The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning
The High Priestess is card II of the Major Arcana, called the Papess in older decks. She stands for intuition, silence and knowledge that cannot be rushed: the answer exists, but it comes from within and in its own time.
- Upright
- intuition · inner voice · mystery · patience · hidden knowledge
- Reversed
- ignored intuition · secrets · confusion · withdrawal · superficiality
| Arcana | Major Arcana |
|---|---|
| Number | II (2) |
| Correspondences | Planet: the Moon. Element: Water. Number: 2. |
| Yes or no | Maybe (upright), no (reversed) |
Symbolism of the card
A calm woman in a blue robe sits between two pillars: a black one marked B and a white one marked J, the pillars of Solomon’s temple. Behind her hangs a veil embroidered with pomegranates, and through a gap you can glimpse water. She wears a crown of a full moon between two crescents, a cross on her breast, and holds a half-hidden scroll with the letters TORA. A crescent moon lies at her feet.
The pillars are opposites — light and dark, yes and no — and she sits calmly in the middle, holding both. The veil hides the deeper layer of life that is felt rather than seen; the pomegranates are fertility and secret knowledge. The scroll is partly covered because not everything can be put into words. The moon links her to cycles, dreams and the unconscious.
Upright meaning
Upright, the High Priestess asks you to listen to yourself. The situation has a hidden side that facts alone will not reveal: pay attention to your feelings, dreams, first impressions and the small signs you usually dismiss. Your intuition is unusually accurate now.
This is not a time for loud action. Observe, collect information, keep your plans to yourself for a while. Answers will come if you give them space — through reflection, solitude, study or simply a quiet evening.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, the High Priestess shows that you are not listening to your inner voice — out of hurry, fear or because other people’s opinions are louder. It can also point to secrets, hidden motives or information that someone is keeping from you.
Sometimes the reversed card describes the opposite: withdrawing so far into yourself that you lose contact with others. Find the balance between silence and honest conversation, and check what you are told.
Love and relationships
Upright
In love the High Priestess brings mystery and a deep, quiet attraction. For single people it can mean a slow-burning connection or interest in someone who does not show their feelings openly. Let things unfold without pressure.
In a couple it speaks of emotional depth and understanding without words — but also of things left unsaid. Trust what you feel about the relationship.
Reversed
Reversed, the card warns of secrets, emotional distance or a partner who hides their intentions. It can also mean you are ignoring warning signs. Ask the questions you have been avoiding.
The High Priestess as feelings
As feelings, the High Priestess shows that this person feels a deep, perhaps hidden attraction to you. They are drawn to you but reserved and may not reveal their feelings soon. There is more going on inside than they show.
Work and money
Upright
At work the High Priestess favours research, analysis, learning and work that needs discretion. Do not reveal all your plans yet; gather information before acting. In money matters, trust your instincts about people and deals, and avoid hasty decisions.
Reversed
Reversed, the card warns of hidden information, office intrigue or a decision taken without the full picture. Check documents and do not rely on rumours.
Health and wellbeing
The High Priestess points to the link between mind and body: rest, sleep and attention to your cycles matter now. Reversed, it may mean ignoring the body’s signals. Any health concern should be checked with a doctor.
Yes or no
Maybe (upright) · No (reversed)
Upright, the High Priestess answers maybe: not everything is known yet, so wait and trust your intuition. Reversed, the answer is rather no, because something important is hidden.
The High Priestess as advice
Be quiet and listen. Before deciding, ask yourself what you already know deep down. Keep your plans private for a while and trust the answer that comes from within.
As the card of the day
A day for observation and reflection. Notice details, trust your first impressions and do not reveal everything at once.
Combinations with other cards
-
The High Priestess + The Moon
The High Priestess with the Moon: very strong intuition, but also illusions; trust feelings and check facts.
-
The High Priestess + The Magician
The High Priestess with the Magician: knowledge meets action; a good time to turn insight into a plan.
-
The High Priestess + The Hermit
The High Priestess with the Hermit: a period of solitude, study and inner search.
-
The High Priestess + Two of Cups
The High Priestess with the Two of Cups: a deep, almost unspoken bond between two people.
Questions about the card
Is the High Priestess a positive card?
Yes, but in a quiet way. She brings intuition and inner wisdom rather than quick results, and asks for patience.
What does the High Priestess mean as a person?
A wise, intuitive and reserved person, often a woman, who knows more than she says: an adviser, teacher or someone with deep inner life.
Does the High Priestess mean a secret?
Often, yes. Upright it is knowledge that will reveal itself in time; reversed it can point to secrets or information being hidden from you.