2 - The High Priestess - II (Detailed upright and reversed meanings)

The High Priestess - II

Description and Symbolism:

The High Priestess is depicted as sitting between two opposing pillars, one of positive power and the other of negative. This combination of positive and negative energies, which are unifying opposing forces, is what the universe is made of. From a psychological perspective, the pillars represent the conscious and unconscious mind. Since The High Priestess sits directly between them, she is capable of reaching into the realm of the unconscious and delivering its wisdom to the conscious. Her world is that of dreams, visions and the embodiment of all the mysteries of the universe. Her wisdom helps us to tap into the collective unconscious.
In, one of the negative Tarot card meanings associated with The High Priestess is a warning of emotional instability. She can represent a disconnect between the unconscious and conscious mind. Too much unconscious material can flood rational thought. Consequently, one may find him or herself in a world dictated by their feelings without the capacity to alter their reasoning.  In the Tarot sequence, the High Priestess is associated with the number two. The number two symbolizes balance, harmony, diplomacy and partnership. The High Priestess gives direction to the creativity and individualism of the Magician. She is feminine power, controlling the life force and all its mystery. Unlike the focused energy of the Magician, the High Priestess is more passive in nature. Her mastery lies in her knowledge of the inner world of intuition and spiritual enlightenment.

Other associations of The High Priestess
Element: Water The element associated with the zodiac sign Cancer and the High Priestess is water. Water represents insights and healing. Water signs love to helping others and they often seem to have a built-in sonar for reading a mood
Ruling Planet:  Moon  In Astrology, the moon rules over emotions, the unconscious, and psychic powers.
Astrological Sign:  Cancer  Highly intuitive Cancer is ruled by the moon. Therefore, the energy of the High Priestess can be associated with this Moon Sign.
Timing:  28 days / Monday 
Numerology:  2  Two is balance. This is also symbolized by the number two of the Major Arcana, the High Priestess. She balances the opposites: the intuitive and the rational, inner and outer, and the hidden and the revealed.  In numerology, two is also unity. It’s polarity, two ones trying to understand each other, like two people trying to figure each other out.

Yes or No:  When pulled in a ‘yes or no‘ reading, the High Priestess tarot card has a definite answer– “Yes, if it is for the greater good.” The intention behind a desire is of great importance.  As a Yes or No question: Unclear, or, the question is not as straightforward as Yes and No.  If you’re wanting a particular thing or desire to do something that will benefit others and yourself in the long run, this draw says that you are free to proceed.

The Tarot High Priestess card meaning in a nutshell:  Secrets and hidden circumstances stand in the way and need to be understood.  The High Priestess symbolises balance and intuition and forethought before action.  

Archetype:   Secret - hidden influence.

The High Priestess in a sentence:  “Think before you act”

Affirmation: “All the answers I need are within myself.  I trust my own intuition.”

Inner Symbolism of the Tarot High Priestess Card
She has the lunar crescent at her feet, a horned diadem on her head, with a globe in the middle place, and a large solar cross on her breast. The scroll in her hands is inscribed with the word Tora, signifying the Greater Law, the Secret Law and the second sense of the Word. It is partly covered by her mantle, to shew that some things are implied and some spoken.  She is seated between the white and black pillars - J. and B. - of the mystic Temple, and the veil of the Temple is behind her: it is embroidered with palms and pomegranates. The vestments are flowing and gauzy, and the mantle suggests light - a shimmering radiance.  She has been called occult Science on the threshold of the Sanctuary of Isis, but she is really the Secret Church, the House which is of God and man. She represents also the Second Marriage of the Prince who is no longer of this world; she is the spiritual Bride and Mother, the daughter of the stars and the Higher Garden of Eden.  She is, in fine, the Queen of the borrowed light, but this is the light of all. She is the Moon nourished by the milk of the Supernal Mother.  In a manner, she is also the Supernal Mother herself - that is to say, she is the bright reflection. It is in this sense of reflection that her truest and highest name in bolism is Shekinah - the co-habiting glory.  According to Kabalism, there is a Shekinah both above and below. In the superior world it is called Binah, the Supernal Understanding which reflects to the emanations that are beneath. In the lower world it is MaIkuth - that world being, for this purpose, understood as a blessed Kingdom that with which it is made blessed being the Indwelling Glory.  Mystically speaking, the Shekinah is the Spiritual Bride of the just man, and when he reads the Law she gives the Divine meaning. There are some respects in which this card is the highest and holiest of the Greater Arcana.

