The High Priestess: Analysis

This card can easily be described in great detail, and like many of the Major Arcana cards, it is chockfull of symbolism that has been interpreted in numerous ways unique to the reader.

We see a woman completely covered in ceremonial garb sitting on a stone bench between two pillars in front of a veil. The first thing to notice is the color scheme—black, white, blue, gray, and even yellow in some parts. The majority of these colors are associated with the moon, the unknown, the Mysteries, and hidden knowledge. The two pillars she is seated between are black on the left and white on the right, symbolizing the polarity of positive and negative, darkness and light, and so forth. There also are letters on the pillars—on the black there is a B and the white bears a J. My best guess is that these letters are a Qabalistic reference, one of many in the Rider-Waite deck as a whole. A second possible Qabalistic reference in this card is the priestess’ scroll, which reads “TORA” if closely looked at. The Torah is the Jewish holy text, and Qabala is a type of mysticism tied to Judaism.

The veil behind the priestess is also a very important symbol, as it is not only covered in what look to be pomegranates, but it appears to be a veil between the astral and physical worlds. It is closed behind her because the astral worlds are supposed to be secret save for a select few—only the priestess can access that part of existence, as displayed by the card because the way she is sitting shows that she is guarding it; therefore, she is guarding arcane secrets and the unknown because the unknown is reputed to frighten those who are not ready to make themselves open to it.

The pomegranates on the veil are one of the most contradictory parts of this card—not only do they resemble the yoni (female genitalia) and represent fertility (therefore hinting at female sexuality), the priestess is, in many sources, celibate; sexless in order to be completely dedicated to her spirituality/craft/mysticism. Another hint at the priestess’ celibacy is the veil she is wearing over her hair and topped with the moon crown—I connected this to how a nun is celibate and wears a veil and wimple over her head. The moon crown, I noticed, is reminiscent of a well-known Wiccan/Pagan/Witchcraft symbol for the Triple Goddess representing the three stages of a woman’s life. On her bosom is an equal-armed cross, which could mean many things including balance, sanctity, or even the planetary symbol for Earth.

Finally, at the feet of the priestess is the crescent moon, which is a symbol of the feminine, darkness, secrets, the night, and intuition.