The High Priestess Upright
Deep and profound inner knowledge, an understanding of what is right for you on a gut level. This is a person who is extremely independent, centered, with little concern for the judgement of society, especially if it contradicts what they know to be true and right for them. Self reliant, comfortable with seclusion or removal/privacy. Strong self esteem, comfortable in one’s own skin. The moon, cycles, water, tides. Psychic gifts, strong, insightful dreams. The pomegranates in the drape represent being full of ideas, the potential present in your life. She cradles the torah, it faces in towards her gut. This represents your code, religion, your path is not dictated from without but from within. Knowing something in your gut, even if you are unable to put it into words. Sitting comfortably with a truth or a question. Smooth lake behind represents being at peace with one’s deepest emotions. The pillars are a reference to the two primary pillars in a temple in Jerusalem, Boaz being dark, the quality of mystery, passivity, stillness. Jakin being light, the qualities of action, knowing, illumination. Being between the pillars places one in the position of being able to grasp the dualism of the world or questions of existence. A strong woman in your life or insightful intuitive.
Best Course of Action Upright
Embrace YOUR truth. Be resolute in what is right for you. If in deep quest, seek counsel from another, especially an honorable woman. Do not waver. Be still. If needed, remove yourself to a place of seclusion. Trust your gut. It may be prudent to keep your own counsel at this time.
The High Priestess Reversed:
Not trusting your gut or instincts, pushing back against them. Being passive at the wrong time or being passive aggressive, not speaking up as punishment to another. Fear of life, others, wanting things to be clearcut and black and white when they are actually more complex. A simplistic approach to a complex issue. Being apathetic. Difficulty translating your beliefs into concrete action.
Best Course of Action Reversed:
Explore dualities, examine if you are blaming another, or if you are acting in a passive manner out of fear. Talk out your anxieties or questions with another. Be honest with yourself. Might just be a call to stop mulling and start acting! Act of your beliefs if they are solid. Feel free to ask for help, it is alright to need help, you don’t always have to be strong and self sufficient. You may need to let go of an old, stale way of thinking. Especially if it is an outmoded concept about yourself and your identity. You don’t have to have all the answers before proceeding. Look at other more formal traditions to inform your quest.