follow your intuition
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Tarot Alley uses the Rider Waite type of deck for our meanings, symbols, interpretations, etc.
The High Priestess represents your unconscious. The High Priestess doesn’t need to listen to others. She knows things at an intuitive level that most of us don’t (or can’t) pay much attention to.
The High Priestess is telling you to for your answers within yourself. Face your own discomfort, confront your fears, and go deep within your subconscious.
Take a look at the Rider-Waite High Priestess displayed to the left (or above).
What is your first impression?
Who is this person? What are they doing? What do the other objects represent (the moon at the bottom, the letters on the pillars, etc)?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, just your interpretation.
Astrology: Moon
Element: Water
Numerology: 2 (debate, partnership, duality)
Common Symbols
- the Moon to represent intuition
- Water to represent emotion
- a Veil to represent the layers of consciousness
Keywords & Concepts
- Subconscious
- Intuition
- Unconscious
- Inner voice
- Mystery
- Sensuality
- Introspection
- Secrets
- Initiation
- Dreams
the High Priestess for Personal Growth
Observe. Listen. Be Silent. Work on not responding to give yourself time for reflection. Observing will allow you to see patterns and information that participants miss.
Ask Yourself:
- What would a rebel against tradition do?
- What isn’t being said or revealed?
- What could be achieved by observing and reflecting?
- What is your intuition telling you?
- What might the universe be using your strength to establish?
- What laws govern your situation? Have they been expressed or kept secret?
Interpreting the High Priestess
The High Priestess appears it’s time to trust what your instincts (or gut) are telling you.
The universe is sending you signs that would normally go fairly unnoticed. The High Priestess demands you pay attention to them.
The Reversed High Priestess
How you read reversals is a personal choice. You can ignore reversals and read them as if the card is upright (this is what I often choose to do) or you can interpret reversals as variations of what they would mean upright. There are 3 common ways to read reversals: as a negative interpretation, as an opposite interpretation, or as a block on the upright interpretation. Check out How to Read Reversals for more information.
Negative: A negative reversed High Priestess suggests you’re overly focused on the opinions of others. It’s time to step back from that and focus on your opinions.
Opposite: An opposite reversed High Priestess means you’re not trusting yourself. You need to do the work necessary to realize that you can – and should – trust yourself.
Blocked: A blocked reversed High Priestess indicates that you’re ignoring your instincts/intuition. Take the time to figure out why & then stop!
Examples of the High Priestess
Specific Interpretations
Specific situations are the general interpretation (from above) used for a specific situation (love, career, etc). There is no need to memorize these (or even look them up) if you understand the general interpretation. However, here are some basic interpretations for some specific situations:
Love & Relationships
When it comes to love and relationships, the High Priestess is a sign of desire.
If you’re in a relationship, the High Priestess represents a renewed passion and a strong sex life.
If you’re single, the High Priestess suggests many people are interested in dating you. You’ll have a lot of options!
Reversed
Negative: A negative reversed High Priestess suggests desire taken too far.
Opposite: An opposite reversed High Priestess means a lack of desire.
Blocked: A blocked reversed High Priestess indicates you’re repressing your emotions or sexuality.
Professional Life
The High Priestess indicates a time of great creativity or inspiration is upon you.
The High Priestess’ affection for secrets means you should keep your financial positions to yourself right now.
Reversed
Negative: A negative reversed High Priestess suggests your creativity and inspiration could lead to reckless decisions. Make sure you understand all the terms of any new agreements.
Opposite: An opposite reversed High Priestess means isolation, detachment, or lack of interest in your professional life.
Blocked: A blocked reversed High Priestess indicates you’re closed off to your inspiration.
Health & Wellness
The High Priestess wants you to listen to yourself. Your mind and body are telling you what they need right now, take them seriously!
The High Priestess can be a fertility card.
Reversed
Negative: A negative reversed High Priestess suggests health complications. This presentation is often associated with fertility issues.
Opposite: An opposite reversed High Priestess means your body and mind might be misleading you. Are your obvious symptoms and issues masking something deeper? Don’t just skim the surface, you need to look deep within yourself.
Blocked: A blocked reversed High Priestess indicates you’re ignoring your health and wellness. Stop. Listen.
the High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning
The High Priestess suggests that you follow your intuition. This is a great time to start a dream journal.
Once you feel comfortable with the High Priestess tarot card meaning, check out the next card in the tarot deck: III – the Empress Tarot Card Meaning.
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