II – The High Priestess Tarot Card

The High Priestess tarot card represents the divine feminine nature in all of us, the keeper of esoteric secrets and the great mysteries of life. She embodies the moon goddess of many cultures, from the Roman’s Diana, to the Greek Artemis, to the Mesopotamian Astarte. She is the Great Virgin, who does not concern herself with the mundane physical plane of existence, foregoing a mate or bearing children.

The High Priestess is usually depicted between two pillars representing the duality of this card, bearing the number 2. She is sometimes shrouded behind a veil, referring to the Veil of Isis in Western magical traditions. To part or pierce the “veil” of matter, is to gain entry into a state of spiritual awareness in which the mysteries of nature are revealed. This legendary Veil of Isis inspired the great occult classic, Isis Unveiled by H.P. Blavatsky. There is also  an inscription at the shrine of Neith-Isis-Minerva at Sais that references this veil.

“I am all that hath been, and is, and shall be; and my veil no mortal has hitherto raised.”

The High Priestess is typically pictured between two pillars, representing a “mystical” doorway to the unknown secrets and intuition in all of us. As the keeper of that gate, The High Priestess tarot card represents secrets and an initiation into more esoteric matters in the near future.