Tarot Symbolism and Meaning of the High Priestess Tarot Card
In terms of Tarot symbolism, the High Priestess card is imbued with rich representational imagery and meaning. She is the embodiment of deep mystery and secrecy. When she appears as a tarot reader, the High Priestess is the card of dreams, visions, and the representation of all the mysteries of the universe. She represents the intuitive feminine aspects of our psyche. Developmentally, it refers to the inner voice and intuitive awareness. This is the realm of inner knowledge.
In a tarot reading, the High Priestess is a female archetype. Unlike the Wizard, who is active by nature, the High Priestess prefers passivity. She is connected to the unconscious and her receptive nature makes her the ideal female symbol. Her perceptive nature allows her to peer into the secret and mysterious elements of the natural world.
Tarot Symbolism of the Number Two: The High Priestess Tarot card is the second card in the Major Arcana. Her association with the number two represents balance, harmony and duality. In tarot readings, pairs often refer to polarity, and in the case of the High Priestess tarot card, the number two refers to the dualism found in the natural world and in the psyche. The High Priestess represents a crossroads where two opposites meet. She has the ability to explore any polar opposite and use that energy to create something entirely new.
Tarot Symbolism of the Two Pillars: In traditional Tarot decks, the High Priestess is depicted as seated between two pillars, one black and one white. The pillars refer to the duality so often represented in the natural world: light and dark, night and day, birth and death, and positive and negative. Psychologically, the two pillars refer to both the male and female aspects of the psyche, as well as the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind. Symbolically, this refers to her High Priestess ability to enter the realm of the unconscious and bring its wisdom into conscious awareness.
Veil Symbolism in Tarot: Behind the seated priestess lies a veil. The veil, a symbol of all that remains invisible in the natural world, conceals her hidden knowledge. The High Priestess serves as the female guardian of secret wisdom. Her main purpose is to guard everything that is considered sacred. In a tarot reading, she is the wise teacher and calls one to look beyond one’s own veil of rational thinking and peer into one’s own unconscious wisdom.
Moon Tarot Symbolism: In most Tarot decks, the High Priestess is associated with the moon, which is usually represented by the crescent moon that lies at her feet. The moon represents the feminine, emotional, unconscious and intuitive elements of our psyche. She reminds us to rely on the subtle light of the moon. This is the light of intuition. In a Tarot reading, the High Priestess represents our own inner knowing. Her connection with the Moon suggests that hidden knowledge can always be discovered within ourselves.
The moon also represents things that may remain unseen. The Moon is a feminine night and often represents the shadow aspects of the psyche. In a tarot reading, the moon can be a symbol of the feminine mother, the inner child, and the influence of the unconscious.
Tarot Symbolism of the Scroll: In the lap of the priestess lies a scroll. In traditional Tarot decks, the scroll is associated with the Jewish Torah. This refers to the need of the High Priestess to uphold the divine laws of the natural world. It is also the parchment in which she records her memories. This represents the sum total of knowledge and experience of the High Priestess. It serves as a container for the secrets and mysterious knowledge reflected in our world.
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