The High Priestess is probably one of the most "popular" of all the cards of the Tarot. She's the one I suspect most people fancy represents them. And of course we do, just look her. She's beautiful and wise and spiritual and complex. Just like we all are.
- An Abundance of Wisdom
Waite even says that in many respects she is "the highest and holiest of the Greater Arcana."
I would never seek to de-mystify her if that were even possible. But let's take a look at how she is portrayed here.
The High Priestess, as I understand her is about knowledge, or rather the wisdom that comes with knowledge. She's the patron saint of the Undeclared Major, learning for the sake of broadening the mind and spirit. She is able to advise on complex situations as they arise by drawing on a wide base of experience, but not necessarily directly. Her insights may appear mystical but they are not mystical so much as they are highly skilled intuition and highly tuned instinct developed through much effort. "Miracles" are often attributed to what I would call "High Priestess Moments," instances when events seem to be influenced by unseen forces, but are really the result of skilled (even if unconscious) human interventions.
Now lets look at the symbols on the card:
She is holding the Tora, she wears a crucifix and has a crescent moon at her feet. So 3 major religions are covered. She is a student of spiritual topics and has synthesised all the information into a broad understanding of what moves the hearts and minds of mankind.
She is flanked on either side by pillars bearing the initials which stand for Boaz and Jachin. This Priestess is guarding the gates of the temple of Solomon whose pillars bore these same letters. (More information on how this temple and these pillars could figure into interpretations of the card would be very appreciated!)
These pillars were also engraved with...
Pomegranates, lots of them. And on this card they appear on the wall or curtain behind the High Priestess. Because pomegranates have so many seeds, they have been associated with abundance, though abundance of exactly what depends on where you are looking but I think this versatility makes it a great symbol for tarot reading. Fitting with the spirit of this card, it could be an abundance of knowledge or wisdom. However, there is a strong cultural tendency to always associate female characters with fecundity so many will say that is the abundance these fruits represent.
Due to their chambered structure, almost honeycomb like, pomegranates are also a symbol of unity and oneness. There are many many legends and myths associated with the Pomegranate (could it have been the "apple"in the Garden of Eden?) from all over the world and through the ages. Far too many to list here.
What is your connection to the High Priestess? How do interpret the symbols in this card, what does she bring to your readings?
She's a Major, but a very low Major. She's set herself up on a throne, she knows some things, but not everything. Again, Pope Joan, a bit of a pretender. 