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AUGUST 2009

The High Priestess, Key II, Major Arcana

by Peggy Firth, Certified Tarot Master

(above) The High Priestess of the Robin Wood Tarot Deck

The High Priestess is the carrier of higher knowledge, the inner or subconscious knower of universal knowledge, truth and honesty. She represents thoughtfulness, work and the unconscious knower. The Egyptian goddess Isis, the female counterpart of the Emperor, speaks of mystery and female wisdom. The High Priestess has also been associated with all virgin goddesses of the ancient world.

The Hebrew letter Gimel found on some cards for II represents a camel because camels are the carriers which also suggests commerce, communication, and association. Camels also carry water which resembles the humps or crescents of the moon. The High Priestess also wears the full moon with two half moons or crescents on her head. The moon is associated with moisture, night, and cold.

The half moon that appears in the traditional Rider Waite deck at the foot of the High Priestess is the astrological symbol of personality and of memories carried from one incarnation to the next.

The High Priestess holds the book or scroll of mysteries inscribed with the word TORA, the Hebrew word for law. The scroll includes knowledge which includes the universal laws of creation. This is the record of past events or akashic records of all mental and physical events that have been impressed upon the subconscious.

The pillars that flank the Priestess represent affirmation (white) and the negation of activity or shadow side of nature (black). In the Rider Waite deck the white pillar has a large J (Jachin) on the white pillar, the Hebrew meaning good energy and B (Boaz), resistance or inertia on the black pillar. The pillars are capped with lotus buds, a symbol of virginity.

The High Priestess sits on a cube representing solid materialism rather than a throne. Behind her a veil filled with pomegranates (female) and palms (male) suggest the union of positive and negative forces. The male enforces and the female carries out.

The blue robes of the High Priestess suggest coldness and moisture which are the astrological properties of the moon. The folds at the bottom depict moonlight on water or the stream of consciousness. The solar cross of equal size bars represent the male and female.

The upright card represents the spiritual component of the situation that has to be recognized. It also refers to the underlying problem that may be hidden.

The reversed card represents the intuitive aspect that should be addressed. Ignoring feelings about the situation may not bring enlightenment. Assistance may be needed.