The High Priestess -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

2. THE HIGH PRIESTESS

At a glance:

The High Priestess reminds you to look within and to trust your intuition. You already know the truth, even if it’s not immediately apparent.

Upright Keywords:
Intuition, subconscious knowledge, inner voice, instinct

Reversed Keywords:
ignoring or disconnected from intuition

Numerology:
2 - balance, cooperation, unity

The High Priestess: Upright Meaning

The High Priestess sits serenely in the Temple of Solomon, positioned between the pillars Boaz and Jachin, which symbolize strength and establishment. Draped in flowing robes, she exudes an aura of calm and mystery, holding a scroll inscribed with the word "TORA," indicative of hidden knowledge and divine wisdom. A crescent moon rests near her ankles, symbolizing hidden truths and the idea that not all has been revealed. Positioned between the two pillars, she is a conduit between consciousness and the higher self, bridging the gap between the seen and unseen worlds.

This card is a call to listen to your inner voice rather than your conscious mind. Sometimes, the conscious mind cannot reveal everything, and it takes trusting your instincts to truly uncover all that is happening. The High Priestess reminds you to look within for the answers you seek and to trust your intuition to guide you through the mysteries of life.

In numerology, the number 2 is associated with The High Priestess, symbolizing balance, cooperation, and equilibrium of all forces to create unity and understanding. In the context of The High Priestess, it underscores the importance of balancing logic with intuition.

Love/Relationships

The High Priestess love meaning encourages you to listen to your inner voice and trust your gut feelings. This card suggests that the key to understanding your relationship lies within you, not in external advice and chatter. Your intuition will guide you to deeper emotional insights and help you navigate the complexities of your romantic connections. For example, if you sense that something is off in your relationship, trust that feeling and explore it further. Emotional intelligence is paramount now, so pay attention to the subtle cues and unspoken messages between you and your partner. If you're single, trust your instincts when meeting new people and to be mindful of the energy they bring into your life.

Money/Career

When it comes to money and career, The High Priestess advises you to follow your instincts and trust your inner guidance. Take a second to reflect: Are you overthinking or second-guessing your decisions? You already have the answers you seek regarding your professional path, even if they are not immediately apparent. For instance, if you have a gut feeling about a project, consider exploring it further. Your intuition can lead you to make choices that align more closely with your true desires and long-term goals. If you're feeling uncertain about a financial decision, take a step back and listen to your inner voice before proceeding.

Spiritual/Self

The High Priestess calls for introspection and a deeper connection with your subconscious mind. This is an excellent time to get in touch with your inner voice rather than let outside opinions influence you. For example, setting aside time each day for quiet reflection can help you tap into your mind and gain clarity on your current situation. Trust your instincts and listen to the messages from your higher self. You already know all the answers; however, The High Priestess is a subtle reminder that you hold the key to uncovering your own mystery.

If you have a gut feeling about a project, consider exploring it further. Your intuition can lead you to make choices that align more closely with your true desires and long-term goals.

Astrology

The High Priestess is linked to the Moon, which governs intuition, emotions, and the subconscious mind. The Moon's influence enhances The High Priestess's connection to hidden knowledge and inner truths, indicating that all is not as it seems. This represents our willingness to accept these illusions as truth. We must come to realize that there are two sides to the Moon (light & dark) so that we can understand its full meaning: The Moon illuminates hidden truths and brings subconscious thoughts to the surface.

This further emphasizes the importance of trusting your feelings and embracing the mysteries of the subconscious. The Moon's energy encourages you to explore your dreams, instincts, and emotional depths, aligning perfectly with The High Priestess's message of introspection and intuitive wisdom. This alignment underscores the need to honor your inner guidance and to recognize the power of your subconscious mind in navigating life's challenges.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

When The High Priestess appears reversed, it indicates that you are ignoring your inner voice or relying too heavily on external opinions, leading to confusion and misalignment with your true path. This card can also suggest that you are not fully trusting yourself or your abilities. To overcome this, take steps to reconnect with yourself and prioritize self-trust. It might be the ideal moment to distance yourself from others in order to gain clarity. Remember, the answers you seek are within you; trust in your inner wisdom.

Meet the Made Musings Tarot Deck: The ultimate deck for beginners.

  • Our 78-card deck and comprehensive guidebook offer you the perfect tools for your daily readings.

    Every set also comes with a velvet gift bag that serves dual functions. Use it as a stylish carrying pouch for your deck or a cleansing cloth in between readings.

    Plus, this keeps your tarot cards in tip-top shape and means you can easily take them on-the-go.

  • Our compact 188-page guidebook, aptly named the Little Black Book, offers the meanings behind each Tarot allowing both beginners and experts to interpret effectively.

    From the Author: “When I was learning Tarot, I always fumbled with the bigger books, so my readings didn’t feel quite as seamless. I felt inspired to write a small book that was easy to flip through in a pinch, yet full of information. I truly hope this book helps people wherever they are in their Tarot reading journey.”

    HARDCOVER VERSION (newly updated for 2024!) - features 190 pages, color printed CMYK

    PAPERBACK VERSION - features 188 pages, black and white pages

  • The Cards:

    -2 5/8" x 4 3/4"

    -gloss finish, gold edges

    -card weight: 400g - a heavier card for those that prefer to shuffle slowly and methodically

    -78 tarot cards PLUS a bonus lunar card.

    Note: Illustrations are from the classic 1909 - 1910 deck that was hand-illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith.

    -Deck comes packaged in a sturdy, slider box.

    -Back of the cards features gold accents (true gold foil)

    Deck Box

    -3 1/8" x 1 3/4" x 5" h

    -hardcover (best way to protect your cards!), features gold accents, slider closure

    Velvet Bag:

    -KNOT BAG fabric: smooth ribbed velvet, self-lined (option 1)

    -DRAWSTRING BAG fabric: velvet, unlined (option 2)

    -color: black

    -You can count on either the luxurious velvet or the rib texture to stand up to the wear-and-tear of everyday travel.

CARD SUMMARY

You already have the answers. Trust in your inner wisdom for guidance, even if that means taking a step back to reassess.

Learn More about Tarot.