Arcana Alchemy: The High Priestess
This series, “Arcana Alchemy”, will highlight each Major Arcana card individually -this specific post is dedicated to the Major Arcana card #2 - The High Priestess.
Missed the first 2 Major Arcana cards? The Fool ( 0) Read it here! | The Magician (1) Read it here!
The information provided below stems from a combination of books, Tarot Decks, and my own personal experience with the cards (books & decks are cited at the bottom of this post). However, it’s my belief that the meaning & archetype of each Tarot card is fluid and living, it changes - reading to reading, day to day, century to century. The most important meaning of each card is the one YOU interpret in the moment, as Tarot is and always will be a tool to help you connect with your intuition.
Contents of Blog Post
About The Major Arcana
Symbolism of The High Priestess
Analysis of The High Priestess
The High Priestess Archetypes in Myths & Stories
The High Priestess Imagery Comparison
Activities: Journal Prompts, Tarot Spread, Guided Visualization, Affirmations, Song Playlist
In standard tarot decks there are 78 cards. Of the 78 cards in a tarot deck, 22 of them are labeled Major Arcana. These 22 cards are labeled “major” because they are often interpreted to represent the divine and universal cycles that humanity repeats through its own existence. Each card in the Major Arcana depicts a different archetype, journey, or phase in the human experience. All 22 cards are foundational and full of meaning not only individually, but also in relation to each other.
The cards in the Major Arcana are numbered from 0 to 21, beginning with The Fool and ending with The World. When you lay the Major Arcana out next to each other, it becomes clear that the cards depict a journey or path, often referred to as "The Fool’s Journey," where the figure of The Fool starts as an innocent wanderer and gradually gains wisdom and experience through encounters with different archetypes represented by the other Major Arcana cards. However, this is just one lens of viewing the Major Arcana and it’s important to note that often times our human journey is non-linear and is constantly cycling.
Another way of viewing the Major Arcana, is to attribute each Major Arcana card as a “part” of oneself. This lens is inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, an idea that the psyche is made up of different "parts," each with its own personality, emotions, and coping mechanisms. Every part interacts with each other and influences our behavior. It is my strong conviction that Tarot mirrors, not predicts, what we are thinking and feeling in the moment of each reading. Therefore, when you’re pulling cards for yourself and a Major Arcana card is present, you might ask yourself what part of me does this card represent? When you work with Tarot in this way, true healing can begin as you identify, integrate, and harmonize each part of oneself.
The High Priestess is the third card in the Major Arcana, though it is numerically number 2, and follows The Magician (1). Each Tarot card relates to each other and gives us a narrative to follow, so it’s important to begin this analysis with a quick summary of the cards that have come before. The Fool (0) represents divine chaos and the infinite absolute, The Magician (1) represents the divine/absolute in a physical form, and that brings us to The High Priestess (2) represents the powerhouse of intuition and wisdom that comes when we tune into the cycles of the cosmos and our own physical bodies and mind.
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 Rider-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.
The High Priestess’ mastery of her own self emboldens her intuitive abilities, and instead of questioning or doubting her intuition (like so many of us do) - The High Priestess partners with her intuition daily. In Siddharth Ramakrishnan’s book “The Neuroscience of Tarot”, he discusses what intuition is from a biological standpoint explaining that intuition is pattern recognition and unconscious information the brain has gathered. Intuition is a learned skill we all possess and develop over time. Listening and trusting our intuition is often the hardest part for all of us, especially if we allow ourselves to be saturated with other people’s beliefs and opinions without first formulating our own. Being cognizant of the quality and reliability of the information you’re ingesting will strengthen and skyrocket your ability to tap into your own intuition.
The High Priestess is a card many people love, because they see themselves in it. She reflects back to us the ultimate state we’re all trying to achieve, an enlightened embodiment of our own divinity. Unlike The Magician who is constantly creating and making mistakes, The High Priestess is practiced and intentional, she is an expert in whatever field she has decided to study and her steps are well thought out and calculated. It’s worth noting that The High Priestess did not get to her position of power without doing the work, she had to first walk the path of The Fool (exploration) and The Magician (practice) to get where she is at. So if you’re looking to embody The High Priestess you must first get in tune with the world around you, understand the cycles present, gather the data, educate yourself, and then move forward. Understanding your own subconscious is the key to unlocking the wisdom of the collective that lies in the seascape behind the High Priestess.
