PLANETS 
The high priestess
 The High Priestess The veiled face of the goddess represents mystery, secrets, and the eternal ebb and flow of the Moon's influence upon earth and all its creatures. The great Egyptian goddess, Isis, in her veiled form, presided over a powerful and widespread mystery religion in ancient times. This extended all over Greece and Asia Minor, and had cult centres in Rome and Memphis. She offered salvation and regeneration after her death to her followers, and was known as Myrionymos, 'the one with ten thousand names', since she incorporated aspects of many other goddess forms. Astrologically, the Moon represents mother, feelings, instincts, changeable moods, the feminine principle and fertility. All of these qualities are combined in the High Priestess, daughter of the Moon, who guards the gateways to the deepest recesses of the mind. Interpretation When the High Priestess appears, she represents the sixth sense, heightened perception, and a fascination with the unknown. She is telling you to look within, pay attention to your dreams, and listen to the inner voice we all possess but seldom use. She may appear at a time in your life when you are particularly interested in mystic subjects, the paranormal or occult. She can herald some hidden part of yourself which is about to surface - deeper emotions, or psychic powers, for example. She invariably counsels patience, waiting for the right time, and relying on gut feelings rather than logical answers. Her secrets will be revealed eventually; you may not be ready to understand them yet. This is a good time to learn how to develop your intuition - try divination, or use creative visualisation techniques. When she represents a person, she may be your mother, especially if she is widowed, divorced or alone in life. She can appear as a psychic woman, witch or powerful female boss. In a man's cards she can symbolise the sometimes frightening female aspects of himself, or manifest as a strong independent woman whom he is unable to control or dominate. She can also represent an idealised lover, or someone he cannot have a real relationship with because she has either rejected him, or is happy with someone else. Physically, the High Priestess is associated with the element of water. In health matters she relates to body fluids, digestion, absorbing nutrients and clearing the body of poisonous wastes. She suggests an emotional sensitivity to the Moon and seasonal temperature fluctuations. The High Priestess has no need of men, and in certain circumstances can represent lesbian sexuality. Within a heterosexual relationship, she signifies female mystery and can mean, for a woman, that the man in her life does not really understand her. This card also suggests emotional isolation, brought on by a tendency to confide only in other women. This may leave a male partner feeling resentful and rejected. Reversed Stand back and take the time to look carefully at your problems. There is a lot going on beneath the surface when the High Priestess appears upside down, consequently this is not the right time to proceed. Since you are not in full possession of all the facts you must wait until they emerge. This position may also indicate that you have repressed or ignored intuitive feelings, and warns you of the danger of this approach. Socially, shallow, superficial people may surround you. The High Priestess reversed can sometimes warn of hidden enemies, usually female. Someone may be working against you, or feel destructive towards you. Watch your step, and keep your own counsel if you suspect this to be true. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World |
