The High Priestess – Tarot card meaning

The High Priestess is a wise card. She doesn’t always tell the whole picture, but prefers to keep the details to herself. You hold the knowledge required to proceed, simply give it time. The High Priestess is the Guardian of mystery and secrets.

The High Priestess is a card of the Major Arcana and is about tolerance, privileged insights and information.

The High Priestess can sometimes be a difficult card to interpret; it will truly depend on the nature of the spread you are dealing. An intuitive card, the High Priestess will draw strongly on your own intuition.

The esoteric symbolism is clear in The High Priestess; she sits between Boaz and Joachin, in front of a wall hanging with a Tree of Life pattern. She holds a Torah and guards the secrets within. All of these are complex elements in esoteric thought. You should give yourself time to understand the forces at play in your life.

At a glance

The High Priestess is a tarot card that is associated with intuition, mystery, and hidden knowledge. It typically depicts a woman seated between two pillars, with a veil covering her face. The pillars represent the duality of the physical world, while the veil represents the hidden knowledge and mysteries that lie beyond our everyday reality.

The High Priestess card suggests that you are in touch with your intuition and inner wisdom. It indicates that you have access to knowledge and information that is not readily available to others, and that you are able to see beyond the surface of things. The High Priestess card can also represent a need for solitude and quiet reflection, in order to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

In some readings, the High Priestess card can indicate that you are being guided by a higher power or spiritual guide who is helping you to access hidden knowledge and wisdom. This guide may be a teacher, mentor, or trusted friend who can help you to navigate through challenges and obstacles. The High Priestess card can also suggest that you are being called to use your intuition and inner wisdom to help others, and to make a positive impact in the world.

Overall, the High Priestess card is a reminder of your own inner wisdom and intuition. It suggests that you have access to knowledge and information that is not readily available to others, and that you are being supported and guided on your journey.

Card meanings

Past

The High Priestess within the past position shows a time when you had to act with patience. It’s likely that when others acted with haste, you decided to wait and see how the situation unfolded, to your benefit.

It’s easy to let our emotions take over, but better results can come when you are patient, understanding and open. You are more likely to observe a problem from afar than rush in to try and fix it.

The High Priestess reminds us of times in the past when we were patient, and it paid off. Being patient can allow more choices to present themselves.

Sometimes it is best to act first, and be the first. The High Priestess in the past position reminds us sometimes, however, going first presents all the risk and none of the reward. You can learn from the mistakes that others make in life.

Present

Avoid any conflict coming your way, as there is likely something hidden behind the curtain that you should wait to be exposed. The High Priestess in the present position is cautious about proceeding. You should only act when you are fully sure of the outcome.

Watch out for lies and take nothing at face value. There is more of a chance here that you are understanding the ‘bigger picture’ but keep your cards close to your chest and wait for others to act first.

The High Priestess in the present position simply reminds you to give things time. You may only understand part of the puzzle right now, but the whole picture will come to light if you let it.

Future

Expect a bit of a rocky ride in the near future. Secrets and lies may come out into the open. Be wary of new behaviours in those close to you, as something suspect might be going on beneath the surface.

Reflect on your own emotions and actions now, and if there are any secrets you are keeping, think if it is worth the effort to keep them so.

The High Priestess in the future position can show an uncertain future. Perhaps your future simply can’t be predicted. It’s possible that somebody else has big plans for you, of which you are not aware.

Work, careers and education

If you’re struggling, then there is likely a better way to proceed. You need to figure out the methods which work for you; you likely already know a better way to do things. Use your knowledge, don’t keep it bottled up for no good reason.

The High Priestess in regards to career can suggest that you are on the wrong path. You may have skills that you simply can’t use currently. You should look for an outlet to practice your passions.

Love and Relationships

The High Priestess is a card somewhat about balance. If you feel imbalanced either in or outside of a relationship, now may be the time for this to remedy itself.

As the rest of the card suggests; don’t act rashly but let the universe work it’s magic for you. Look to other cards in your spread, especially any Cups cards which show up.

The High Priestess can also represent secrets. Perhaps you know something about your partner, or potential partner. Perhaps they know something about you.

It’s possible that there is a secret hidden that neither of you wish to uncover, something potentially serious. Consider your relationship when attempting to delve deeper. Not every mystery is intended to be solved, some are hidden for a reason.

Wealth

There might be a hidden sum of money when you draw The High Priestess in relation to wealth. Worryingly, this is news that someone may be keeping from you. You may also be paying more for something than you need to.

You may possess some knowledge which will help your financial state when you see the High Priestess. There is the potential inside of you, right now, to better secure your future. An idea, however, is nothing without action.

When the High Priestess comes up in regards to wealth, you should take a look at any Pentacle cards which show up in this spread for further insight.

Health and well-being

Don’t kid yourself into ignoring your problems. We can’t pretend we’re fine all the time. Sometimes you just have to get the help you need. It’s there. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health, both body and mind.

The High Priestess in regards to health and well-being can highlight some issues with your mental state. If something traumatic happens to us, it can be a natural reaction to run and hide; to try not to think about what is bothering us. This isn’t at all healthy. Face your fears head on.

The High Priestess knows a lot, but has trouble taking action. You might know the right thing to do, but you just haven’t tried it yet.

Other associations

Element: Water

Astrology: Moon

As a Yes or No question: The question might not be a simple “Yes” or “No”

Crystal: Opal

Keywords

Patience, understanding, knowledge, unknowing, wisdom, feminine, sensitivity