The High Priestess | Symbology & Interpretations | Tarot Card Meanings

An extremely psychic and intuitive card, the High Priestess implies the ability to trust your intuition and psychic skills. You will be able to pick up on situations and sense when something doesn't feel 'right'.

The High Priestess' ruling planet is the Moon, meaning there are high emotions and strong feelings. The Hierophant is the High Priestess' male counterpart.

The High Priestess Tarot Card

The High Priestess, associated with the number two in numerology, signifies balance, intuition, and the duality of hidden knowledge and revealed wisdom.

The High Priestess is often associated with the Moon in astrology. Like the Moon, this card embodies intuition, subconscious realms, and hidden influences. It reflects the mysteries, cycles, and fluctuations of life, mirroring the ever-changing nature of the Moon's phases.

The High Priestess's Keywords

Upright Keywords	Reversed Keywords
Use your intuition, trust yourself and your wisdom, tapping into your higher self, and psychic abilities.	Lack of intuition, blocked intuition, not using your gut or instinct enough, hidden secrets, the deep unconscious.

Imagery & Symbolism

The High Priestess card in tarot typically features an enigmatic woman seated between two pillars, holding a scroll or book of hidden knowledge. Adorned with symbols like the crescent moon crown and a veil with pomegranates, she embodies intuition, psychic insight, and the mysteries of life and death.

The card evokes a sense of deep introspection, encouraging individuals to trust their inner wisdom and explore the esoteric realms within. The High Priestess serves as a guardian of profound knowledge, symbolising the connection to the divine feminine and the exploration of hidden truths.

The High Priestess Tarot Card

Yellow Crescent Moon: This signifies the maiden stage of the maiden, mother and crone triple goddess archetype. This symbol connects to Persephone, Artemis, and Mary. The yellow colour symbolises the masculine sun.

Black and White Pillars: The pillars are black and white, which signifies duality, masculine/feminine, light/dark, yin/yang, intuition/logic, etc.

B & J: The letters stand for 'Boaz' and 'Jachin' which translates in Hebrew to "He Shall Establish" and "In It Is Strength". The legend states that Boaz and Jachin were two copper, brass or bronze pillars which stood on the porch of Solomon's Temple.

Robe Turning into a River/Water: Represents emotions, intuition, the subconscious, purity and holiness.

Embroidered Pomegranates and Palms: The palm leaves represent the male and the pomegranates represent the female.

Cross Placed on Chest: Known as the Greek Cross, indicates the reconciliation of spiritual and psychological integration.

Scroll With TORA Letters: 'Tora' means divine law, and symbolises the memories we carry inside about the past, present and future. This is also known as Akasha.

Blue Robe: Suggests purity, spiritual beauty and transcendence.

The High Priestess Tarot Card Meanings

UPRIGHT

In a general reading, the High Priestess embodies deep intuition, hidden knowledge, and a call to explore the mysteries within. She signifies a time of introspection, urging you to trust your instincts and delve into the subconscious realms for guidance. This card suggests that there might be hidden influences at play or undisclosed information you need to uncover.

This card encourages you to listen to your inner voice, pay attention to dreams or intuition, and seek a deeper understanding of situations around you. The High Priestess hints at a need for balance between intuition and logic, inviting you to trust the wisdom that lies beyond the surface to navigate life's complexities.

REVERSE

The High Priestess can mean that you are blocking your intuition and creativity. You may be feeling spiritually unfulfilled or in a situation where information or secrets are being held from you. The High Priestess's appearance can also indicate a need to heal on the unconscious or subconscious level.

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

UPRIGHT

Picking up on how your partner or friend feels comes with ease. You display your affection emotionally and will need this reciprocated. It may be time to use your intuitive insights more in relationships. You may be very patient in love, having a calm demeanour.

Your relationship is honest and what is hidden easily comes to the surface to be dealt with. You are likely in a relationship where you can be intimate and open with each other.

REVERSED

The High Priestess can suggest that your intuition is blocked or ignored when it comes to romantic endeavours or relationships. You may be unable to trust your intuition and spot any red flags when it comes to entering new and possibly toxic relationships.

This could also be a relationship where you or your partner are hiding your true selves from each other or putting on a façade. There could also be secrets hidden within your relationships.

