The High Priestess
Tarot Card Meanings
Her appearance in a reading can signify that it is time for you to listen to your intuition rather than prioritizing your intellect and conscious mind.
The High Priestess Tarot Card Description
The High Priestess sits in front of a thin veil decorated with pomegranates. The veil serves to block out casual observers and symbolizes the division between the conscious and subconscious worlds, the seen and the unseen. It is only open to the initiated. Pomegranates are a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the divine feminine. They are also sacred to Persephone, who was compelled to visit the underworld every year after eating a pomegranate seed there.
The entrance to this holy, mystical temple is marked by two pillars that stand on either side of The High Priestess (also associated with the Temple of Solomon). Boaz, which means “in his strength,” is written on one pillar in black, and Jachin, which means “he will establish,” is written in white. The pillars’ masculine and feminine, darkness and light, and duality-symbolizing hues signify that to enter this sacred space, one must understand and accept duality.
The High Priestess is depicted as having divine knowledge and ruling over the universe by wearing a blue robe with a cross on her chest and a horned diadem (or crown). She holds a scroll with the letter TORA, which stands for the Greater Law, in her lap (according to A. E. Waite). The fact that it is partially hidden denotes that this secret knowledge is both explicit and implicit and that it won’t be made public until the student is prepared to look beyond the physical world. The crescent moon at her feet represents her affinity with the divine feminine, as well as her intuition, subconsciousness, and the moon’s regular cycles.
NOTE: The Tarot card meaning description is based on the Rider Waite cards.
The High Priestess Keywords
- Sacred Knowledge
- Intuition
- Divine feminine
- The subconscious mind
- Secrets
- Disconnected from intuition
- Withdrawal and Silence
Upright High Priestess Meaning
The High Priestess is the protector of the subconscious mind and a teacher of sacred knowledge and hidden mysteries, whereas The Magician is the guardian of the conscious mind and the material world. The High Priestess, who resides at the juncture of the conscious and subconscious mind, has an innate ability to effortlessly transition between these worlds. She teaches you that deeper forces are frequently at work and that things are not always as they seem. She guides you past the flimsy curtain of awareness, giving you a profound, intuitive understanding of the Universe and a heightened sensitivity to unspoken or hidden knowledge.
The High Priestess represents inner illumination, divine knowledge, and wisdom on a spiritual level. She appears in your Tarot readings when you have the chance to access knowledge buried deep within your soul and the barrier between the worlds is thin.
The best time to tune into your intuition is right now when you are still. Your innermost truth and “knowing” will hold the solutions you’re looking for. As you explore the depths of your subconscious mind and tap into this inner wisdom, let The High Priestess serve as your guide. Through meditation, visualization, shamanic journeying, and being a part of spiritual communities, you can connect with your intuition and Higher Self.
Right now, your intuitive sense is helping you learn useful information and improve your connection to your subconscious. Allowing yourself the time and space to meditate and pay attention to your inner voice will help you find the solutions to these problems, not through thinking and rationalizing but by tuning into and trusting your intuition. Inspect your life for any potential imbalances or areas where “flow” and ease is lacking.
A time of enhanced psychic insight and intuition is currently in effect. The High Priestess gives you more inspiration to keep moving forward and have faith that you are on the right course if you are honing these abilities. Your intuition will start to flow more when you pay attention to it.
The Divine Feminine, which is your connection to your intuition, compassion, empathy, and inner wisdom, is being called upon you, and The High Priestess is a sign of this. Whatever your gender, you must balance and integrate your masculine and feminine energies, and The High Priestess’s presence indicates that your sacred feminine requires your immediate attention. Feel instead of thinking. Instead of battling it out, cooperate. Make rather than take away. Even though the masculine energy around you might seem to be stronger, trust your Divine Feminine energy. Instead of concealing your capacity to nurture, trust, sense, and empathize, be proud of it.
Reversed High Priestess Meaning
You are urged to be still and turn inward to hear your voice and wisdom by The High Priestess Reversed. When you should be concentrating on what is best for you, you may be swayed by other people’s opinions or drawn into their drama. It’s time to calm down and remove yourself from the outside world so you can observe what your inner guidance is telling you right now.
Do you find it difficult to fully trust your intuition? Perhaps you doubt your ability to tune in and receive this powerful information because you think you’re silly or guilty of following your intuition. You might also hide your intuitive abilities from others out of concern for their opinions or judgments. If this strikes a chord with you, know that your intuition is your superpower and is there to lead and assist you. Trust the Universe and permit yourself to flow with its energies. Give up and let go.
Trust that The High Priestess is always there for you when you need her by visualizing her as the serene center inside of you that is untouched by your surroundings. Find a calm area and meditate there so you can hear her voice whenever you feel like things are just getting too crazy. The solution will come to you if you stop worrying or overthinking your problem and instead make space for your intuition to communicate with you.
Finally, The High Priestess’ secrecy may point to rumors and unspoken plans. Others might be withholding information from you or spreading untruths about you while speaking behind your back. Have an open and honest conversation to bring these secrets to the surface and address them rather than making assumptions or delving into the depths of paranoia.