Exploring the depths of the tarot, we encounter one of the most intriguing cards: The High Priestess. This card, belonging to the Major Arcana, holds the number two among the twenty-two principal arcana. Represented by a mature yet alluring woman, she embodies spiritual, psychic, and material power. Known for her mysterious personality, she guards her secrets and knowledge about the other arcana with great care. This card symbolizes inner worlds, prudence, and the discretion of what she knows, as well as strength and justice.
Interpreting the Elements in the Deck
Significantly, the High Priestess represents the union of mystical and magical feminine force that is not entirely material, often seen as the counterpart to The Magician. In the foreground, she is depicted sitting between two columns, which may bear the letters “B” and “J”, one black and one white. These columns, named “Boaz and Jakin”, represent the pillars of Solomon’s Temple, symbolizing strength (Boaz) and justice (Jakin), and are universally seen as the origin of wisdom.
Behind her, there is a veil adorned with pomegranates, symbolizing eternal and virginal purity, which should be understood as the purity of spiritual knowledge rather than sexual purity.
Beyond the veil and columns, a blue sea can be seen, representing the ultimate expression of the sea from which life originates, symbolizing creation. The woman is the protector of both the external world (life and its origins) and the internal world (the human mind).
On her head, she wears a tiara shaped like the three phases of the moon—waxing, full, and waning—representing the three aspects of the feminine divinity: the maiden, the mother, and the crone. In her hand, she holds the scroll of The Torah, symbolizing the revelation of hidden secrets, and at her left foot, she steps on a crescent moon, reminding us of the divine aspect of femininity.
The High Priestess in Readings: Expression of Divinity and Valuation of the Feminine
In a reading, this card is always influenced by the surrounding cards. As a result, it is often interpreted positively, indicating the need to reassess life and change one’s way of being. As a person, it represents an intuitive, sensible, and spiritual personality that knows more than it expresses. In terms of situations, it speaks of possibilities and a probable fear of facing them. In love, it suggests romantic and deep relationships; in health, it may indicate potential pregnancies or metabolic changes; in work, it emphasizes the need for reflection to achieve goals; and in finances, it suggests good returns or investments.
When reversed, this card signifies the need for caution during a crisis in love, the necessity of being careful with a pregnancy for health reasons, and prudence in the workplace due to hidden matters. Finally, in terms of money, it advises prudence and saving.
Represents: It symbolizes the mother, the possibility of conception, a prudent and reserved person who does not reveal all she knows, but whose feelings are deep. A wise and studious woman who keeps secrets.
Esoterically, it represents the Moon (intuition, sensitivity, soul), the element Water, and the season of Spring.
In numerology, it represents the number 2: Duality, the passive subject, the woman, the fertile, and opposing forces.
Meaning in the Three Planes:
- Love Plane: Hidden or planned matters call for reflection. A significant change and the end of a waiting period are expected in the sentimental realm.
- Money Plane: Money isn’t everything! You will need a bit of spirituality in your life. You will feel drawn to the occult arts and esotericism.
- Work Plane: If you seek knowledge, now is the ideal time to resume your studies or take a course. Intellectual work will be favored.
