THE HIGH PRIESTESS

NONACTION
UNCONSCIOUS AWARENESS
POTENTIAL
MYSTERY

[ Actions ] [ Opposing Cards ] [ Reinforcing Cards ] [ Description ] [ Reversed? ]

ACTIONS

staying nonactive: withdrawing from involvement
allowing events to proceed without intervention
being receptive to influence
becoming calm
being passive
waiting patiently
accessing the unconscious: using your intuition
seeking guidance from within
trusting your inner voice
opening to dreams and the imagination
being aware of a larger reality
seeing the potential: understanding the possibilities
opening to what could be
seeing your hidden talents
allowing development
letting what is there flower
sensing the mystery: looking beyond the obvious
approaching a closed off area
opening to the unknown
remembering something important
sensing the secret and hidden
seeking what is concealed
acknowledging the Shadow

OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Magician - acting consciously, thinking, the known and obvious
Two of Wands - acting boldly
Seven of Wands - being aggressive
Eight of Wands - putting plans into action

REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Hermit - looking inward, withdrawing, seeking guidance
Hanged Man - suspending activity, waiting
Four of Swords - resting quietly, contemplating

DESCRIPTION

The High Priestess is the guardian of the unconscious. She sits in front of the thin veil of unawareness which is all that separates us from our inner landscape. She contains within herself the secrets of these realms and offers us the silent invitation, "Be still and know that I am God."

The High Priestess is the feminine principle that balances the masculine force of the Magician. The feminine archetype in the tarot is split between the High Priestess and the Empress. The High Priestess is the mysterious unknown that women often represent, especially in cultures that focus on the tangible and known. The Empress represents woman's role as the crucible of life.

In readings, the High Priestess poses a challenge to you to go deeper - to look beyond the obvious, surface situation to what is hidden and obscure. She also asks you to recall the vastness of your potential and to remember the unlimited possibilities you hold within yourself. The High Priestess can represent a time of waiting and allowing. It is not always necessary to act to achieve your goals. Sometimes they can be realized through a stillness that gives desire a chance to flower within the fullness of time.