The High Priestess Card Fully Explained｜Subconscious, Emotion & Feminine Wisdom

Associated Information

Related Keywords: Subconscious, Emotion Corresponding Astrological Body: Moon Element: Water Element

Key Words

Spiritually attuned, dreamy, serene, reserved, contemplative, rational thinker, feminine wisdom, inwardly rich, strong-willed, absolute.

Upright Interpretation

Pure and innocent, possesses intuitive judgment, reveals the truth, uses the power of the subconscious, knowledgeable, makes correct judgments, thinks rationally, unrequited love, spiritual romance, strict in love, avoids romance, helpful in academics.

The High Priestess relates to the connection with the subconscious. If the Magician is the creator and manipulator of the material world—symbolizing control and transformation of matter, the DNA of the physical—then the High Priestess is the creator of the subconscious, working in subtle and hidden ways. The fruit of life behind her symbolizes the continuation and creation of the subconscious, which is essentially the collective unconscious—a kind of spiritual DNA. Much of what lies in the subconscious is passed down through generations via parents and society, sometimes lasting for centuries or even millennia. Examples include the universal human fear of snakes, archetypal images of ghosts, and mythological interpretations.

Reversed Interpretation

Cold and unfeeling, unable to think clearly, headed in the wrong direction, superstitious, irrational, emotionally unstable, lacking foresight, harshly rejecting love.

A reversed High Priestess may represent the collapse of duality—the two pillars fall, leading to confusion between right and wrong. The sea above may no longer be calm, symbolizing an emotional breakdown or inner turmoil. The subconscious stirs restlessly, emotions surge uncontrollably, and previously repressed feelings now surface. Alternatively, the loss of the veil may lead the High Priestess to become extremely indifferent—saying one thing but feeling another, lacking sincerity. The crescent moon above emphasizes the Moon’s cyclical and fluctuating nature—mood swings and emotional instability make it difficult to grasp another’s feelings.

Detailed Meaning of the Card

The High Priestess represents feminine wisdom. She holds the calmest mind and the most absolutely pure truth.

She is card “2” in the Tarot. The number 2 represents duality and division—mind and matter, spirit and flesh, life and death, right and wrong. It embodies a dialectical way of thinking between two opposing ends. The two pillars behind the High Priestess represent this duality. In her arms, she holds a book titled “TORA,” the book of wisdom. It signifies that she holds the source of wisdom and the power to reconcile opposites and divisions. “TORA” means fate, truth, and life itself, and the High Priestess is the key figure who grasps life’s truths.

The Magician before her is number 1, representing the power of initiation. The High Priestess, as number 2, brings in opposition. She sits between the black (B = Boaz) and white (J = Jachin) pillars, representing yin and yang. Her position between them symbolizes balance and the rational path of moderation, which is her ultimate pursuit.

The High Priestess has a personality characterized by emotional restraint. She is not interested in material pleasures but is not entirely unfeeling. The veil behind her represents the richness and vitality of her inner world (the red pomegranates—the fruits of life). Her soul is full of warmth and life, though outwardly she appears serene and composed, sometimes seeming indifferent. This is in fact a form of modesty, reflecting a conservative nature. The crescent moon at her feet represents purity and innocence, untouched by the world.

The book in her hand symbolizes the Book of Wisdom, containing truths of yin and yang, black and white. The calm and expansive body of water behind her—specifically the Mediterranean Sea in the visual context—symbolizes the subconscious when reflected onto the human psyche.

In terms of love, emotions between two people may feel distant. There may always be some emotional reservation, although the heart may secretly yearn for deeper connection. Overall, this card indicates a lack of intimacy in the relationship and a limited emotional investment. The figure of the High Priestess also suggests that the person in question is not currently interested in love. If approached too actively or passionately, romantic attempts may meet with cold rejection.

As the card reflects a higher level of inner awareness, it is less favorable in terms of action. It represents deep thought but little execution—ideas without follow-through—resulting in few material gains. It is a card of the spirit and mind rather than the physical world.