The High Priestess card in Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Marseille tarot and in the Rider Waite tarot has a very spiritual meaning, symbolizing a certain level of dominance over the world in which this aspect reigns. It is closely related to the moon, the feminine, and inspiration. She fulfills the role of the wise and sensible counselor, being at all times the voice of experience.
The Priestess, being duality, like the number with which she is marked, II, is dissociated from this concept. She is part of everything and not something that separates, but something that unites. Unlike the card that precedes it, the Magician, the individuality is overcome by the whole and is lost in it.
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The throne on which he sits is placed between two columns. They are a reference to Ying and Yang, in black and white. Everything in the Priestess indicates double, duality. The robe worn by the Priestess is similar to that of the goddess Isis. At her feet a crescent moon and behind her the phases of the full moon. Clear symbolism referring to the fertility cycles of women: young girls, mature women from the beginning of menstruation and menopause, with their disappearance.
Behind the Priestess a curtain with pomegranates, which put her in connection both with Persephone, intermediary of the world of the living with that of the dead, and with the Jewish cabal, which describes paradise as an orchard of pomegranates. Behind the curtain is water, a fluid element like our unconscious, of which the entire human body is made.
Meaning of The High Priestess in the Marseille Tarot by Jodorowsky and Rider Waite
The Priestess is responsible for representing two different messages according to the position in which it appears. When the card is right side up, then it is speaking to us about intuition, mystery, and the dominance of the subconscious in our minds. When it is presented the other way around, then it is representing hidden agendas, buried plans, and the need to listen to our inner voice.
It is a card that represents the possibility of pregnancy by presenting the figure of the mother. He shows us a person who has a wide source of knowledge, but keeps it, trying to keep information for himself instead of saying everything he knows. Often this is related to the sexual sphere. When this card appears, it is said that you are going through a phase in which you are much more attractive to others.
The HighPriestess to the right
When the card of The High Priestess is presented to the right, then it is speaking to us of intuition, of the highest powers, of mystery, and of the subconscious fringe of the mind. It is a time when you must fully rely on your inner knowing rather than the conscious intellect. You should pay special attention to your dreams.
When The High Priestess appears within the reading in which the querent is a man, then she usually represents a woman who does not want him well, but he will inevitably be dominated by passion.
It is a card that tells us about the open doors that appear, along with the fear that you may have to go through them. There is a deep search for perfection, for exploiting one’s own potential, and it can only be achieved if fears are left aside, facing the most hidden fears face to face.
If what you are looking for is the final result, then the High Priestess card tells us that this will be good and positive, especially if we are referring to changes in life, beliefs, habits and behaviors, which will make our way of being be significantly modified.
To get to the meanings that this card clarifies if it goes upside down, we can say that it means a period of silence, passivity, and inaction. When this card comes out, the consultant is asked to remain calm, to look within. It certainly doesn’t mean barricading yourself at home and avoiding acting like you’re used to doing every day, but decisions certainly shouldn’t be rushed or not given plenty of consideration.
We need to slow down the boiling moods, the anxiety of doing and knowing, to be a little more alone with yourself without too many external distractions. This online tarot card asks the consultant to recover the relationship with himself, and through a pause of solitude and reflection he will be able to do so. Listen to yourself and follow, more than reason or reasoning, what comes from the depths of your soul. On the other hand, it almost completely reverses the previous warning.
The Priestess in Health
The presence of The Priestess tells us about the possibility of pregnancy, and this is one of the most outstanding meanings. The High Priestess represents things that are hidden, so you may receive information about your health that hasn’t come to light. It is recommended that you do medical check-ups to confirm that everything is fine.
If you think something is wrong with your body, you will need to believe your concerns and take care of yourself, because you may need to see a health professional. If they suggest a procedure that doesn’t seem right to you, don’t follow it. Control your diet, exercise, and make sure you are not lacking in vitamins and minerals.