Description
You've most likely encountered the High Priestess before, but in other forms - she can be seen in the archetypes of Persephone, Artemis, Isis and many more. When you encounter her, you will see her sitting on a cubic stone between the two pillars at Solomon’s Temple, Jachin, and Boaz. Jachin (right) is generally referred to as the Pillar of Establishment and Boaz (left) is the Pillar of Strength. The pillars also depict the duality of nature; masculine and feminine, good and evil, negative and positive.
The High Priestess's location between the two suggests that it is her responsibility to serve as a mediator between the depths of the reality. She is the third pillar - the path between. She believes that both pillars are equal and there is knowledge to be learned in both worlds. You will also notice that she wears the crown of Isis which can mean that she is a believer of magic. The high priestess wearing of the solar cross denotes that she is connected to the season of the earth and the earth itself. The crescent moon at her feet is seen also in many depictions of the Virgin Mary, and means that she has a complete grasp over her emotion and the pomegranates refer to the ambition of the priestess.
 The High Priestess is a card of the Major Arcana set and is all about patience, secrets, and knowledge. It is neither a positive nor negative card, in fact, many of the symbols on the face show balance; sitting beside Boaz and Jachin, with a Sun cross and Moon crescent.  You hold the tools required to continue, just give it time.
The Tarot High Priestess is the ruler of what's hidden and secret, the essence behind the scenes. She knows what really goes on. The High Priestess is not that eager to reveal it, though, at least not to those who are fooled by the superficial. You have to deserve the revelations to which she holds the keys.  The Tarot High Priestess card has a counterpart in that of the Hierophant, the pompous pope who is indeed powerful, but mainly carries the treasured symbols, having less to do with actual rulership. The High Priestess is the opposite - much more modest in appearance and rare in making public appearances, but still running the show.  She can be compared to a grey eminence, someone in charge although not carrying the office.  The Tarot High Priestess guards the secrets and ensures the master plan. In doing so, she knows to act with caution, very discreetly, and paying attention to details that are believe to be insignificant.  But it's in the shadows and the periphery that the future of the world is forged. The microcosm rules the macrocosm. The High Priestess is a master of the microcosm.

Keywords upright High Priestess:  Secret: hidden influence. Knowledge, Mystery, Wisdom, Feminine energy  Intuition, Trusting your gut, hidden issues, The unconscious, Dreams, The need for meditation and contemplation, Desirability, unattainability, mystery, sensuality, spirituality, thirst for knowledge, mystery, subconscious, higher power, creativity, fertility, Secrets, mystery, the future as yet unrevealed; the woman who interests the Querent, if male; the Querent herself, if female; silence, tenacity; mystery, wisdom, science.

Upright High Priestess Meanings In A Tarot Reading
In a Tarot reading, the High Priestess always informs us that something is going on beneath the surface. A search is required for hidden knowledge. The High Priestess appears when you need to listen to your inner voice and steady yourself in the face of fear and consternation. This is not a time to act quickly. Rather, there is something more you need to learn about the situation. You may find yourself triggered or agitated as something is stirring in your unconscious. You may even find that your sex drive is low. Your intuition is your best guide. In a Tarot reading, the High Priestess may mean that you literally need to deepen your understanding through the actual study of a particular skill to find new harmony
This is the time to trust your feelings. There is more going on beneath the surface. The High Priestess appears when you need to listen to your inner voice. This is not a time to act quickly. Rather, there is something more you need to learn about the situation. You may find yourself triggered or agitated as something is stirring in your unconscious. Meditation and contemplation will bring you the answers that you seek. In Love Tarot, you may feel an inner connection to your mate. Some hidden information needs to come to light. The High Priestess can represent a female lover or devotee.  The meaning of the High Priestess is related with inner knowledge. Her appearance in a reading can signify that it is time for you to listen to your intuition rather than prioritizing your intellect and conscious mind. When the High Priestess shows up it can depict an archetype known as the divine feminine - the mysterious female that understands and holds the answers to the deep unknowns; religion, self, nature. She represents someone that is intuitive, and beginning to open to her or his spirituality. Meditation, prayer and new spiritual work is indicated.   The card itself shows a night-time scene, meaning that the world in which she protects and guards is one that may at first seem frightening, but has the potential to lead us into the growth of the self. When she appears in a reading, she is calling to you to listen to her message, and follow her into your own depths. There is searching within yourself to be done for the answers that you seek. The answers to the questions you have are within, not without.