CAREER, JOB & BUSINESS

UPRIGHT

In an upright position within a career, job, or business reading, the High Priestess signifies a need to tap into intuition and inner wisdom within the professional sphere. It suggests an opportunity to trust gut instincts and embrace intuitive insights to navigate work-related situations effectively.

This card encourages utilising subtle cues, unconventional approaches, and deep understanding to excel in one's career. It might indicate that trusting your instincts or exploring unconventional paths could lead to success and advancement in your professional endeavours.

The High Priestess uprightly advises leveraging intuitive guidance and hidden knowledge to make informed decisions and excel in your career or business pursuits.

REVERSED

In a career, job, or business reading, the High Priestess reversed will often suggest a need to bring attention to hidden aspects within the professional realm. It indicates potential challenges related to intuition and insight within the workplace.

There might be a tendency to overlook or dismiss intuitive guidance or neglect to consider deeper, more subtle cues in decision-making. This reversal could imply a lack of trust in one's instincts, leading to potential missed opportunities or overlooking important information necessary for career growth.

It's a signal to rekindle the connection with intuition, explore unconventional perspectives, and delve deeper into the unseen aspects of professional endeavours to navigate challenges more effectively.

FINANCES & MONEY

UPRIGHT

This can indicate a need or tendency to keep your financial situation private or be secretive or closed about your money and spending. You may also need to use your intuition when it comes to spending and saving. You will be able to intuitively sense any red flags that come up in financial investments or opportunities.

REVERSED

The High Priestess could be a warning about some details or fine print you could be missing or overlooking. In situations of financial contracts, loans, mortgages, or investments, your intuition could be blocked from seeing deeper about these important actions.

You need to be aware of any warning signs or messages from spirit and listen to your intuition. It would also be wise to gain knowledge or insight into the background of your finances or any contracts from organisations.

WELLNESS

UPRIGHT

You need to listen to the messages and intuitive signs your mind, body and spirit are giving you. It could be time to focus on your spiritual health and try some alternative healing therapies or energy healing. If you feel as though something isn't right, trust your intuition and seek professional medical advice. It is also a sign to raise your vibration.

REVERSED

The High Priestess can suggest you are not trusting your intuition and ignoring the signs that your body is sending you. The high priestess can also indicate subtle fertility or hormonal problems and a need to seek professional medical advice.

PERSONALITY & ARCHETYPES

UPRIGHT

The High Priestess as a personality or archetype is an individual who is highly intuitive or possibly psychic. This person will hold strong divine feminine energy and is wise and knowledgeable in many deep and complex subjects. This individual likely has natural healing abilities, whether it is spiritual healing or physical healing. They have a natural affinity with animals and children.

REVERSED

The High Priestess as an individual can be secretive or unwilling to be open to others about their personal life. This person may be seductive to a fault, and unable to listen to intuitive nudges and insights. They may also be lacking knowledge and wisdom in a particular area of expertise.

POSITIVES & ADVANTAGES

The High Priestess tarot card encapsulates a realm of remarkable positives. Possessing incredible psychic prowess and detective-like intuition, those influenced by this card navigate life with an uncanny ability to unravel mysteries and tap into energies effortlessly.

Their innate wisdom transcends mere intellectual understanding; it's a deep, intuitive knowledge that guides their every step. This wisdom is often rooted in their strong connections to the divine feminine, granting them access to profound insights and spiritual truths. Their intuitive acumen isn't just about perception; it's a reservoir of ancient wisdom and inner knowing.

They embody a serene strength, a quiet confidence that emanates from their profound understanding of the hidden realms within and around them. This card's positives gift individuals with a heightened awareness that allows them to navigate life's complexities with grace and insight, offering guidance not just for themselves but for those who seek their counsel.

NEGATIVES & DISADVANTAGES

When the High Priestess appears in a negative or disadvantageous position, it serves as a cautionary signal. Its presence might signify the presence of concealed truths or undisclosed information that could be crucial to your situation. This could lead to a sense of being in the dark, unaware of vital aspects affecting your path.

Furthermore, it might indicate a blockage or disregard of your intuitive insights. Rather than trusting your instincts or tapping into your inner wisdom, there might be a tendency to overanalyse situations, relying solely on logic or ignoring gut feelings altogether.

This stance could potentially lead to missed opportunities or decisions made without considering the deeper, intuitive aspects, resulting in confusion or a lack of clarity in navigating challenges.