II The High Priestess
Knowledge, Wisdom
Essential Meanings
Keywords
Secrecy, Mystery, The Unknown, Virgin, Intuition, Female, Subconscious, Darkness, Secret Keeper, Knowingness, Serenity, Introspection, Mystical Vision, Secrets, Silence, Gestation, Resignation, Faith, Severity, Privacy, Study, Confidentiality, Self-Control, Threshold, Duality, Wise Woman
Element
Water
Yes/No/Maybe
Yes
What the Card Says
This is what the High Priestess would communicate to you if she were able to express herself in words:
'I spring from the deep, damp wells of knowledge residing inside you. I contain the secrets and truths of your past, present and future. I am the book of you. When you seek an answer, I am the inner voice who responds. You operate on instinct, but I steer your course. Learn my language. I communicate through symbol, synchronicity and impulse, often only making sense after events have run their course. I will not always be literal. Listen to my murmurs, whispers and inklings. Learn to trust my voice. You will never be led astray. I am your intuition and subconscious.'
Description
Historically, the High Priestess sits on a throne with a book in her lap.
Pictorial Key The High Priestess wears a regal crown that represents the three stages of the moon. Holding a scroll, she is nestled between two pillars containing the letters Band J, standing for Boaz and Jachin. These were the two pillars that stood at the entrance of King Soloman's temple in Jerusalem. A veil with pomegranates and palms hangs behind her.
Visconti-Sforza The Visconti High Priestess (or Popess) wears a nun's habit, leading some to deduce that she is Sister Manfreda, a nun and relation of the Visconti family who was elected Pope by a northern Italian religious sect.
Marseille This card shows a woman sitting on a throne, dressed in religious garments and wearing the three-tiered papal crown on her head. She holds an open book on her lap.
The High Priestess is a symbol of material, psychological and spiritual knowledge. Her power is based on understanding and respect, measuring words or remaining silent.
The High Priestess is the custodian of all knowledge, as symbolised by the scroll upon her lap. Her crown represents her ability to understand the secrets contained within the scroll. She is the symbol of research, study and analysis; her gifts lie in abstraction and theory rather than impractical application.
As embodied by the High Priestess, knowledge can be used in a variety of variety of ways - to seduce, attack, defend, teach or find solutions. Too much knowledge can isolate this figure on her island, however. When embarking upon a personal search for answers, it is the Priestess's choice whether to share what she knows. She graces the most deserving with her secrets, while remaining silent to others.
The evolution of Tarot has linked the High Priestess to all feminine aspects of the Divine. She represents sensitivity and an understanding of spiritual mysteries. She is a symbol of all the knowledge you have inside you - your intuition and inner truth. She holds these secrets and reminds you that, someday, you will know them too.
Golden Art Nouveau
Radiant Wise Spirit
Symbols
Veil
Embroidered with palms and pomegranates, the veil behind the High Priestess conceals what is beyond - the inaccessible, hidden knowledge she guards.
Crown
The moon crown or papal tiara represents knowledge of the three levels of existence - physical, intellectual and spiritual. It is also symbolic of the three phases of the moon.
Columns
The black and white columns represent the pillars at the gate of the Temple of Solomon, indicating Boaz (B) and Jachin (J) or Strength and Foundation.
Cross
The focal point where energies from Above and Below and from Black (yin) and White (yang) meet.
Scroll
The book of knowledge sits on the High Priestess's lap.
Moon
Symbol of feminine mystery, change and illusion.
Thelema Affirmation
My knowledge comes from within. Still your mind and listen for wisdom.
Lesson
The Arcanum of the High Priestess will teach me to recognise signs and hidden meanings in life events.
Alternative Names
Papess, Popess, Wise One, Female Pope, Warlock, Alchemist, Occultist, Guru
Marseille Keywords
Reflection, confidentiality, culture, mystery
Pre-Raphaelite
Search for true knowledge.
Secret, meditation, inner voice, study, occult doctrine.
Harmonious Teachings
Female power, introspection, knowledge, intuition, wise woman, secrets.
Card Reversals
Meanings differ depending on whether she appears the right way up or upside-down.
Upright
Keeper of feminine mysteries, moon magic, hidden secrets and occult knowledge. Hidden influences at work. Platonic love and eternal truth.
Reversed
Ignoring your instincts or being deceived. Conceited, frantic and irrational behaviour. Avoiding the truth of the situation, fear and entrapment.
Further Exploration
Studying the subjects listed will help you to gain a greater understanding of the Arcana:-
The Trickster, Joker, Folly, April Fool's Day, Spirit of Lent, Wild Cards, Shakespeare's Falstaff and Clowns.
ViceVersa (Back)
You have passed through challenging initiation tasks and have been admitted to the inner temple. Take some time to reflect upon what you have learned recently. Sit with any fear until it dissolves away. The two keys of knowledge are now yours for the taking - the gold key of worldly matters and the silver key of mystical matters. You have proven yourself worthy of the mysteries.
Universal Celtic
The High Priestess wears a blue cloak with runes written across it and a Brigid's cross made of straw around her neck. In front of her, there are three cranes, representing the three faces of the goddess.
Illuminati
'Silence Gestating Mystery' Tranquility to find answers; intuition; introspection; know yourself; psychic ability and vision; remembering; seeking inner wisdom; mystery; stillness and receptivity; someone with inner vision; learning from your intuition; inaction as the best course of action.
ViceVersa (Front)
True wisdom can only be found within. Established religions have their place, but when the High Priestess appears she encourages you to trust your own guidance. As with the Magician, this card indicates a time for silence. The intent here is not to focus your mind, but to open your spirit. Seek peace and stillness in which to hear your inner voice. When you are ready to know more, the veil will be lifted.
John Bauer
A naked girl sits at the edge of a body of water, long hair flowing to the ground.
She is illuminated, while the wood behind her is dark.
Communion with the divine, shamanistic visions, reflecting on the current moment.
Arcanum
Visconti Keywords
Desire to learn, dedication, humility, faith.
Fairy
Egyptian
Before
White Cats
Draconis
Angels
78 Doors
After
Silver Witchcraft
Manga
Medieval
Pagan
Thoth
New Vision
Runic
Elves
Liber T
Thematic Meanings
You will uncover more advanced meanings in this card when you read it in conjunction with the theme of the subject you hope to explore - find them given below...
Personal Life
Love: The Empress represents a highly developed sensitivity and deep intimacy.
Work: This card indicates a remarkable capacity for theoretical learning but lacking practical skills.
Money: Drawing the Empress shows great prudence in spending and a tendency to give to charity.
Divination
Answer: The solution to a problem may be contained in a book or a paper document.
Tip: Discuss the problem from different points of view, using the utmost discretion.
Timing: A moment of stasis while a situation evolves; events will move in a slow, unstoppable manner.
Psyche and Soul
Self-Esteem: Be kind to yourself - indulgence towards yourself and others works wonders.
Meditation: Trust in intuition rather than rationality.
Spirituality: The door of knowledge is found in the boundary that separates black from white. Find the space between.
Updated
1 January 2025 at 02:35:37