The High Priestess Card as a Person:  When the Tarot High Priestess card represents a person, which is mostly the case, it's someone who has the key to the solution, but holds on to it unless you are deemed worthy - and your intentions are the ones approved. This is a person important to get on your side, but that can only happen if you prove to be on his or her side. You may not even understand what that encompasses.

The High Priestess Card as You:  If the Tarot High Priestess card has a position in the divination spread referring to you, it means you are in a position to solve problems where others would fail miserably. You have the key, even if it is not even obvious to you. Your advice should be followed, but it's not sure to happen, since people just don't see what you see. Nothing to do about that. No number of words work on those who don't listen.

The High Priestess Card as an Event:  If the Tarot High Priestess card refers to an event, there's a complicated problem needing to be solved, almost like a riddle, and you must contemplate in order to see it. Others may not even realize that there is an obstacle, but if not recognized and dealt with, failure is certain - although it may come as a complete surprise and nobody knows why.

The High Priestess in a time-based position

Past – The High Priestess in the past position shows a time in the past where you have had to be patient to proceed. Maybe all that time studying a dull subject, or waiting in a long queue for an important matter.

Present – The High Priestess in the present position suggests you should avoid conflict and action and ‘mull over’ the things you’re being told. They may just be an illusion, or, someone is telling you one thing but hinting on the bigger picture.

Future – The High Priestess in the future position represents possibly coming required patience or the unveiling of a secret that you might not be privy too, or will overhear.

The High Priestess in regards to life issues

Work / Education – The High Priestess could mean a lot in work. You could be slaving away when something could be done more easily or could be fully automated. You could use already existing methods to further increase your output.

Romance – The High Priestess in regards to romance means that you might become more attractive to the opposite sex, especially if you are a female. The High Priestess balances masculine and feminine to a degree, but she is largely a female-oriented card.

Friends – There might be some tension in your group when the High Priestess shows in regards to Friendship. Don’t act on it, but observe all of the information and stay impartial until you can decide the most moral course of action.

Money – The High Priestess in regards to wealth means that something isn’t right. You might have unexpected money coming. Someone may be hiding something from you or you might have accidentally signed up to some sort of deal that will cost you more in the long run.

Health – Again obscurity, The High Priestess in regards to health means something may not be sitting right within the balance of your body. Are you eating okay and exercising well? If something feels like it is missing, try to fill the void with a healthy activity. If you are worried about anything, go to see your Doctor.

High Priestess ~ Health issues involving hormonal imbalances. This card rules women, the uterus, ovaries, and breasts. High Priestess also signifies the stomach and nutrition.

Spirituality and Mentality – The High Priestess in spirituality means you may be on the cusp of a new level of understanding. You have all the tools needed, you just need to observe to make sense of them.

Card combos

High Priestess next to Magician can mean the Seeker is on the path to meet their highest and best, most compatible soul mate. 

High Priestess with Emperor can mean a woman in a man’s world. 

High Priestess next to Chariot often indicates a career woman. 

High Priestess next to Temperance means being able to communicate with a higher power. It also signifies a woman from a far away place. 

High Priestess next to World tarot card often means high education and/or an academic.

The High Priestess II Reversed

Reversed High Priestess Keywords:

• Not listening to your inner voice

• Saying yes when you mean no

• Internal conflict

• Ignoring your own feelings

• More will be revealed
•  Passion, moral or physical ardour, conceit, surface knowledge.

Trust Your Inner Voice
External Validation  
Hidden Trouble
Untrustworthy “Friends”
Mood Swings
Busy, Busy

Reversed High Priestess Meaning

Consider listening to your gut feeling more. Recently you may have felt that you were going against your instinct for whatever reason, whether this was something recently that you did which was morally wrong, or maybe you feel you are walking down an incorrect path. Introspection will usually lead us to our inner goals, thoughts, and feelings. Take some time to yourself to consider your life and look for help from those more experienced. If you find you have no time for yourself, then make yourself a priority.

When it comes to the High Priestess reversed, it can mean that you are finding it difficult to listen to your intuition. It is time for you to meditate and try new approach, for at this moment, the rational approach will not work. Something has been telling you to follow your gut, but you may be ignoring the call. There is a lot of confusion around you, and your actions may feel contrary to what you know is right. You must never be afraid to ask questions of yourself that may illuminate a new path forward for you, one that is more authentic to your inner self and your individual values.

