In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the High Priestess rests on a cubical stone, while behind her a tapestry or veil is suspended between two pillars. Beyond the veil, we glimpse a body of water extending to land in the distance.
The cubical stone represents the material world, grounding the priestess in physicality. The water suggests the unconscious mind, while the pillars and veil evoke the First Temple, and symbolize the balance between our dual natures. Free-standing pillars have deep mythological associations stretching back to the Bible and far into the pre-history of the Near East. The imagery suggests that "hidden" knowledge is accessible; it is an integral part of our world, accessible through our awareness of the physical.
The Apparent Dualities of Human Nature
The crown on the High Priestess’ head, which represents the phases of the moon, and the equal-armed cross on her chest, symbolizing the sun’s cycles, remind us of the Jewish solar-lunar calendar. These celestial symbols remind us of the cyclical nature of life and our participation in the physical world. They also evoke dualities: conscious and unconscious, body and soul, good and evil. These are not separate realms; they are interwoven in the body which is the source of both consciousness and spirituality. The priestess's position between the two pillars suggests that she is the central balancing pillar of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.
Connections to Jewish Tradition
Deuteronomy 30:11-19 teaches us to “choose life,” reminding us that divine wisdom is not distant or hidden. “The word is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it.” The High Priestess echoes this idea. Between her hands is a scroll displaying all but one letter of the word Torah, divine law. Her robe, flowing like water, is falling away to reveal the entire scroll, suggesting that wisdom and moral guidance are not so hidden, but are within our very bodies. (Her robes flow down to a crescent moon at her feet, suggesting the realm of Yesod.)
This message is reinforced by the image of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, representing life and death, good and evil, respectively. Just as the Israelites were instructed to choose life, so too does the High Priestess urge us to choose wisely from within the framework of our physical existence.
For this command which I charge you today is not too wondrous (literally: hidden) for you nor is it distant. It is not in the heavens, to say, ‘Who will go up for us to the heavens and take it for us and let us hear it, that we may do it?’ And it is not beyond the sea, to say, ‘Who will cross over for us beyond the sea and take it for us and let us hear it, that we may do it?’ But the word is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it. See, I have set before you today life and good and death and evil, that I charge you today to love the Lord your God, to go in His ways and to keep His commands.Holiness isn't achieved by asceticism or hope for release from the body, but by "choosing life," by feeling blood pulsing in our veins and intuition flowing through our minds.
Interpretations
The High Priestess represents the unity of body and soul. Rather than being a dualistic figure separated from the physical world, she embodies the idea that our spiritual and mental life arises from our biological reality. The water behind her reflects the flow of unconscious emotions and intuitions that are part of our physical and spiritual existence.
In Jewish thought, our two natures, the yetzer tov (good inclination) and yetzer hara (evil inclination) are are natural and integral parts of us, both essential for survival. The High Priestess sits as a mediator between them, showing that our physical nature can help us choose our thoughts and actions.
The High Priestess card contrasts with The Devil card, where chains and demonic imagery represent our inclinations. The High Priestess offers a choice of life and freedom. Freedom involves intimacy with the currents of the world. A soaring bird appears "free," but is, in fact, relying on its knowledge of wind currents, skillfully relying on them.
The High Priestess card is about choosing how to act in the world. As a human woman seated on a cubical altar, she reminds us that our physical bodies generate consciousness, which is so mysterious that we can never fully understand it. Yet, through our bodies, we receive intuitions guiding us towards life’s universal law, and the actions we take with our bodies shape our lives. She invites us to choose the path of life and to be aware of our own natures.
Modern Perspectives
Norma Cowie sees the black and white pillars as symbols of the contrasts within us, our unconscious negativity and conscious striving for goodness. Wisdom can be found within; our physical nature is a part of this journey, not a hindrance.
Laura Tempest Zakroff likens the High Priestess to the heart, pumping blood and symbolizing the mystery hidden in the watery depths of consciousness. Our spirituality, like our consciousness, arises from our physical bodies. Knowing ourselves helps us become aware of the influences around us. I once intuited an empty canoe in the river behind the Priestess. A canoe appears to me when I make shamanic journeys, so if my consciousness originates in my physical body, this symbol is a reminder that my spirit travels in my bloodstream.
Christine Jette emphasizes the lunar aspect of the card: trusting our intuition and seeking hidden knowledge through dreams and art. But our consciousness is often associated with solar imagery. Disconnection from any part of ourselves, physical or intellectual, can lead us away from a worthwhile life.
Conclusion
The High Priestess invites us to choose life, not by ignoring the body but by recognizing that our consciousness and spirituality arise from it. She encourages us to explore the depths of our nature while embracing our physical life. We can balance the various aspects of our minds and choose a path of growth and wisdom. The High Priestess guides us to spiritual maturity: the recognition that freedom comes only after understanding and mastery of our physical life.
As an artist i find a connection to my intuitive, self through my art. I meditate on the High Priestess card and then sit down and let my inner self dictate what i draw and what colours to use. As colour as well as form can tell us much about our inner thoughts. You do not have to be an artist to access your inner self this way. Just take a pencil and let what you’ draw be part of your meditation. Don’t think—just draw or paint, letting your intuitive self direct your hand.
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