomegranates: The veil behind The High Priestess is adorned with palms (masculine) and pomegranates (feminine). Note: The Empress also has pomegranates on her dress. There are 7 visible pomegranates, however there are more implied hidden behind The High Priestess. These fruits make up the formation of the Tree of Life.
Triple Goddess Moon Crown: The High Priestess embodies the feminine principle. This is emphasized via her crown, the Triple Goddess, and its 3 moon phases. The waxing moon corresponds with the maiden (exploration, potential, and preparation). The full moon corresponds with the mother (fullness, fertility, creation). The waning moon corresponds with the crone (wisdom, release, and turning inward).
Black and White Pillars (B&J): B and J stand for Boaz & Jachin, the pillars at the biblical Temple of Solomon. They represent duality (severity/mercy, receptive/active, moon/sun), with the High Priestess as the reconciler.
Solar Cross: While white or silver in appearance, this cross is referred to as a “solar cross”. It is right in the centre of the chest, connected to the heart or Tipheret on the Tree of Life.
TORA Scroll: The High Priestess holds a scroll with the word "TORA". It's said to contain "divine law" i.e the mechanisms that drive us/the universe. Note: The letters on the Wheel of Fortune (counter-clockwise) spell TORA.
Crescent Moon: Another symbol for the moon sits by The High Priestess’ foot, further emphasizing her connection to lunar forces. This resembles the Woman of the Apocalypse from the bible, thought to be a precursor to the Mother Mary. The WOTA also worse a crown of 12 stars, similar to what we see with The Empress.
Flowing Gown: The High Priestess’ gown tapers off into what looks like a flowing river. Blue in colour, it is meant to signify her connection to the large body of water that sits behind her veil.
Learn More
Revisiting The Pictorial Key: The High Priestess
Musickal Meditation: The High Priestess