Should the High Priestess come up reversed in a Tarot reading, she may suggest that your are not listening to your inner feelings. If you tend to be overly intellectual, this could hamper yourproblem solving abilities. Your unconscious may be trying to convey something to you that you are unwilling to hear. Often this occurs when something painful needs to rise to consciousness. In these circumstances, you must be willing to feel its significance and not attempt to think your way out of it. Hidden knowledge or misinformation may sway your decisions, so make sure you get all the facts before proceeding with an opportunity. Most importantly, do not say yes to a situation or person when you really mean no.

You may be ignoring your inner voice and not listening to your gut feelings. This is not the time to over-intellectualize as this could hamper your problem solving abilities. Your unconscious may be trying to convey something to you that you are unwilling to hear. Observe your surroundings. More knowledge is required and do not make any rash decisions at this time. 

The high priestess is a symbol of the mysterious connection that exists between ourselves and the interior and spiritual worlds.The appearance of this card reversed indicates that there is trouble with this connection. This problem can range from neglect and abandonment to deep rooted lying and deception. If you see the reversed high priestess card during a tarot reading, it is a sign that a great deal of introspection is needed.

The high priestess can be a representation of your inner self – the calm center deep within you that is always there for you whenever you need her. But seeing the high priestess reversed may mean that you are no longer following your inner voice. Whatever the reason, you have chosen to ignore your own subconscious and the messages it is trying to tell you.

Even if you are usually an intuitive and introspective person, it is easy to lose this connection with your inner self. Perhaps you are just too busy rushing about and fretting over external issues. Maybe you are spending too much time focusing on everyone else’s problems that you are neglecting your own.

But when life gets tough, you need this inner voice more than ever. Take time to reconnect with yourself through reflection and meditation. Stop thinking about your problems and worries. Enjoy moments of calm “nothingness” as this is where you will find the answers that you seek.

The appearance of the reversed high priestess card may be a sign that you are repressing your own feelings. This leaves you overly dependent on others, desperate for their approval and validation. Instead of excessively seeking external validation, relax in the knowledge that the you already have the answers you need within yourself. All you need is a bit of confidence in yourself to do what you know is best.

The high priestess has a secretive nature that can become a negative attribute when the card is reversed. When you see this card in a Tarot reading, it may be an indication that hidden issues are going on around you. Be straightforward with others and demand to know the entire truth. Do not allow someone to avoid your questions in an effort to keep you in the dark. It is important for you to know exactly what issues you are dealing with.

Seeing the high priestess reversed may be an indication that you need to be cautious when dealing with those around you. This card could be warning you of someone close to you who is not what they seem. It is very likely that this person is completely self absorbed. Because of their immense selfishness, they will not be supportive with any of your own needs or endeavors.   As a result, you must be exceptionally careful with who you place your trust in at this time. Take a step back to analyze every situation and relationship from every possible angle. You must safeguard yourself against the adverse effects you can experience from an undependable or malicious “friend” in your life.

Another possible meaning of the reversed high priestess is that you are struggling with severe mood swings. When you are trying to handle emotional instability, it can affect almost every part of your life. You might find that your ideas and insights are suffering. Or perhaps you lack the tact necessary to handle delicate situations. Your judgement may also be impaired. You could even find yourself jealous of others’ possessions and successes. All of these emotions can make you withdraw from those around you. You likely find it difficult to accept advice when others try to help. Regain your emotional fortitude by taking time to listen to your inner voice and find your center.

The high priestess card reversed may also be a sign that you need to slow down. It is easy to get caught up in being busy with life. But, if you find yourself perpetually busy with never a chance to relax, this can be a serious problem. Everyone needs time to reflect and recharge. You can’t do that when you are always rushing here and there. This can leave you feeling impatient and negatively impact the quality of your work.

Sometimes, staying overly busy is an avoidance technique. It is easier to ignore your problems when you are busy doing anything but confronting them. Unfortunately, problems rarely are able to sort themselves out. Sooner or later, you must confront them head on. Stop ignoring your inner voice. It is better to face the truth, even if it is shocking, painful, or difficult.

Reversed card combinations 

 High Priestess reversed next to Strength can mean having lost faith anmd passion, and therefore also direction. Being lead astray is indicated. 

High Priestess reversed next to Hermit can mean growing apart from family and friends, and being too isolated. 

High Priestess reversed next to Hanged Man can mean being lost in a world of conspiracy and false ideas. There are difficulties adapting to fresh new ideas. 

High Priestess reversed next to Tower can mean being ‘addicted’ to drama, and being emotionally on a roller-coaster. 

High Priestess reversed next to the World can mean difficulties completing a study. There are difficulties with concentration.