Arcana Alchemy: The High Priestess

The High Priestess has learned to be in balance with both her feminine and masculine traits, she understands that her body and mind go through cycles which are uniquely tied to the phases of the moon and the world around us, such as the seasons. The knowledge and balance of the feminine and masculine is distinctly represented not only by the two pillars between which The High Priestess sits, but also the symbols on the veil (the pomegranates & palm leaves) that hang behind The High Priestess in the Waite-Smith version of this card. We all hold within us the attributes of both femininity and masculinity, though our current culture has tried desperately to separate the two - the reality is we must discard this dualist thinking and embrace the wholeness of the divine within.