The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning
The High Priestess sits upright on a stone seat, positioned between the black and white pillars at the entrance to the sanctuary, wearing a disc-shaped hat, adorned with a cross, standing on a crescent moon, and holding the "Book of Truth".
The High Priestess has a dignified appearance and wears simple, unadorned clothing in plain colors. The crown she wears combines a full moon and the horns of a sacred cow, an emblem originally associated with the Egyptian goddess Isis. Isis, the supreme female deity of Egypt, embodies infinite power and represents the revered feminine ideal of her time. The High Priestess embodies an aspect of Isis, acting as a divine intermediary, speaking the oracles on behalf of the goddess.
This combination of horns and a full moon also represents the image of the "moon boat," signifying that the High Priestess is an incarnation of the moon goddess. The white veil on her crown signifies the dedication and status of the priestess. A crescent moon shape is visible at the front of her left foot, protruding through her robe, symbolizing a pure state of mind and feminine traits. This depiction, akin to standing on a crescent moon, is a Christian tradition representing virtuous women, reminiscent of many depictions of the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven with a crescent moon under her feet. The crescent and full moon also suggest a mysterious cycle, akin to the waxing and waning phases of the moon.
The cross on the High Priestess's chest represents the wisdom and charity of the heart chakra. This symbol is a solar cross originating from ancient Egypt, embodying "Continuous Creation" and being a wellspring of wisdom and language. The equal-armed cross represents the intersection and harmony of duality or dual aspects, as well as the axes of time and space, the intersection of matter and spirit, symbolizing the equal and interdependent union of consciousness (vertical) and subconsciousness (horizontal), representing the balanced and combined energies of yin and yang.
The cross is placed on the chest, signifying that one must feel and experience with the heart to perceive and speak the oracles, with energy concentrated and intersecting at the heart. The cross on the chest, positioned in the middle of the body, can also connect to the headwear and the crescent moon at the feet, forming a mystical set of symbols representing the spirit, matter, and will: circle, cross, and half-moon.
The High Priestess holds a scroll, an ancient form of a book, with the inscription TORA visible, suggesting that a letter H is hidden, completing the word TORAH, which refers to the "Law of God," a significant part of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
These five letters are also seen as a divine code, where every fiftieth letter in the "Law of God" forms a cycle of T, O, R, A, H. This phenomenon has long been known to mystics and has recently been rediscovered by the media. The "Law of God" represents the unchanging truth and symbolizes the mysteries of the universe. The scroll showing only four letters suggests secrecy and also aligns with the letters on the Wheel of Fortune, creating additional meanings. The High Priestess holding the scroll signifies that she holds the truth. Her right hand, along with part of the scroll, is hidden within her cloak, while her left hand is visible, touching one end of the scroll, indicating that the law and mysteries are not easily revealed but are hinted at subtly.
The dual pillars in the background are distinctly contrasting colors, typically black and white, representing the clear distinction between right and wrong, and the concept of absolutes. The interweaving of black and white signifies wisdom and impenetrability, embodying supreme wisdom. The High Priestess stands between the two pillars, symbolizing the separation and reconciliation of dualities, and the harmonization of the known and the unknown. Each pillar is inscribed with a letter; the black pillar has B, and the white pillar has J. These letters are abbreviations of the names of the pillars, B for Boaz and J for Jakin, which are the two pillars of the Temple in Jerusalem, named by God with specific meanings. Boaz signifies "to establish," and Jakin signifies "to have inner strength." These pillars are the "Pillars of Truth," representing the tangible manifestation of divine truth.
The origin of these divine pillars is that they were crafted by divinely chosen artisans following rituals and intentions, cast in bronze, and coated with olive oil to make them smooth and gleaming. The gleam of the bronze columns suggests solemnity and the inherent wisdom and justice. The casting and hammering of bronze, along with the煎熬 of oil, symbolize the trials and tribulations the pillars have undergone. The tops of the pillars are cast in the shape of lilies, a motif derived from the lotus flowers of Egyptian temples. The petal shapes at the top of the pillars are distinct, and the parts near the column necks are engraved with the shapes of calyxes. Both lotuses and lilies are known for their purity, representing sanctity and inviolability. The pillars stand at the entrance of the temple, marking it as the dwelling place of the divine, with the High Priestess guarding this critical passage.
In the temple of Jerusalem at the time, a curtain hung from the lily tops with chains, with pomegranates hanging on either side of the curtain. This image is also used in the illustration, with the curtain between the two pillars adorned with pomegranates and vertical palms, behind the High Priestess, obscuring the interior of the temple. The curtain connects the two pillars and separates the inner and outer levels. The plant decorations of palms and pomegranates on the curtain represent a serene image, and the fruits imply wisdom, achievements, and harvest. Together, pomegranates and palms are a source of mystical wisdom. Moreover, the arrangement of these two plants in the image forms the shape of the Kabbalistic "Tree of Life," representing the combination of paths and sephiroth.
