The High Priestess: meaning of the Tarot card in spreads for love, career, and health

The second Major Arcana card in the Tarot deck is the High Priestess. This card symbolizes a person immersed in esoteric sciences. The Major Arcana has a multifaceted meaning related to the inner strength of women. Primarily, it is a symbol of wisdom and intuition; the card indicates the ability to live in harmony with oneself and the world, to listen to one’s inner voice. Sometimes it speaks of secrets that are still hidden from the person and of the wisdom they have yet to attain.

Symbolism of the High Priestess card:

Other names: Papess, Gates of the Temple, Gates of Truth;

In foreign literature: High Priestess, La Papessa;

Correspondences among goddesses: Isis, Athena, Hecate, Sophia;

Keywords: truth, wisdom, secret, subconscious, intuition, spirituality;

Planet: Moon;

Element: Water;

Zodiac sign: Cancer or Pisces.

We explain what the High Priestess means in Tarot spreads, how she answers questions about relationships, a man’s thoughts and feelings, work, and health. You will learn how to interpret a single card in response to questions and what combinations with Major and Minor Arcana mean.

Table of Contents

• High Priestess: meaning of the Tarot card in spreads for love, career, and health
• High Priestess: feelings
• High Priestess: Tarot combinations
• High Priestess in relationships
• Reversed High Priestess
• High Priestess: a man’s feelings
• The High Priestess Arcana
• High Priestess: thoughts
• High Priestess: woman
• High Priestess in love
• The person: High Priestess
• High Priestess: advice
• High Priestess in a spread
• High Priestess for a cover image
• High Priestess: appearance
• High Priestess: personality
• High Priestess: health
• High Priestess in work
• High Priestess: Zodiac sign

High Priestess: feelings

The appearance of a Major Arcana card in a spread indicates issues with expressing true feelings. The High Priestess in Tarot is an outwardly cold woman who knows how to hide her emotions. Such an approach is justified for people who have decided to dedicate their lives to serving higher powers. However, in everyday life, an inability or unwillingness to express emotions leads to problems in personal relationships.

In the popular book “Tarot Guide: History and Practice,” the card signifies falling in love with someone who does not reciprocate. According to the Guide, a reversed card indicates deception or self-deception, and an inability to understand one’s feelings.

High Priestess: Tarot combinations

A Tarot spread is a complete picture where multiple elements come together to form a overall story. It would be a mistake to interpret each card individually without considering their combinations. Card combinations clarify and complement their meanings. Major Arcana carry more weight than Minor Arcana. If you encounter difficulties in a spread, focus primarily on their interpretations and combinations.

High Priestess in relationships

The High Priestess indicates a person who approaches relationships thoughtfully. They are not quick to open up, so there are no accidental people around them. From the outside, they may appear cold and distant. This is a confident individual who is comfortable alone. However, this does not mean that their heart cannot be melted. If you want to earn their trust, you will need to wait.

The personality described by the High Priestess does not rush to get close to others or form bonds. First, they need to ensure the safety and reliability of their partner. But if that happens, they will allow a new person into their inner world and build a deep connection.

In readings about existing relationships, the card may indicate the partner’s detachment. They might be immersed in their thoughts due to personal issues. Sometimes, the High Priestess suggests that there is a secret in the relationship. This could be a reluctance to bother the partner with personal problems or an affair on the side. Whether infidelity is present will be revealed by the overall picture of the spread.

Reversed High Priestess

When a Tarot card appears reversed, the energy of the Arcana is weakened or distorted. For example, in the upright position, the High Priestess symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and secret knowledge. But when the card is reversed, it may indicate an inability to use intuition effectively. Sometimes, in this position, the card advises making decisions based on logic rather than premonitions.

In love spreads, a reversed High Priestess is a bad sign. It can point to problems in the relationship, a reluctance to listen to and understand the partner. The distortion of the Priestess’s energy may manifest as impulsive decisions, lack of empathy, or an inability to see the truth. In some cases, it indicates a desire to avoid situations where emotions need to be expressed.

