High Priestess Tarot Card

The High Priestess also known as the Papess or the
female Pope who is depicted as a wise woman
in reading of the tarot cards

The Female Pope, or High Priestess is depicted as a wise woman dressed in elaborate robes and heavy crown similar to those of the Pope.  The curious tale of the female pope who rose by reason of her talent and brilliance to the Papal chair, taking the name John VIII and believed to have reigned successfully from 854 to 856.  Unfortunately she became pregnant and died giving birth during a solemn procession.

This curious tale depicted in the tarot cards was without foundation, and was probably compounded from half-remembered pagan myth allied to non-conformist speculation.

In reading the Tarot cards, the female pope and High Priestess is assigned the number two, which symbolises counterpoise, relativity, the dualism of the "pairs of opposites" that develop from the number one, or unity.

It has been said of her that she is "the great feminine force controlling the very source of life, gathering into herself all the energising forces and holding them in solution until the time of release".  Therefore  she is depicted sitting between the twin pillars of positive and negative power upon which the universe if founded, absorbing and unifying the opposing energies.

Intuition, are unspoken words and the Fool's first task is to learn the secret language of the High Priestess so that he might study the words in her book of wisdom.

Psychologically, the High Priestess symbolises one of the bridges linking the twin pillars of the conscious and unconscious minds, the inspirer of dreams and visions that reveal the continuance of life beyond conscious boundaries.

When it appears in a tarot reading it depicts that something is to be revealed and a

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The veil behind her hides a door that gives entrance into the inner worlds of the psyche; it allows the conscious mind to pass within and enables the powers of the unconscious to manifest themselves.  Creative inspiration and intuition revelation are two of the forces which can only flow when the way is open.

Upright:  The revealing of hidden things which bring strength and hope.  Intuitive insight into problems which will suggest new solutions.  This card can indicate the influence of a woman who is wise or inspired.  To the artist or innovator she represents the source of creative talent.

Reversed:  Warns against difficulties arising from emotional instability.  In a man's tarot card spread it can symbolise the bad influence of a woman on him, one by whom he is emotionally involved.  Also indicates problems resulting from lack of foresight or reluctance to take sound advice.