Personal Reflections
The High Priestess sits at the threshold of the known and unknown, inviting us to pause and listen to our deeper selves. In a world that prizes action and noise, she reminds us of the profound power in stillness and silence.
Consider the cyclical nature of intuition that the High Priestess embodies. Like the waxing and waning of the moon, our intuitive insights ebb and flow. There are times when our inner voice speaks clearly, and other times when it seems frustratingly silent. The High Priestess teaches us to honor both states, understanding that even in apparent silence, wisdom is gestating.
I once had a client who drew the High Priestess in response to a question about career changes. She was torn between staying in her secure but unfulfilling job and pursuing a risky but exciting new venture. The High Priestess encouraged her to trust the cyclical nature of life and her own intuitive timing. We explored how her intuition had been nudging her towards change for months, appearing in dreams and synchronicities. This led to a fascinating discussion about keeping a "moon journal" to track her intuitive hits alongside the lunar phases, helping her recognize patterns in her inner wisdom.
The High Priestess also invites us to consider the interplay between our conscious and subconscious minds. In readings, she often appears when there's more going on beneath the surface than we realize. She asks us to dive deep, to explore the hidden currents of our psyche that influence our choices and perceptions.
For instance, another client received the High Priestess in a reading about relationships. Initially, he was frustrated, wanting clear, actionable advice. But as we explored the card's meaning, he realized that his relationship patterns were influenced by subconscious beliefs he'd never examined. The High Priestess was inviting him to explore these hidden aspects of himself, promising deeper self-understanding and, consequently, healthier relationships.
Yet, we must also consider the High Priestess when she appears reversed. In a recent reading, a client received the High Priestess reversed crossed by the Emperor reversed, asking, "What guidance will I need in relationships over the next 6 months?" This combination suggested a struggle between intuition and authority, both internally and in their relationships. The reversed High Priestess indicated a disconnection from their inner voice, while the reversed Emperor pointed to issues with control and structure.
I advised the client to create space for self-reflection and to reconnect with their intuition. We discussed how they might be ignoring their gut feelings in relationships, perhaps due to external pressures or fear of asserting boundaries. The guidance was to practice trusting their instincts and to be wary of relationships where they felt pressured to ignore their inner wisdom.
The client realized they had been dismissing red flags in a recent relationship, prioritizing the appearance of stability over their own comfort. This insight led them to commit to some daily journaling, helping them reconnect with their intuition.
In embracing the High Priestess energy, we open ourselves to life's mysteries. We learn to trust the wisdom that resides within, even when it contradicts external expectations. It's about finding that delicate balance between our inner knowing and the demands of the outer world.
Remember, the High Priestess doesn't just guard secrets – she guards the secret of being itself. In her silence, she speaks volumes about the power of presence, the wisdom of patience, and the profound truth that often, the most important journeys are the ones we take within ourselves. She reminds us that intuition is not just a tool for divination, but a way of living in harmony with the deeper currents of life.
Symbolism
- The two pillars (Boaz and Jachin): Duality, balance, the gateway to hidden knowledge
- Blue robe: Spiritual purity and depth
- Crescent moon: Intuition, the cycles of nature, the feminine principle
- Scroll: Hidden knowledge, the Torah, divine law
- Pomegranates on the tapestry: Fertility, abundance, the cycles of life and death
- Cross on her chest: The union of spirit and matter, balance of opposites
Historical Background
The High Priestess has roots in various historical and mythological figures. In early tarot decks, she was often depicted as a female pope, possibly referencing the legend of Pope Joan. As tarot evolved, she came to represent divine feminine wisdom, the mysteries of Isis in Egyptian mythology, and the Greek goddess Persephone. In the late 19th century, when the Rider-Waite-Smith deck was created, the High Priestess took on her now-familiar form, embodying esoteric wisdom and intuitive knowledge.
Pairings
- With The Hermit: A powerful call for introspection and spiritual seeking
- With The Moon: Heightened intuition and psychic abilities, but also potential for illusion
- With The Magician: Balancing intuitive knowledge with practical action
- With The Emperor: Tension between intuition and authority or structure
Be Aware of...
- Pay attention to your dreams and intuitive hunches
- Consider what information might be hidden or not yet revealed
- Be patient and allow situations to unfold naturally
- Trust your inner wisdom, even if it contradicts external advice
Exercises and Meditations
- In what areas of my life am I not trusting my intuition enough?
- What hidden knowledge or wisdom am I currently seeking?
- How can I create more space for stillness and inner listening in my daily life?
- What secrets or repressed truths might I be hiding from myself?
- How can I better balance my logical mind with my intuitive insights?
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