The High Priestess
Words describing The High Priestess: Intuition, Mystery, Wisdom, Femininity, Introspection, Hidden knowledge, Psychic abilities, Inner guidance, Secrets, Intuition, Spiritual connection.
How to interpret The High Priestess in tarot
Past
Death (upright)
Present
Three of Pentacles (reversed)
Future
The High Priestess (reversed)
The Basic Meaning of the Card (Rider-Waite)
The High Priestess, also known as the Papess, is the third card in the Major Arcana and carries the number 2. It represents intuition, mystery, and the subconscious mind. In the Rider-Waite deck, The High Priestess is depicted as a woman sitting between two pillars, with a veil behind her, symbolizing the veil between the conscious and subconscious realms. She holds a scroll labeled ”Tora,” representing divine law and wisdom, and wears a crown with a crescent moon at her feet, symbolizing her connection to the divine feminine and the cycles of life.
Upright Meaning
When The High Priestess is drawn in an upright position, it indicates that it’s a time to trust your intuition and listen to your inner voice. The card encourages you to explore your spirituality and seek inner wisdom, as hidden truths and mysteries may be revealed. The High Priestess can also represent a need for patience and understanding, suggesting that not everything is ready to be revealed at this time.
Reversed Meaning
When The High Priestess is drawn in a reversed position, it indicates that you may be struggling to connect with your intuition or ignoring your inner voice. It can also signify a lack of trust in yourself or others and a need to seek clarity and understanding. The reversed High Priestess may also represent repressed emotions or hidden secrets that are causing imbalance in your life.
Example Interpretation
If you are doing a tarot reading about your career and draw The High Priestess as your central card, surrounded by the Eight of Pentacles and the Ten of Cups, it could indicate that you should trust your intuition and inner wisdom when making decisions about your career path. The Eight of Pentacles represents dedication and skill development, while the Ten of Cups symbolizes emotional fulfillment and happiness. In this context, the interpretation could mean that by following your intuition and focusing on personal growth, you will achieve both professional success and personal satisfaction.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The High Priestess is a powerful symbol of the unconscious mind and the mysteries of the unknown. She represents the archetype of the wise, intuitive, and mysterious feminine figure. She is often associated with the moon, the subconscious, and the hidden depths of the psyche. As an archetype, she holds the knowledge and wisdom that lies beyond the rational mind and taps into the universal unconsciousness.
Behavioral Patterns
The High Priestess card may indicate a strong connection to one’s intuition and inner knowing. This can manifest as a deep understanding of oneself and the world around them. Those who resonate with this card may have a strong sense of empathy and intuition that guides their actions and decisions. They may also have a tendency to retreat into their inner world and seek solitude in order to connect with their subconscious mind.
On the negative side, the High Priestess can also represent a fear of the unknown and a reluctance to face reality. This can manifest as a tendency to hide one’s true feelings and desires, or to avoid taking action and making decisions. It may also indicate a need for control and a fear of losing control over one’s emotions.
Integration and Shadow Work
Working with the energies of the High Priestess can be a powerful tool for delving into the depths of one’s psyche and uncovering hidden truths and desires. This card encourages introspection and introspection, and can help individuals tap into their intuition and inner wisdom. To fully integrate the energy of the High Priestess, one must be willing to confront and embrace their shadow self, the parts of their psyche that they may be afraid to acknowledge.
Shadow work with the High Priestess may involve exploring one’s fears, desires, and subconscious patterns in order to gain a deeper understanding of oneself. It can also involve learning to trust one’s intuition and inner guidance, and to let go of the need for control and surrender to the unknown. By embracing the energies of the High Priestess, individuals can tap into their inner wisdom and unlock their full potential.