THE HIGH PRIESTSSS

Card II

Ruled by the Moon

The High Priestess, or Female Pope, is shown as a

wise woman dressed in blue robes reminiscent of the Virgin Mary or of a nun. In many traditional decks she wears the triple crown similar to that of the Hierophant (card 5), but here she wears the horned crown of the goddess Isis. She holds a scroll marked "Torah' and sits between two pillars representing severity and mercy. Her robes are patterned with pomegranates suggesting the mystery of life and death. It is also a symbol of virginity, and so by implication of the virgin Moon goddess who sheds the morning dew, according to ancient belief.

Meaning: When the High Priestess appears in the cards a secret is about to be revealed. Often the card shows a strong feminine influence, and in a man's reading it can represent the most important woman in his life. The card shows mystic power, psychic ability and the unconscious mind. It relates to memory and intuition. Rely on instincts.