Taking the plunge into your own subconscious can be very revealing, but sometimes it’s hard to know how to begin or even what to do with those revelations. The High Priestess holds a transformative secret in plain view - her solitude! By creating a safe and sacred space for herself, behind the veil and protected from the crashing waves of the collective, The High Priestess is able to dive to the depths of her subconscious. If you don’t yet have a safe space carved out for yourself either at home or maybe in nature, I’d highly encourage you to think about what safety looks and feels like for yourself. Everybody finds comfort and safety in diverse ways, so your sacred space might look different than everybody else's, and that’s okay! When we start to rummage through our own hearts and minds, inevitably there will be things that come up that need healing and transmutation. The High Priestess is a master healer, someone who is able to hold space for the pain of the past, while also writing the blueprints and plans for the future. Now it’s time for us to do the same!
THE SEER : THE ORACLE
The Seer or Oracle is the first archetype that comes to mind when considering The High Priestess. The High Priestess is a bridge between the seen and unseen worlds, she represents the sacred space guided by intuition, dreams, and the subconscious. She is a keeper of mysteries and reflects the truth back to the seeker, suggesting the most profound knowledge is often found by looking inward.
Examples: Galadriel (The Lord of the Rings), Paul Atreides (Dune), The Sibyls, The Fates (Greek Mythology), Galadriel (The Lord of the Rings), The Three Witches (Macbeth), The Oracle (The Matrix)
THE GATEKEEPER : THE PSYCHE
The Gatekeeper and the Psyche, represent the deep dive into the unconscious realm, the liminal space. This archetype represents the spiritual isolation and internal dismantling which is required for the evolution of the spirit and mind. Things that are repressed or have been forgotten are often the keys to unlock our own understanding of our internal sufferings and can help be the light we need to guide us through the “underworld” of our own emotions and experiences.
Examples: Persephone (Greek Mythology), The Cave in Star Wars (The Empire Strikes Back), The Sphinx (in various mythologies), The “Shadow” in Jungian Psychology
THE ARCHIVIST : THE OBSERVER
The Archivist and the Observer are the silent witnesses to the unfolding of time and truth. The High Priestess acts as a record keeper of the Akashic realm and maintains a perfect state of neutrality, allowing her to perceive patterns and connections to all that takes place. She is the guardian of the “Tora” or scroll in her lap, a record or blueprint of reality that is only revealed to those who possess the patience to sit in silence and observation.
Examples: The Akashic Records, The Memory Giver (The Giver by Lois Lowry), Thoth (Egyptian Mythology), The Watchers (Marvel Universe / Uatu), Mnemosyne (Greek Mythology
The following images are different examples of The High Priestess in various tarot decks. Don’t forget to pull out your own deck(s) and compare as well!
While observing the images, ask yourself the following questions:
How do they compare?
What colors are used the most?
Are there any common symbols used in each card?
How does each representation make you FEEL?
Is there a particular representation of The High Priestess that you resonate with the most?
Why do you think this version speaks to you?
If you were to design your own High Priestess card, what symbolism would you include?
Journal Prompts
Where in my life am I currently forcing a "Black or White" choice? If I were to sit in the middle—the "gray area"—what would that third, more intuitive option look like?
What is a "gut feeling" or a hunch I’ve been having lately that I haven't fully acknowledged yet? If I stopped trying to "solve" it with my brain, what is my body or my intuition trying to tell me about this situation?
Looking at my life right now, what is currently "waxing" (growing and gaining momentum), and what is "waning" (fading away or needing to be released)? How can I honor the ending of one cycle as much as the beginning of the next?
Tarot Spread
The High Priestess’ Mirror
3-Card Spread for Reflection
Card 1. The Waxing Growth - What intuition is currently building that I need to pay attention to?
Card 2. The Full Manifestation - What is the clear, illuminated truth I am currently seeing?
Card 3. The Waning Release - What is dissolving or fading away that I should no longer hold onto?
Guided Visualization
For best results, have somebody else read to you OR record yourself reading this visualization and then play back for yourself.
Phase 1: The Entrance
Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a vast, still pool of water under a midnight sky. The air is cool and smells of incense and sea salt. In front of you, two massive stone pillars rise out of the dark earth. To your left is a pillar of deep obsidian black, and to your right is a pillar of pure alabaster white.
Between these pillars hangs a heavy, velvet veil embroidered with golden pomegranates and palm leaves. This is the boundary between the world you know and the world of your inner spirit. Take a moment to stand in the center, feeling the perfect balance between the light and the dark.
Phase 2: Meeting the High Priestess
As you step closer, the veil ripples like water, and a figure becomes clear. She sits on a simple stone throne, draped in flowing robes the color of the deep ocean. A thin, silver crescent moon rests at her feet, glowing with a soft, blue light.
She does not speak with words, but as you look into her eyes, you feel a profound sense of being seen. She holds a scroll in her lap, partially tucked into the folds of her robe. This scroll contains the "Tora," the divine maps of your own soul. She leans forward slightly, offering you the silent space to ask one question or simply to exist in the stillness.