Sometimes, a reversed card suggests excessive immersion in the energies of the Arcana. The High Priestess speaks of patience, but a reversed Tarot card may mean a desire to go with the flow and avoid making any decisions. In the upright position, the card reflects a deep inner world, while in reverse, it points to escapism, illusions, and fantasies. Occasionally, a reversed card hints at a secret that will soon be revealed.

High Priestess: a man’s feelings

The High Priestess card indicates suppressed feelings of a man that he cannot express for some reason. This could be secret love for a woman who asked the question, but there may also be hidden feelings for a rival. Whether the man has another lover can be suggested by the overall picture of the spread.

In an optimistic interpretation, this card means that the man chooses platonic relationships and decides not to express his feelings to the woman who is interested in him. In such a situation, it points to a deep connection between partners that is not obvious to others.

In a broader sense, the High Priestess is a card of uncertain feelings. It describes not only secret loves but also situations where “everything is complicated” in relationships. The second Major Arcana reminds us that “the heart is an ocean of secrets,” and wisdom often lies in accepting the situation as it is.

Tarot cards in spreads often appear for men who are not interested in relationships. They prioritize maintaining their individuality over expressing feelings and forming bonds. They do not seek to confess love or enter into unions.

The High Priestess Arcana

In the Tarot card, the High Priestess is depicted as a girl or woman in flowing blue clothing. She sits on a stone throne shaped like a cube between a white and a black column. Behind her hangs a curtain, symbolizing a veil that hides the truth from uninitiated eyes. The Major Arcana is sometimes called the Gate of the Temple.

Symbolically, the High Priestess is a guardian who protects the passage to the realm of higher wisdom. She herself has already grasped the secret, as indicated by the scroll or book in her hands and the lunar crown of the goddess Isis on her head. The crescent moon at her feet signifies the feminine nature of truth: to feel the world delicately, it is important to listen to your intuition. At the same time, the black and white columns symbolize the unity of opposites: Sun and Moon, masculine and feminine, life and death are one; one cannot exist without the other. The High Priestess knows this truth; she is a wise mentor and an impartial guide who can help everyone on their spiritual journey.

Characteristics of the archetype according to the book “Tarot of Wite. The Big Book of Symbols”:

High Priestess: thoughts

The High Priestess in a reading about another person’s thoughts indicates a deep immersion in their inner world. Unfortunately, this means that the man or woman is not thinking about the querent at all. They are more likely reflecting on other people and situations. However, if it concerns the beginning of a relationship, this can still be changed by trying to attract the attention of the person you like. Do not be too pushy, as the High Priestess values slow rapprochement. Show your interest while respecting the other person’s inner world.

In spreads, the High Priestess often warns of a secret that the partner is hiding. Likely, the man or woman is concealing certain thoughts from you. In traditional interpretations, this can mean infidelity, but there’s no need to worry prematurely. Perhaps your loved one is hiding work problems or communication with a friend you definitely wouldn’t like. Try to have an honest conversation to understand what is bothering your partner. If you suspect infidelity, look for confirmation in real life and avoid rushing to accusations.

High Priestess: woman

The High Priestess symbolizes feminine wisdom in both everyday and metaphysical senses. By nature, women tend to feel the world more subtly than men. On average, they have a more developed emotional intelligence, and are often interested in creativity, psychology, and occult sciences.

The High Priestess is a woman who has gained deep insight into the essence of nature and life. She is a wise mentor who seems to have the ability to read minds and predict the future. She has strong intuition and can distinguish the main from the secondary. She is not interested in subjugating herself to a man; she values her individuality and independence. She follows feminine intuition rather than societal norms and rules.

The second Major Arcana rarely indicates young girls. When it does, such girls are distinguished from their peers by wise reasoning beyond their years. The High Priestess goes through many trials to learn to see the essence of things and to separate truth from lies. Her main teachers are time and life itself. The High Priestess is not interested in power or manipulation, although circumstances often unfold according to her will. She is a patient and understanding mentor who knows how to forgive. In the life of the querent, she may act as a love interest or a protective woman.

High Priestess in love

According to the Russian School of Tarot, the High Priestess is a woman who is not interested in relationships. If the person for whom the spread is done views this question differently, she will signify problems in love. Often, this card appears for men and women who claim to want relationships but, deep down, are not ready to meet their soulmate or are dissatisfied with their current partner.