The pomegranate, a fruit with a sweet and sour taste, is encased in a thick skin that contains red, juicy flesh and many seeds. Its rich content and seeds are a source of abundant creativity, and the thick skin suggests a firm character. Due to its red flesh and juice, many myths regard it as the blood of the gods, making the fruit a symbol of spiritual nourishment and rejuvenation. Its shape, resembling a pinecone, associates it with the "pineal gland," the third eye chakra, and is closely related to inspiration, mystery, and spiritual elevation.
The palm, with its mystical connotations, represents the pituitary gland and its magical growth control. Palm plants were an important crop in the Mediterranean region and were valued by many early human civilizations for their nourishing fruits, earning them the title of the "tree of life." The entire palm tree represents the vitality of growth and creative power, and it is also a plant favored by God. The palm tree and its leaves represent masculine, decisive strength, and creative power through action. The branches and leaves of the palm are often symbols of victory.
The three-legged chair on which the High Priestess is depicted, here rendered as a cubic stone, both the cubic stone and the three-legged chair have mystical connotations. Although the High Priestess image contains many specific scenes, it does not mean that it is really in the temple of Jehovah, but is a combination of many different historical images. It signifies that the High Priestess has mastered the wisdom of all mysterious civilizations, rather than a single, pure tradition.
Looking through the pillars and the curtain, a blue body of water is faintly visible in the background, indicating that this is the oracle place of the ancient High Priestess. The water behind the temple of the High Priestess can be considered the spring of the ancient Greek High Priestess, and some say it is the source of the four rivers of the Garden of Eden, more like a sea. The sea is the hidden emotion behind the scene, and the crescent moon at the forefront and the sea behind form a corresponding restraint, creating a tidal effect, which is a balanced tension. The dualistic nature of this card is not expressed by the High Priestess's own division but is replaced by the dual pillars on the side of the scene and the invisible gravitational pull of the tide (similar to the Two of Swords). The blue and white clothes on the High Priestess are a symbol of the sea, and the folds at the hem of the skirt symbolize the ripples of the waves, connecting to the mysterious ripples of the sea tide. The blue skirt covers her left side, indicating the richness of the subconscious content.
Pillars
There are two pillars on either side of the High Priestess, labeled “B” and “J”. They represent the pillars of Solomon’s temple, Boaz and Jachin. They are indicative of duality, knowledge, and the boundaries between the conscious and unconscious realms.
Veil
Draped between these pillars, adorned with palms and pomegranates, the veil symbolises the veil of illusion and the secretive esoteric knowledge. It hints at truths hidden from the casual observer and secrets yet to be revealed.
Scroll
In her lap, she holds a scroll labeled “Tora”, symbolising divine law and the Akashic records. It’s partially hidden, suggesting that some things remain a mystery.
Cross
The cross on her chest represents equanimity and a balance between intuition and logic. It’s a symbol of her grounding between two realms.
Moon
Beneath her feet and also on her crown, the crescent moon signifies cycles, intuition, and the feminine mystique. It represents the ebb and flow of intuition and understanding.
Blue Robe
Her flowing blue robe signifies knowledge. It is a reminder that she is a conduit between the conscious and the unconscious.
Crown
The crown on her head, or the tiara, is a symbol of her divine knowledge and her status as a spiritual queen.
Water
Behind her is a body of water, representing the subconscious mind and the deepest layers of intuition and memory.
Keywords
Intuition, mystery, unconscious, inner voice, revelation.
General Overview
The High Priestess represents a gateway to hidden knowledge and mysteries, a portal between the conscious and the subconscious mind. She sits in silent intuition, emblematic of the feminine power of understanding and inner knowing. Her dualistic imagery – the light and dark pillars, the crescent moon at her feet, and the cross on her chest – symbolizes the balance between opposites and the merging of dualities.
Her presence in a reading often suggests that it’s time to rely more on your intuition and inner voice, rather than external, worldly matters. The High Priestess has a profound connection to the subconscious mind, suggesting that answers and solutions may come from meditation or dreams. There might also be secrets or truths yet to be revealed.
When she appears, it is an invitation to explore the deeper layers of consciousness, to trust in one’s intuition, and to recognize the wisdom that lies within, waiting to be discovered.
Character
Personality of the Individual
Well-educated and knowledgeable, but somewhat reclusive and not very talkative, with their own opinions on matters, giving off a rather cold impression.
Work Philosophy
Skilled in observation and learning, they will not get involved unless it concerns them, usually completing their tasks on time and being able to keep secrets in the workplace.
Emotional Outlook
They are more passive, even if they have a crush, they won't express it actively, accustomed to avoiding their emotional needs, thus often missing opportunities.
