Connect to Your Spiritual Guidance with the High Priestess

The High Priestess is Tarot’s number II Major Arcana card. And she is is decidedly the most spiritual and intuitive card in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck. For she represents great spiritual knowledge hidden beyond the veil from the uninitiated. But only those worthy with developed intuitive skills can access her veiled knowledge. However, you can successfully connect to your spiritual guidance with the High Priestess in your Tarot readings.

RWS deck author A.E. Waite, changed this card’s historical name from the Papess (female Pope) to the High Priestess. He also changed the former Pope card’s title to the Hierophant. Both title changes were made to remove overtly Christian connotation making the deck accessible to more users.

Spiritual Guidance Symbolism in the High Priestess Card

Waite, a member of the secretive and occult Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, was a metaphysical book author. Therefore, he loaded up his High Priestess card with as many obscure esoteric and metaphysical symbols as artist Pamela Coleman Smith could fit in.

Hidden Knowledge References in the High Priestess Card

The High Priestess is seated with a pomegranate and palm patterned veil hung between two pillars that flank her. We can assume beyond that veil lies the Spirit Realm where deceased loved ones, spirit guides, and all spiritual knowledge within the Akashic Records reside. For occultists like Waite, spent their lives developing skills for accessing the Spirit Realm and the Akashic Records.

Moreover, pomegranates and palms point to many facets (pomegranate seeds) of Spiritual knowledge (palms) exist beyond the veil. Also, pomegranates were the symbol for Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, another hint to spirits residing in the Spirit Realm.

Spiritual References in the High Priestess Card

Waite ensured his High Priestess’ connection to the spiritual with inclusion of a Tora (Torah) scroll in her lap and a large white solar cross around her neck.

The Torah scroll represents the sacred secret knowledge the High Priestess protects and judiciously dispenses to worthy seekers. She tucks this scroll just under her head veil. Although, a Torah is a relic of the Jewish faith, Waite likely nods to the mystical order of Kabbalah here.

The equal armed solar cross of primitive spiritualities, not to be confused with the Christian cross, represents the sun.

Additionally, her silver crown with a full moon flanked by two crescent moons crown resembles that worn by the Egyptian Goddess, Isis.

Water and Moon References in the High Priestess Card

Moreover, the water quality of the High Priestess’ gown seems to flow over the crescent moon at her feet. This hints at the magnetic pool of the moon on water. And many assume the drawn veil behind her masks a body of water.

Both water and moon represent the flow (water) of spiritual intuition and the influence (moon) of a greater power. But water here may also represent the vehicle some religions believe souls use to cross over to the Spirit Realm.

The “B” and “J” Pillars in the High Priestess Card

Notably, the black pillar etched with a B for Boaz represents negatives forces. And the white pillar etched with a J for Jachin represents positive forces. Both of these pillars were borrowed from the two pillars that stood on the porch of Solomon’s Temple. The temple’s pillars stood with a purpose to hold and preserve the sacred knowledge.

Moreover, the Lotus Buds at the top of each pillar represent the High Priestess’ purity and virginity.

When the High Priestess Turns up in a Reading

High Priestess Card Keywords – Intuition, Spiritual Guidance

Should the High Priestess show up in a reading she’s generally a positive omen. For the Querent (reading requestor) is sure to receive guidance from beyond the veil for their situation. Furthermore, the Querent is called to act on any spiritual guidance they receive.

The help the High Priestess signals may come from deceased loved ones, spirit guides, or the Querent’s own higher self. But regardless its source, spiritual guidance needs recognition and following. For if it’s ignored, those offering it will tire of giving guidance that’s not acted upon.

Reversed High Priestess Card Meaning

Personally, I don’t read reversed (upside down) cards. But if you do, a reversed High Priestess in a reading may mean the Querent is either unwilling or unable to connect to their spiritual guidance. Or perhaps they are receiving guidance but choosing not to follow it. Alternatively, they may be relying too much upon intuitive guidance to the detriment of reason.