Tarot Card Meanings - The High Priestess

[darlene carrera]

In this installment of my series on Tarot Card meanings, focusing
primarily on the Major Arcana, I'm going to be covering the third card
of the Major Arcana, which is The High Priestess. After reading this
article, you'll have a basic understanding of the meaning of this key
for both its normal key and reverse key.
The High Priestess is considered a passive card. If you look at her,
she is seated quietly. This isn't to say that there isn't substance to
The High Priestess. She symbolizes energy that is bubbling under the
surface. The card signifies things that cannot be seen at this point
in time. The whole picture is not clear. However, there is much depth
to the situation. It's kind of like the old saying, "Still waters run
deep." Because of this, The High Priestess must be looked at very
carefully in the context of the entire spread.
The card also signifies the ability to use intuition and receive
inspiration from the spirits. It also may signify, depending on the
spread, that the subject needs to keep his or her ideas and feelings
secret. If they confide in somebody, they need to make sure that they
pick just the right person. You also need to have complete faith in
your feelings.
The reverse key of this card signifies a superficial situation; one
with no real secrets. If this card comes up in the reverse position,
you need to examine everything. Don't blindly give away your trust
until you know the situation and understand it. This position can also
refer to a person who is weak or lacking in energy. This could greatly
affect a relationship or support that you may need from another
person.
In the extreme cases, this reversed position suggests that a complete
review of the entire situation is in order. In most cases, strength is
lacking and a deeper commitment is needed in order to make the
situation work.
The High Priestess is one of those very subtle cards that most people
just kind of gloss over, but she can be a real force to reckon with.
Whenever this card comes up in a spread, especially in the fifth or
sixth position, that's when I worry. This usually tells me that I am
going to be suddenly surprised by something. This is when I am most
careful with the things I do, concentrating on the area of cards that
make up the bulk of the spread, such as wands, cups, pentacles or
swords.
Don't take The High Priestess lightly.
She can be a real terror.
To YOUR Divination Success,
Steven Wagenheim