The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning

The High Priestess represents mystery, intuition, hidden wisdom, and the Divine Feminine. She is the second card in the Major Arcana and invites you to go inward, to trust your inner knowing, and to explore the liminal space between the conscious and subconscious.

When the High Priestess appears in a tarot reading, it’s a call to listen to your intuition and honor the quiet, powerful wisdom that comes from within. She is a guardian of the veil who exists in the in between. In the hidden space between dark and light, manifestation and action.

In the Rider-Waite tarot, the High Priestess sits between the black and white pillars of Boaz and Jachin, symbols of duality and balance from the mystic Temple of Solomon. She wears a cross and a horned crown like those of Hathor and Isis and holds a partially hidden scroll labeled “TORA.” This suggests secret knowledge revealed only to those who seek it with sincerity.

Behind her is the veil embroidered with pomegranates and palm trees. These are symbols of abundance, fertility, and mystery. They also connect her to Persephone who traveled between worlds. At her feet, the crescent Moon symbolizes dreams, magic, and feminine energy, and mystery. The flower water behind the veil signals her connection to the subconscious and the great abyss.

She is the threshold between what is known and what is yet to be understood.

The High Priestess Keywords

Upright High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning

The High Priestess asks you to quiet the noise and go within. She is the sacred pause before action, the moment of deep knowing that doesn’t need to be explained. If she appears in your reading, it may be a sign that the answers you’re seeking won’t come through logic. Instead, they’ll come through silence, dreams, signs, and gut feelings.

She is the card most connected to the subconscious realms and to mystery. Waite himself wrote, “this card is the highest and holiest of the Greater Arcana.” She does not reveal the mysteries to anyone — only to do the spiritual work to uncover them.

She’s also a symbol of the Divine Feminine, the lunar mysteries, and the sacred power of receptivity. When this card appears, consider deepening your connection to your spiritual practice, your intuition, or your emotional intelligence.

Love and Relationships

In a relationship reading, the High Priestess tarot card suggests there is more going on under the surface than it seems. It could point to a deepening emotional bond or the need for more emotional transparency. Trust your intuition.

If you’re single, this card encourages you to listen to your inner knowing when meeting new people. Don’t ignore red flags or green lights, but do go with your gut.

Career and Finances

In terms of career, the High Priestess urges patience and observation. There may be behind-the-scenes developments you’re not yet aware of. It’s a good time to stay quiet, gather information, and follow your instincts. It can also signify it’s a good time to go into a more spiritual or esoteric sector of work.

Financially, don’t make quick decisions. Something hidden may be influencing your money situation. Take a step back and evaluate.

Reversed High Priestess Meaning

When reversed, the High Priestess warns that you may be ignoring your intuition or you are disconnected from it. You might be overthinking, seeking answers outside yourself, or resisting the stillness needed to find clarity.

This card reversed can also suggest secrets, deception, or a lack of emotional honesty, either with yourself or someone else. It’s a reminder to return to your inner knowing and spiritual practices.

Love and Relationships

Reversed, the High Priestess can point to emotional distance, withheld feelings, or confusion in a relationship. Someone may be hiding something or not even fully aware of how they feel.

If you’re single, it may mean you’re ignoring your intuition about a potential partner. Slow down and listen to your gut before investing your energy.

Career and Finances

In work or finances, the reversed High Priestess warns of information being withheld, confusion in decision-making, or not trusting your instincts. You might be getting swept up in someone else’s agenda or pushing forward without proper insight. Pause and reassess before making any big moves.

How to Interpret The High Priestess in a Past-Present-Future Tarot Spread

One popular tarot spread is the past-present-future spread. Here’s one way to read this card if it shows up for you.

If the High Priestess appears in the past position: A time of spiritual awakening, intuitive development, or private reflection shaped your current path.
In the present position: Listen inward and honor what you sense even if it lacks tangible proof.
In the future position: Guidance will come through dreams, signs, or spiritual insight. Slow down and create space to receive.

Tarot Journal Prompts for The High Priestess

If this card comes up in your reading and you wish to meditate or journal about it to get a deeper understanding of how it might relate to your situation, here are some prompts to consider.

• What is my intuition trying to tell me right now?
• Where in my life do I need to slow down and listen?
• How can I cultivate a deeper connection to my inner world?
• What am I keeping hidden—from others or from myself?
• What does the Divine Feminine mean to be and how can I connect with and embody it?

Important Card Combinations for the High Priestess Card

The High Priestess + The Moon

Heightened intuition, psychic insight, and emotional depth.

The High Priestess + The Hierophant

Blending inner wisdom with the traditional knowledge of the Hierophant..

The High Priestess + The Empress

Divine Feminine power in full bloom. Creation and intuition are in flow.

The High Priestess + Ace of Cups

A powerful new beginning or emotional or spiritual connection.