The Priestess in Love
When this card appears, it tells us that it can be a mystical and magical time for love, so trust your instincts fully. If the consultant is a man, then he will be able to access a woman who is distant and inaccessible. If the consultant is a woman, then it is possible that she has an extra charm at the given moment of the reading, so that even people who would never imagine looking for a way to approach her and fall in love with her presence.
Relationships will be full of tenderness, and a motherly tone may surround the situation, so they will be honest and wrapped in an aura of romance. It is important to use this magnetic and romantic power wisely, especially since, if care is not taken, these relationships may not be entirely expressive.
The Priestess in Money
In a general way, this card refers to success and achievements in the economic sphere, but we must analyze everything well so that the objectives can be achieved in the way that is desired. Someone may not be completely honest with you on this point.
With this in mind, don’t be afraid to dig deep and do your own research. You must ensure that, in the case of financial transactions, you disclose only the information that is needed and nothing more.
The investments that you may be carrying out at this time will be the correct ones, and will bear good and important fruits, as long as you take into account the points that we have talked about previously.
The Priestess at Work
In the workplace, a big surprise may appear, which may be related to career advancements, promotions and even a new job opportunity. You may find some new systems or processes that make your work life much easier and less stressful.
You should try to ignore gossip in the workplace, and not participate in it for any reason. The Priestess, as mentioned above, doesn’t say everything she knows, so you may know everything that’s going on around you at work, but keep it a secret, that quiet knowledge being a form of subtle power.
The High Priestess in reverse
In general, when this card appears inverted, it represents hidden agendas, hidden plans, a veiled attitude and the importance of listening to your inner voice. You may be having difficulty hearing what your own intuition is telling you.
This being the case, then it is a clear sign that you need to slow down, spend time meditating, and keep to yourself, at times when you can try different approaches, possibly including journaling, yoga, meditation, or clarity of thought that you can sometimes achieve. simply walking.
The passivity that is recommended to the right, when it turns out the other way around, must become sharing ideas, of acquaintances with other people for an exchange of ideas. You have to get involved with others and unleash your passion and sexuality. In reversed position, the cards close to it will give the indications of this implication.
The Priestess in Health
If the High Priestess card appears in relation to health, then it is important to note that it is a card that indicates difficulties in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term, since it is a card that is strongly linked to motherhood. This may not be the best time for this.
In the same way, he may be telling us about emotional, environmental problems, problems with our environment, problems with the digestive system, and in general situations that indicate that we should consult a professional if they feel discomfort.
The Priestess in Love
Although the attractiveness and magnetism that we talked about in this card is maintained when it appeared right side up, in its reverse position you will see that self-confidence does not exist. When it is the case to make a decision, act with great prudence. If you are in the middle of a crisis, try to act with measure and appeal to your inner wisdom. Any excessive act can end up leading to breakups or situations that are difficult to overcome later.
The most important thing is that you remain calm, but for now it is better to keep quiet and take refuge in inner knowledge, instead of acting with vehemence. On the other hand, someone may not be telling you the whole truth about something. If it seems to you that there are too many promises, then this card is recommending that you have to stay vigilant.
The Priestess in Money
In the financial realm, there may be a group of people who are not being completely honest with you. You must take special care when signing documents, and try to have all the information and advice you may have when making large transactions.
Not everything is what it seems on the surface, so you should be careful with your savings, not waste, and always be aware of the fine print in terms of finances.
The Priestess at Work
As for work, when this card appears in a reversed position, its meaning is not completely clear. There may be things going on behind your back that are beyond your knowledge, whether or not you are directly involved.
It is important that you distrust, or at least not take for granted, everything that your superiors or co-workers tell you. If your instincts tell you to keep a low profile, then it’s best to follow your intuition. With the passage of time, everything will become clearer.
The High Priestess: Combinations | special editions
Depending on the cards that accompany The Priestess in the middle of a spread, this card will take on a different meaning.