Financial Perspective
They have a conservative and rational view of money, with strong self-restraint, maximizing the utility of money without appearing stingy.
How to Deal with the Individual
Such people do not involve themselves in others' affairs; maintaining a distance is a more relaxed choice, and you can use their interest in knowledge to start a conversation.
Representative Figures
Researchers, introverted people, bystanders, record keepers, historians.
Work
Work Situation
The work situation is very stable, with no changes expected; it's not advisable to be too proactive. Just complete tasks as usual.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
The problem has not fully emerged yet; it's time to be patient or review various documents and regulations to be fully prepared to solve the issue.
Workplace Relationships
Interpersonal relationships are not very important in this job, so there's no need for much interaction with others. Be careful not to discuss work secrets casually.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Everything is just about following procedures; it's best to minimize human factors. As long as you avoid being too close to your superiors, everything else will be fine.
Job Prospects
The future development of this job is not clear, but the likelihood of maintaining the status quo is high. Don't have too many expectations for this job and take a more conservative view.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
No new job opportunities are emerging now. Be patient and wait for opportunities to arise. In the meantime, enrich yourself rather than just waiting idly.
Love
Love Situation
The relationship has entered a stable phase where both parties are not actively dealing with emotional matters. Although it appears cold on the surface, there is actually deep affection.
Possibility of New Romance
There is no possibility of a new romance at the moment. It's a time for you to rest. Instead of focusing on new people, use the time to enrich yourself.
View on This Relationship
There is a deep connection in the heart. Even if the two people have many differences, they can strive for balance and harmony, which is a meaningful learning process.
Sexual Attraction
In this relationship, sexual attraction is not a significant factor; intellectual and conceptual compatibility is more important. The relationship will evolve over time.
How to Resolve Arguments
The most important thing is to stay calm, consider things from the other person's perspective, find a balance for your differences, and discuss the matter slowly after some time has passed.
Possibility of a Breakup
The best method is to ignore, waiting for the other party to be unable to bear it and take the initiative to propose a breakup. If you take the initiative to break up, it will not be completely severed.
Possibility of Reconciliation
There is no possibility of reconciliation in this relationship. Maintaining a distance is the best method. You need more time to reflect on the significance of this relationship for you.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You are not actively involved in various social activities, so you can maintain a more complete personal space. Maintaining the status quo in interpersonal relationships is the best choice for you.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
When there are different opinions between two people, seek a fair third party to arbitrate. If you argue with each other, it will deepen the misunderstanding.
Family
Family Situation
The current family situation is very stable, but there are not many opportunities for family members to communicate with each other, so the atmosphere of the family is relatively quiet.
Relationship with Elders
You have a lot of respect and admiration for elders, and they are also willing to teach you. Elders in the family are closer to you and you can get their favor.
Relationship with Peers
You are relatively non-competitive among peers. Even if there is any conflict, it will not happen to you, but because of this, your relationships with everyone are relatively weak.
Relationship with Juniors
You want to educate juniors well, but in fact, most of the time you keep a distance and observe from the side. You will have influence on them but not be very close.
Academics
Academic Situation
This is a time to settle down and study hard. If you can concentrate on learning these things well, you will have great gains and perform well.
Learning Methods
You should delve into what you want to learn, using blocks of time to concentrate on learning things well. Trying to do too many different things at once will not help you learn effectively.
Relationship with Teachers
The teacher is very knowledgeable and will deliberately maintain a certain distance from all students, so just focus on listening attentively during class without trying to please them.
Relationship with Classmates
There is not much time to interact with classmates, and it is most important to learn what you should learn well. If you can meet a close friend, you should cherish it.
Finance
Financial Situation
Currently in a stable state, there is no need to worry too much about money, but there is not much room for development. Just finish what you should do.
Investment Situation
It is advisable to be conservative now and not make too many changes. Do not be impulsive about all new investment opportunities, but instead rationally assess their feasibility.
Purchasing Strategy
Whether it meets the standards and the safety of the product will be the two major considerations. Before purchasing, you should read the specifications and instructions carefully to protect your rights.
Keywords
Blocked intuition, hidden motives, surface knowledge, lack of insight, secrets unveiled.
General Overview
In the reversed position, The High Priestess suggests an inhibition or blockage of one’s intuitive capabilities and a tendency to rely solely on surface-level information. The depth, wisdom, and understanding usually associated with this card seem elusive, replaced by shallow perceptions or ignored insights. It might hint at an unwillingness to delve deeper into situations or feelings, leading to potential misunderstandings or overlooking significant details.
This card could also signal unveiled secrets or unexpected revelations. What was once hidden might come to light, challenging existing beliefs or perceptions. It’s a call to reconnect with one’s inner wisdom, to not shy away from deeper introspection, and to trust one’s intuition even when it contradicts the apparent.