For someone whose personality is described by the High Priestess, their inner world will always be more important than romantic relationships. Sometimes, this stems from an inflated self-esteem, and other times from a fear of intimacy. Such people often find it difficult to start relationships because they pay little attention to everyday life. They rarely take the initiative in love but can maintain relationships successfully if their partner respects their inner world.

In love spreads, the High Priestess often indicates a secret. This could be unrequited love that the person hides to avoid ridicule, or an affair on the side. Its meaning can be clarified by neighboring cards in the spread.

The person: High Priestess

The High Priestess can indicate a woman or man with highly developed intuition. This person has a calm and reserved character. Others may think that nothing can upset or disturb them. Such a person never rushes to make decisions or take actions. They are guided by their inner voice, which helps them decide. The High Priestess senses the right moment for every word and action. She knows when it is “time to scatter stones and when to gather them.”

The Major Arcana describes people with a delicate spiritual organization. They may seem strange or aloof. In everyday life, such people are often called “otherworldly,” and they are frequently drawn to psychology or occult sciences. They often act illogically and irrationally from society’s point of view, but ultimately, they get what they want. The High Priestess knows how to protect her personal space from intrusion and does not react to criticism. These people are good at influencing reality and manifesting their will. Others get the impression that an invisible hand guides the High Priestess through life.

High Priestess: advice

High Priestess: advice

In many spreads, there is a “advice” position. If the High Priestess appears in this position, she tells you: “Listen to your heart. The right answers come from within.” Do not seek answers from other people, even from recognized authorities. Do not try to act logically and correctly — finding a way out of a difficult situation will be helped by your heart, not your mind.

Think about how you can help yourself hear your inner voice. Perhaps meditation, walks in nature, engaging in your favorite creative activity, or a temporary break from social networks can help. In silence, the voice of the High Priestess sounds especially clearly.

The High Priestess embodies the principle of inaction and observation. Sometimes, the appearance of this card in a spread urges you to slow down and wait. The situation that worries you may soon resolve itself, and there is no need to worry about it.

Consider which interpretation of the card feels right for you. This knowledge also comes from within. Try to set aside your tasks for a while and dedicate time to yourself to hear the voice of intuition. Pay attention to dreams, listen to snippets of phrases on the street, and look for other signs from the Universe.

High Priestess in a spread

If the High Priestess appears in a spread, it indicates that you can find answers to all questions deep within your soul. Pay special attention to this sign if the Major Arcana frequently appears in spreads on various topics. The card often points to hidden processes that are not yet known to the querent.

A reversed card may indicate a loss of connection with your subconscious, mistaken decisions, and dangerous secrets.

High Priestess for a cover image

You can set the High Priestess Tarot card as your phone wallpaper to attract the energies of the Second Arcana into your life. Tarot cards, interpreted by any artist, look very beautiful. The illustration on the wallpaper should appeal to you and evoke a deep response in your soul. This way, you will more quickly achieve the desired result.

Before setting the Tarot card as your wallpaper, read again the meaning of the Major Arcana. Do not install it on your phone just because of its beautiful image if you are not ready for deep inner changes. Consider whether the image of the High Priestess aligns with your values and whether you are prepared for transformation.

The High Priestess is a beautiful and confident woman who follows her inner voice through life. She accepts the past with wisdom, knowing it cannot be changed, and looks into the future. She has faith in higher powers and a system of strict inner beliefs that she is not willing to violate. She is a smart, strong, goal-oriented, and spiritual woman, loyal to loved ones and her personal path.

High Priestess: appearance

The High Priestess card usually appears when the person whose appearance interests you is a woman. However, in some cases, the card may indicate a man with a developed feminine part of the subconscious (an active Anima).

The second Arcana points to a person of middle or older age. Their life experience is reflected in their appearance: the light of inner wisdom in their eyes, wrinkles on the face, and a confident gait. The High Priestess knows her worth and always keeps her back straight, feeling her inner strength. She has an average height and a slender build.

