The High Priestess

✦ Mystery, Subconscious, Occult, Knowledge, Intuition

✦ General Description

Sitting atop a crescent moon, the High Priestess is enveloped by an aura of mystery, stillness, and hallowed power. She commonly represents the feminine counterpart to the masculine Magician; quiet and contemplative instead of frenetic and active.

✦ Symbolism

A pomegranate symbolizes the fertility of the feminine power represented, while her other hand holds a dowsing pendulum that seeks to gain knowledge of a less apparent nature. Centered on her neck is a key, a symbol of the potential to be unlocked by this occult knowledge.

✦ Suggestions

The High Priestess suggests a time of stillness and investigation. Now is the time to illuminate the unknown with the light of her crescent moon. Delve deeper into the underlying nature and truths. Thoughts and information gathered should be reviewed and meditated upon.

✦ Person Representation

This card may also represent an individual who embodies these qualities: someone with a deep understanding of occult topics, a teacher of such subjects, or a reserved individual with a large repository of knowledge.

✦ Additional Artwork

Behind the High Priestess is a topographic map of the Mariana Trench. Known as the deepest point on Earth’s surface at an estimated 7 miles, the Trench represents one of the most hidden and difficult to access locations on Earth, due in large part to the crippling water pressures at such depth.

✦ Unexplored Potential

In spite of this, it is brimming with potential knowledge and unexplored species, with the most recent expeditions uncovering glowing life, single-celled organisms 4 inches in length, and supergiant crustaceans more than 20 times the size of normal counterparts.