Have you ever felt the pull of hidden knowledge, just beyond your reach? The High Priestess card in the Smith-Waite deck invites us to explore this mystery by balancing our physical and spiritual selves.
In the Smith-Waite deck, the High Priestess sits upon a cubical stone between two pillars, with a tapestry or veil hanging behind her. Beyond the veil, we glimpse a body of water extending to land in the distance.
The cubical stone represents the physical world. The water symbolizes the unconscious mind. The two pillars and the veil recall the First Temple, symbolizing our dual natures and hidden knowledge. The free-standing pillars have deep mythological associations stretching back to the Bible and far into pre-history.
The Duality of Human Nature
With a crown upon her head, the High Priestess, nearly as tall as the pillars, suggests the central balancing pillar of the Tree of Life. Her crown signifies the moon’s phases, while the equal-armed cross on her chest represents the sun’s cycles. The symbols of moon and sun remind us of the cycles of life and our physicality, acknowledged in the Jewish solar-lunar calendar. These two celestial bodies represent life's many dualities and choices: physical and mental, conscious and unconscious, good and evil inclinations.
Her blue and white garments, flowing like water over a crescent moon at her feet, pool on the floor. Between her hands is a scroll displaying all but one letter of the word Torah, divine law. Her robe is falling away to reveal the entire scroll, suggesting that what was once hidden wisdom is now being fully revealed.
Connections to Jewish Tradition
The High Priestess card aligns with Deuteronomy, chapters 11 to 30, which speaks of the closeness of divine commands. This suggests that wisdom and moral guidance are inherent within us:
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.This was the blessing Joshua recited to the people of Israel as he had been instructed by Moses. The blessings and curses were concretely symbolized by lush Mount Gerizim (representing life and good) and by desolate Mount Ebal (representing death and evil). These mountains mirror the High Priestess card's message of choice and balance. The distinction between good and evil is portrayed tangibly and imminently by the two mountains.
Interpretations and Insights
The High Priestess card contrasts with The Devil card, where chains and demonic imagery represent humans' evil inclinations. The High Priestess offers a choice of life and freedom. Our two natures, the yetzer tov (good inclination) and yetzer hara (bad inclination), are natural and integral parts of us, both essential for survival.
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.
Norma Cowie suggests that the black and white pillars remind us of our unconscious negativity even as we strive to walk a positive path. The river of the unconscious symbolizes our hidden emotions and attitudes. The High Priestess offers us life and divine law while reminding us of our hidden nature.
Laura Tempest Zakroff likens the High Priestess to the heart, pumping blood and symbolizing the mystery hidden in the watery depths of consciousness. Knowing ourselves helps us become aware of the subtle influences around us. Our spirituality, like our consciousness, arises from our physical bodies.
I once intuited an empty canoe in the river behind the Priestess. A canoe appears to me when I make shamanic journeys. 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. I think we must also remember our consciousness, which is often associated with the sun. Disconnection from any part of ourselves, physical or intellectual, can lead us away from a worthwhile life.
Frederic Lionel views the High Priestess as embodying both nature's mysteries and transcendental wisdom. Sofia, Wisdom, is imminent. The yin-yang black and white symbolism of the pillars highlights the need to balance the dual aspects of our nature. Both are necessary and complementary.
Conclusion
The High Priestess symbolizes the integration of body and consciousness. She encourages us to explore the depths of our nature while embracing our physical life. We can balance our dual aspects (the various aspects of our minds) and choose a path of growth and wisdom. The High Priestess guides us to hidden knowledge and spiritual maturity.
How do you connect with the hidden aspects of your own nature? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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.
ReplyDelete