Reversed, The High Priestess warns against neglecting the subconscious and its messages. It’s essential to be vigilant, open-minded, and receptive to the subtle signs and intuitions that surround us.
Character
Personality of the Individual
Well-educated but lacking in corresponding abilities, often stubborn in their own beliefs. Although they appear calm on the surface, there is actually a lot of emotional fluctuation.
Work Philosophy
They have many ideals and ambitions for work, but due to insufficient strength, they may give off a sense of being too ambitious for their abilities, sometimes leading to frequent job changes.
Emotional Outlook
There is a lot of passion in their emotions, but they dare not show it. Due to their overly subjective view of things, they often blame others, leading to conflicts.
Financial Perspective
Their view on money is conservative, but they do not know how to effectively use money, so they may make wrong decisions leading to financial imbalances.
How to Deal with the Individual
When facing someone who is somewhat inconsistent, do not trust their one-sided statements too much. It's important to inquire and verify from multiple aspects to avoid being deceived by appearances.
Representative Figures
Bipolar individuals, unemployed highly educated people, critics, collectors, superficial people.
Work
Work Situation
Although the work seems to have been stable for a long time, there are undercurrents that could lead to disastrous consequences if not handled with care.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
It's important to integrate different opinions or find a balance between different positions. If you bet on one side, you may lose everything.
Workplace Relationships
Whether people are good or bad to you, they don't help much with your work. Sometimes people who flatter you are actually trying to harm you.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
You won't get much help from your boss, so it's best to rely on yourself. Trying too hard to please your boss can sometimes backfire.
Job Prospects
This job will continue to change, and you can start to observe it now. If you want to stay, you need to be prepared to adapt.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
It's unlikely to actively look for a new job now, but you might be approached by others. You should rationally evaluate the new job situation and not be overly optimistic.
Love
Love Situation
The relationship between the two people is generally stable, but there are still many unresolved differences. If they cannot communicate well, there is a possibility of a cold war.
Possibility of New Romance
There might be a possibility of a new romance now, but it's not suitable. Starting a relationship on impulse may cause more problems.
View on This Relationship
There are still some issues that need to be resolved between the two, but they can always maintain enthusiasm to deal with various conflicts. As long as they can adjust properly, they should be able to achieve a new balance.
Sexual Attraction
The relationship is full of sexual attraction, but it does not help to solve the problems between the two people. Perhaps the other party will take a more active pursuit.
How to Resolve Arguments
Maintain the enthusiasm and motivation to solve problems, consider things from the other person's perspective. If you can find the root of the problem, you should propose a solution in time.
Possibility of a Breakup
It's better for the other party to take the initiative to break up. Otherwise, you have to avoid them and not let them find you until the feelings between the two sides gradually fade away.
Possibility of Reconciliation
There is still a glimmer of hope for this relationship, but if the problems between the two cannot be overcome, being together again would only be more painful and is not encouraged.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
Friends who like you love you very much, but those who dislike you hate you to the core. Overall, you are a controversial figure and should cherish friends who appreciate you.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
Find the cause of the misunderstanding between the two and discuss it on this basis. After communication, you may find that the conflict was caused by a small misunderstanding.
Family
Family Situation
Due to high expectations for each other, the atmosphere in the family is a bit tense. When the pressure exceeds the critical point, conflicts may arise.
Relationship with Elders
In the eyes of the elders, you are a smart and independent person, but because your concepts are often different from those of the elders, you are also a headache for them.
Relationship with Peers
You are relatively isolated among your peers, so you have to do many things by yourself. Sometimes you don't want to do it yourself and will make excuses to let others do it for you.
Relationship with Juniors
You like to educate juniors, but in fact, you are a bit overwhelmed. If someone else can share some of the responsibilities, dividing the work with others will make you more adept.
Academics
Academic Situation
You encounter different changes in your studies and need to calm down and think about how to deal with them. If the previous methods are ineffective, you should have new concepts and methods.
Learning Methods
You should let go of your overly subjective prejudices and see what the actual situation is. Sometimes your own inspiration will help you solve problems.
Relationship with Teachers
Due to many different changes in the relationship with teachers, the same method cannot always be applied. The key is to be a good student who follows the rules.
Relationship with Classmates
Classmates are not very helpful to your studies, and it's more important to work hard on your own. At this time, you should focus on studying and not think too much about other things.
Finance
Financial Situation
There are already financial vulnerabilities, and if they are not dealt with in time, small problems may develop into big problems. Therefore, it is necessary to face them honestly to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
Investment Situation
It is not suitable to invest impulsively now. If there are profitable investments, it is better to take profits quickly. If left unattended, there may be significant changes.
Purchasing Strategy
Even if you are still indecisive now, the most important thing is to listen to your inner voice. If you think you should buy something, you should be brave enough to buy it.