Phase 3: Passing the Veil
The High Priestess reaches out and gently pulls back a corner of the pomegranate veil. Behind it, you see no walls—only a vast, shimmering sea under a massive, glowing moon. This is the ocean of your subconscious.
She invites you to look into the water. As you gaze at the reflection, the surface clears. You aren’t looking for a logical answer; you are looking for a feeling, a color, or a symbol. Stay here for a few moments, letting the watery light of the moon wash over you, clearing away the noise of your daily life.
Phase 4: The Return
When you are ready, the High Priestess lets the veil fall back into place with a soft thud. You feel the weight of the scroll's wisdom now resting in your own heart. She touches the solar cross on her chest and then yours, a silent reminder that you carry this temple within you at all times.
Walk back through the pillars, feeling the ground become solid beneath your feet once more. Take a deep breath, wiggle your fingers and toes, and when you are ready, open your eyes.
Affirmations
All the answers I seek are already within me; I only need to be still enough to hear them.
I do not need to rush; I honor the natural cycles of my growth and the wisdom of divine timing.
In stillness, I find my strength. In silence, I find my truth.
Like the moon, I am whole even when I am hidden in the shadows.
I flow with the changing tides of my life, trusting that I am always supported by the universe.
I am the gatekeeper of my own energy; I decide what is allowed into my sacred space
The High Priestess - Song Playlist
This list below is merely inspiration for you to create your own playlist filled with songs that remind you of The High Priestess! Then use that High Priestess playlist to empower & remind yourself that YOU are the High Priestess, there is deep reflection and healing to be done!
"I Am” by Fia
"Not Regular” by Matisyahu
"Cosmic Love" by Florence + The Machine
"The High Priestess" by Qveen Herby
“Intuition” by Jewel
“Witchy Woman” by Eagles
“iAAM” by Coldplay
“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
“Live High” by Jason Mraz
"Dreams" by Aurora
"Aperture” by The Head and the Heart
“Look Up” by Joy Oladokun
"We Belong” by Ingrid Michaelson
"Know Me Well” by Roo Panes
"Soulmate" by Lizzo
Resources provided here are FREE, but if you do want help support my love of Tarot so I can continue to spend time creating more content I welcome any donations here.
Sources
Books:
Tarot For Your Self by Mary K. Greer
Tarot Therapy byLeona Nichole Black
Motherpeace by Vicki Noble
The Bible & The Tarot by Gil Stafford
Wild Card: Let the Tarot Tell Your Story by Jen Cownie & Fiona Lensvelt
The Library of Esoterica: TAROT by Jessica Hundley, Design by Thunderwing
Tarot Deciphered by T.Susan Chang and M.M Meleen
A Walk Through the Forest of Souls by Rachel Pollack
The Complete Guide to Tarot & Astrology by Louise Edington
Tarot Cards the Hidden Symbols Explained by Derek Johnsen
How to Read Tarot: A Modern Guide by Jessica Wiggan
Tarot for Change by Jessica Dore
The Neuroscience of Tarot by Siddharth Ramakrishnan
78 Acts of Liberation Tarot to Transform Our World by Lane Smith
Tarot Decks/Images:
Zodiac Tarot by Cecilia Lattari & Illustrated by Ana Chávez
Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot by Matt Hughes
Harmonious Tarot by Walter Crane & Ernest Fitzpatrick
After Tarot by Corrine Kenner, Pietro Alligo, and Giulia Francesca Massaglia
The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan & John Matthews
Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham and Abigail Larson
The Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans
Mystical Forest by Cecilia Lattari & Illustrated by Wes Gama
Spiritsong Tarot by Paulina Fae
Tarot de Marsielle by Pierre Madenie
The Rainbow Tarot by Sonia Lazo
The Mystical Dream Tarot by Janet Piedilato
The Star Tarot by Cathy McClelland
The Muse Tarot by Chris-Anne
Phantasma Tarot by Paulina Fae
Hush Tarot by Jeremy Hush
Rebel Heart Tarot by Alice Grist and artwork by Niki Cotton
Tarot for the Great Outdoors by JQ Gordon & Illustrated by Sharisse Steber
Star Spinner Tarot by Trungles
Seasons of the Witch Winter Tarot by Lorraiane Anderson and illustrated by Tijana Lukovic
Rider-Waite Smith Tarot by Pamela Smith & Arthur Waite
Woodland Fairy Tale Tarot by Cecilia Lattari & Giulia Varetto
Travel Tarot by Jeff Hinshaw & Art by Studio Muti
