THE HIGH PRIESTESS
The Priestess of the Silver Star
The Moon
“Intuitive Understanding”
DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM
In the image of the High Priestess, we behold a serene and beautiful woman seated on a white cubic stone. A partially open scroll, a symbol of sacred wisdom, rests on her lap upon which is written T – O – R – A (TORAH) in large capital letters. She is dressed in blue and white robes and wears an equal armed cross centered between her breasts as well as a crown of two crescent moons which support a large, pearly white globe resting between them. The bottom of her robe connects with a large body of water situated behind a veil suspended between two pillars situated to her rear. A yellow crescent moon, a symbol of the inner world of the eternal psyche, sits at her feet.
The High Priestess is seated between two cylindrical pillars. One is colored black and is inscribed with the capital letter “B” in reverse white while the other pillar is white in color and is inscribed with the capital letter “J” in reverse black. Both columns, which represent the polarities of life, extend upward from the top of the image and are decorated near their tops with ornate, leafy designs. Between the pillars hangs a veil that is decorated with the images of pomegranate fruits and palm leaves, symbolizing both female and male creativity. Through both sides of the veil and between the outer edges of the columns we gain a glimpse of a large expanse of water, a symbol of the Cosmic Consciousness, which is connected to the bottom of her robes and the yellow crescent moon. The High Priestess invokes the sense of that which is hidden and must be intuitively sought out within the inner depths of the psyche and brought forth into the light of conscious understanding.
ASTROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
The astrological association of this card with the Moon reflects its association with life at the intuitive, unconscious level: the deep, mysterious creative and generative matrix that dwells beneath the surface consciousness and informs the conscious personality on its passage through the successive states of awareness that we call “time.”
ORACLES
There are secret forces or hidden influences at work in your situation. You must use your intuitive insight to penetrate into the mystery surrounding your present affairs and discover the hidden truth that lies within them. Look to the Moon realm of your dreams and listen to your inner voice for in this realm is the key to the understanding you seek and the inner wisdom that you need.
You are being blinded by self delusion or relying on superficial knowledge. A profound lack of self insight lies at the root of your difficulties. Your self love and pleasure seeking have become so powerful that you have become cut you off from any true perception of reality. The truth that you need will not come to you unless you quit deceiving yourself and begin to value your intuitive understanding and through it discover the reality of your inner world.
“The Path of the Uniting Intelligence”
The Path of the Uniting Intelligence expresses the unity of the human consciousness and the Cosmic Consciousness that we can attain through a living relationship with the High Priestess. Through her guidance we attain to the wisdom of the inner self and unlock the great mystery of the creative imagination. Only those who pay her obeisance can raise the veil, pass between the two pillars and experience the Mystery. She is the Sacred Feminine – the Mother of all Wisdom.