Card Type: Major Arcana
Card Number: 2
Star Sign: Cancer
Planet: The Moon
Crystal: Lapis Lazuli and Celestite
Element: Water
Other Names: Diana the Huntress, The Seer
Key Meaning: Trust Your Inner Voice
The High Priestess Tarot card means that you should trust your intuition, or inner voice.
A to Z: List of Tarot Cards
High Priestess Keywords
🥰 Upright: Intuition, hidden influences, dreams
😒 Reversed: Blocked, loneliness, not reading signs
High Priestess Tarot Card Description
This description is based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. A priestess dressed in blue sits between two columns. She wears a symbol of the moon on her head, and holds a scroll labeled Torah on her lap. The book can also be called the Book of Science or the Akashic Record. She is a mystic seated between this world and the next. You must pass her before entering the temple of hidden knowledge, but one feels she will not let just anyone through. She will judge you on your spiritual knowledge and awareness.
When the High Priestess turns up in your reading, it is usually in acknowledgement of your spiritual progress. Perhaps you have been studying something of a spiritual nature, or been trusting your intuition, dreams or psychic visions more. Her message is: look within you for answers, and don’t rely on others.
She also represents hidden influences – that is, events which have yet to come to light.
Other key words associated with this card: occult knowledge, moon magic, divining, awakening, altered states, dowsing, dreams, reflection, sacrifice, thirst for wisdom, unlearning and relearning, veils and visions.
What Zodiac Sign is the High Priestess Tarot Card?
The moon is the ruler of the High Priestess card. This is because the moon is dark and shadowy, representing mysteries which are not yet understood. The moon also reflects our deep feelings and insecurities, and when the High Priestess appears it can mean we are not ‘seeing’ or ‘thinking’ clearly. There may be more to a situation or person than we realise. We are not in possession of the full facts. It is better to observe and smile, rather than jump to conclusions.
The High Priestess is associated with the star sign Cancer. Cancer is the sign of home and family. In astrology it rules the 4th house of childhood, motherhood and children.
The High Priestess corresponds to the element Water.
Relationships: What does The High Priestess Mean when You Ask About Love?
When the High Priestess turns up in a love reading, the meaning will depend on your question. For example, if you asked:
💖 Will I find love? Then this card does not provide an answer. Rather it says, focus on you and your personal development at this time. In time, you are likely to meet someone who is equally ‘awake’.
💖 Does he or she like me? The answer is yes, but their feelings may not be grounded in reality. Perhaps you have not presented yourself honestly, or they have put you up on a pedestal, which could pose problems down the road. Don’t rush this relationship.
💖 What is the future of our relationship? This card essentially says, you know the answer. Trust your intuition.
💖 If you are struggling with a relationship, perhaps with a family member, colleague or friend – this card means, there is more to this situation than meets the eye. Ideally, try to find out what is going on in other person’s head, because it holds the key to resolving your relationship issue. Allow them talk, and you do the listening.
CAREER: What does This Card Signify when You Ask About Work?
If your question relates to work, business, career or study and you receive the High Priestess, then here is your guidance:
⭕ In your job, use your intuition when it comes to dealing with people and projects. It is your short-cut to success.
⭕ If you are developing your psychic abilities through the use of Tarot cards or psychic training, keep going. This card means you are on the right path.
⭕ You meet a wise mentor who becomes an important guide on your life journey.
⭕ The only way to feel truly happy is to make money while making a difference. You cannot separate the two interests.
Careers associated with this card include: academic, psychic, librarian, architect, nutritionist, childcare, nurse, care worker, designer, chef, therapist, wedding officiant, life-coach and hotel or B&B owner.
If you are considering hiring a candidate and this card appears, it means:
If you require someone who is an empathetic and enthusiastic team member, then this is the right candidate. This person is likely to be creative and intuitive when dealing with clients. They are not likely to rush for promotion and are happy as long as they receive regular appreciation.
MONEY: What is the Meaning of the High Priestess Tarot Card in a Money Reading?
If you asked the Tarot about money and finances, and you receive the High Priestess, it can mean:
💲 You are being impractical when it comes to saving or spending money. It is a good idea to be more aware of your budget.
💲 Knowing when to listen to intuition – and when not to – especially when buying or investing, is a skill worth learning.
Tarot Card Combination Meanings
“High Priestess combined with 5 of Pentacles” – Healing emotionally and physically
“High Priestess combined with 4 of Swords” – Meditation provides answers
“High Priestess combined with 2 of Swords” – Undecided about your beliefs
HEALTH: What does The High Priestess Mean when You Ask About Health?
In a health reading, the High Priestess Tarot card signifies emotional turbulence. If you are experiencing mood swings, it is could be connected to hormones or even moon phases.
This card is also linked to gynecological issues. It is an excellent card to meditate with if you are struggling to conceive a baby due to gynecological issues. Simply allow your eyes to gaze on the card for a few minutes and absorb it’s energy.
Health conditions associated with this card include: menopause, period pain, pelvic pain, PCOS, fibroids, urinary incontinence and cervical dysplasia. It also rules: breasts, stomach, ovaries and the womb.
YES/NO: Does The Card Mean Yes or No in a Reading?
❓ When you ask a Yes or No question and this Tarot card turns up, then the answer is neither yes or no. You are not meant to know at this time.
TIMING: Does The High Priestess Predict any Particular Timeframe?
🕔 This card is only a timing indication when you specifically asked a timeframe question. For example, if you want to know if something will happen, and when, then you need to draw two separate cards. These are in fact, two separate questions. This is a fundamental principle to understand if you want an accurate tarot reading – and it is core to my teaching in my book Tarot in 5 Minutes.
🕔 The High Priestess card represents June 21 – July 22. If the card is reversed, timing will be longer – perhaps up to a year later, same date.
Karina’s Timing Method:
I am using a traditional major arcana timing method here, based on the zodiac sign assigned to each card.
What is the Meaning of The High Priestess Tarot Card Reversed?
When the High Priestess is upside down then she is thrown from her throne and disorientated. This may mean:
✔️You are ignoring your intuition or feel blocked. Spend more time meditating or being alone in nature. This is a good time for self-care.
✔️ You are withdrawing from relationships with other people, and this makes you feel lonely.
✔️Insecurities and self-doubt are holding you back in your job, business or studies.
✔️There is a female in your life who is being dishonest.
✔️Other keywords associated a reversal include: avoiding truth, irrational behavior, deceit, hidden agendas, insincerity and self-deception.
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The High Priestess Symbolism
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Karina, author of Tarot in 5 Minutes.