II-High Priestess is the second of 22 cards comprising the Major Arcana of the tarot. Also known as La Papesse or The Female Pope, II-High Priestess is associated with the zodiacal sign of Cancer, ruled by the Moon. Cancer, a water sign, and the Moon are associated with emotions, the subconscious and intuition, and II-High Priestess as an archetypal force symbolizes the hidden, spiritual, unconscious, and intuitive aspects of the universe in which we live.
As La Papesse, II-High Priestess reminds us we are spiritual beings walking around in human bodies. As such, we have access to spiritual knowledge, the subconscious mind, and our own inner guidance system which is connected to the Divine.
Keywords for II-High Priestess: intuition, secrecy, feminine mysteries, virginal, platonic, psychic, something going on beneath the surface, hidden issues, innermost feelings, inner voice, divination, celibacy, low sex drive, hidden potential, self-trust, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self- acceptance, self-resourcefulness, independence, spiritual depth, extra sensory perception, occult knowledge, intuitive capabilities, harmony, balance, equilibrium, healing powers.
In a tarot reading, a person represented by II-High Priestess may be reserved, secretive, and/or self-reliant. She may be psychic or possess healing powers. Usually she is inner-oriented or directed, responsible and self-sufficient. II-High Priestess as a person is typically a mature, serious, cautious and/or discerning individual who uses discretion in her dealings with others. Unless surrounding cards say otherwise, she is trustworthy and wise.
If II-High Priestess is drawn as a theme card or the card representing the situation/ issue/ circumstance, it is an indication that the situation/ issue/ circumstance is of a serious nature and not everything about it has been revealed to you yet.
Negative manifestations of II-High Priestess: inability to communicate, passivity, promiscuity, not enough reflection given to the situation/ issue/ circumstance, being out of touch with yourself, going against your gut feelings, not paying attention to your true needs and/or feelings.
Work: Something is going on beneath the surface. What is your gut telling you? A female co-worker, supervisor or employee may be hiding something from you or you may sense some psychic or underhanded manipulation going on.
Romance: A hidden agenda. Something is not right or someone isn’t telling you everything. Secrets. Trust issues. Something may be out of balance in the relationship. (This is almost never an indication that the person in question is your soul-mate.) Trust your intuition.
Finances: Unknown factors are at play. Do your homework and research the situation. Something may be off balance. Uncover discrepancies, probe beneath the surface. Ask your inner self for guidance, clarification and direction. You may need to consult a financial adviser to help you clarify and resolve your issue. Trust your gut feelings and your psychic impressions concerning money issues.
Health: You don’t have enough information to make a decision concerning your condition or its treatment. More research is needed. Be proactive and don’t take anything at face value. If you get a bad gut feeling about a certain course of action or medical procedure, don’t do it. Question the diagnosis, the treatment, the doctor. Get a second opinion.
Spirituality: Cultivate and/or focus upon the qualities of self-trust, self-resourcefulness and self-acceptance in order to achieve spiritual balance and deepen your connection to the Divine. Developing receptivity to “the quiet voice within” releases healing powers and strengthens your intuitive capabilities.
Empowerment: Pay attention to your intuitions, hunches, gut feelings and dreams. Don’t be afraid to look beneath the surface, keep your own counsel, and trust your own inner guidance system.
Note from Mary: Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the “secretive,” “psychic,” “intuitive” nature of II-High Priestess while forgetting that the number 2 first and primarily points to balance and the ability to successfully manage yin (receptivity) and yang (action). The way you can do this is to develop a regular routine for going within and accessing your spiritual core — your own inner guidance system — for insight, commentary and advice on how to proceed in any given situation/ circumstance and then learn to trust yourself enough to act on the guidance received.
Blessings,
Mary Hawkins