The card often indicates people of medium height with harmonious facial features. Such a person typically has thick hair of dark, dark blond, or chestnut color. When the card points to an older person, their hair may be gray. The High Priestess is usually depicted with gray or blue eyes. These eyes can belong to the person on whom the card has fallen.

The High Priestess speaks quietly but confidently. Such a woman or man has smooth movements and calm gestures; these people do not like haste or fuss. The High Priestess prefers calm colors and modest clothing. Women of this archetype do not favor bright makeup, high heels, or other provocative elements in their appearance.

High Priestess: personality

The person described by the High Priestess appears mysterious and reserved. Such an individual does not open their soul and heart to the first stranger, does not like to talk about themselves, and is rarely active on social media. Therefore, they find it difficult to form close relationships, but they do not mind being alone; the High Priestess always has something to do when alone with herself.

This person seems passive, rarely taking the initiative. In a large company, they prefer to listen and observe rather than be the center of attention. From the outside, they may seem cold, but this is often just a first impression. The High Priestess often withdraws from people to protect her rich inner world from criticism and devaluation.

The personality tends to contemplation and observation. They speak quietly and move smoothly, rarely rushing. The High Priestess is someone distant from material fuss. However, it would be wrong to say that questions of family, career, and finances do not interest them. They feel comfortable in the material world but believe that spiritual development is the most important. The High Priestess often gravitates toward psychology, mysticism, and esotericism, and succeeds in these fields.

High Priestess: health

High Priestess: health

In health readings, the High Priestess indicates that you should listen to your body’s signals and pay more attention to your intuition. Minor changes in well-being can be early signs of problems. The appearance of this card suggests hidden processes in the body. Early symptoms may manifest as physical changes, increased fatigue, and other signals that people often overlook.

If you experience any unpleasant signals related to health, do not delay visiting a doctor. Timely examinations help detect illnesses at an early stage or prevent their development. Sometimes, the High Priestess indicates that it is beneficial to establish a proper diet, ensure healthy sleep, and engage in physical exercise. It is important to treat your body wisely and care for your condition to maintain health.

The High Priestess is a feminine card. When assessing overall health, it primarily advises checking female organs and hormonal balance. Sometimes, the card points to sleep problems and issues with the nervous system. The Major Arcana recommends a conscious attitude toward your health.

High Priestess in work

High Priestess in work and career indicates that it is time to dedicate yourself to learning. When this card appears in a Tarot spread, it suggests that you should acquire new knowledge and improve your qualifications. Studying during this period will be successful and help you earn more and achieve a promotion faster. Sometimes, the card indicates that you can act as a mentor for your colleagues.

If you are doing a Tarot spread to choose a profession or want to find out what kind of work an interesting person does, the High Priestess points to creative and spiritual fields.

In the “advice” position, the card suggests listening to your intuition. This will help resolve even the most complicated work situation. If the card appears reversed in any career spread, it indicates that something is being hidden from you. Your boss or colleagues may have unfriendly intentions directed toward you. However, sometimes a reversed card indicates that the current profession does not suit you, and you need to look for a different path of development for the good of your soul.

High Priestess: zodiac sign

Taroscope is a practice of reading horoscopes using Tarot cards. If you’re curious about your acquaintance’s zodiac sign, you can try to find out using the Major Arcana.

In the classic image, the High Priestess has two moons: one crowns her head like a diadem, and the other lies at her feet. The moon symbolizes inner wisdom, femininity, as well as constant change and the cyclical nature of the world.

The symbolism of the illustration shows that the second Major Arcana is associated with the Moon, as described in the kabbalistic-astrological treatise “Sefer Yetzirah.” Arthur Edward Waite, the creator of the classic Tarot deck, accurately conveyed the astrological correspondences of the II Arcana. The blue color of the High Priestess’s clothing, her crown, and veil are associated with the zodiac sign Pisces.

Like the Moon, the zodiac sign Pisces governs the subconscious, wisdom, intuition, and illusions. In the Taroscope system, the person for whom the High Priestess appears may be a Pisces by horoscope. However, in traditional astrology, the Moon rules Cancer, so this option cannot be ruled out either.