The Papess, called The High Priestess in the Rider-Waite deck, is depicted as a serene and mysterious woman seated on a throne between two columns—one black and marked with the letter “B,” and the other white and marked with the letter “J.” These columns recall those of Solomon’s Temple (Boaz and Jachin), symbolizing duality (the masculine and the feminine, darkness and light, severity and mercy). The Papess wears a long blue robe and a veil, as well as a two-tiered papal tiara or crown (or sometimes a moon at her feet and a lunar horn on her head in certain decks). On her lap, she holds a partially unrolled book or scroll—the Torah in the Rider-Waite deck—indicating divine law or esoteric wisdom. Behind her, a veil decorated with pomegranate and palm motifs conceals a landscape with water. Pomegranates, symbols of abundance and fertility (and associated with Persephone in mythology), emphasize the connection with the underworld of hidden knowledge. The overall iconography gives the Papess an aura of mystery, inner wisdom, and feminine intuition.
History of the Papess or The High Priestess Card
In the Tarot of Marseille, arcana II is The Papess. Her name has intrigued people over the centuries, since there has never been an official female pope in the Catholic Church. Some have seen it as a reference to the legend of Pope Joan (a woman who, according to a medieval account, disguised herself as a man and became pope in the 9th century). Others have interpreted this figure as representing the Church itself or, more generally, hidden Wisdom. On early cards, the Papess appears veiled, crowned like a pope, and holding a closed book on her lap. She symbolized esoteric knowledge concealed behind dogma. When 19th-century French occultists (including Éliphas Lévi) examined the tarot, they saw in her an embodiment of sacred science, faith, and intuitive knowledge. In the Rider-Waite tarot, Arthur E. Waite chose to rename her The High Priestess, thus emphasizing her universal spiritual role rather than a Catholic connotation. The Rider-Waite iconography incorporated Kabbalistic (the Boaz and Jachin columns of the Temple) and mystical elements to accentuate her status as guardian of the mysteries. The Papess is often associated with the Moon, the goddess Isis, or the goddess Artemis/Diana in esotericism, and her number II positions her as the feminine counterpart to the Magician I (she represents passivity and the gestation of inner knowledge, while the Magician represented action and outward expression). Today, the Papess/High Priestess is understood as the archetype of the intuitive priestess, the inner voice, and the subconscious.
Correspondence Table for the Papess or The High Priestess
| Number | 2 |
| Element | Water |
| Gender | Feminine |
| Planet | Moon |
| Season | Winter |
| Stone | Lapis lazuli |
| Plant | Mint |
| Hebrew Letter | Beth |
Interpretation Advice for the Papess or The High Priestess
Interpreting the Papess requires inviting the querent to embrace inner calm and listen to their intuition. As a tarot reader, advise them not to rush into action (unlike the Magician, the Papess does not act immediately: she absorbs and reflects). If this card appears, it is often wise to tell the querent: “Take a step back, trust your deep feelings; some things need to mature in silence.” The Papess may also suggest that a truth is not yet ready to be revealed. Advice: encourage the querent to seek information, study, or wait for the right moment before making a decision. For a beginner in tarot, remember that the Papess embodies patience and insight: she reads a closed book, a sign that she possesses hidden knowledge that she will reveal only to those who know how to be receptive. Thus, during the reading, one might say: “There may be things you do not yet know; take time to reflect and trust your inner voice.” If the querent is going through a period of uncertainty, the Papess advises against forcing events and encourages cultivating the inner world (meditation, prayer, study). In short, to read this card well, direct the interpretation toward introspection, discretion, and trust in inner wisdom.
Upright Meaning of the Papess or The High Priestess
Upright, the Papess symbolizes inner wisdom, intuition, hidden knowledge, and fertile passivity. She indicates that the answer the querent seeks may lie in what is not apparent, behind the scenes of consciousness. This card encourages listening to one’s intuition and trusting one’s dreams and premonitions. It is a time to gather information, learn, and consult one’s inner guides rather than act impulsively. The Papess often represents a period of gestation (in any area): things take shape internally before they can manifest. Spiritually, she indicates a strong connection with the subconscious, the possibility of developing psychic abilities, or seeking answers through spirituality and esotericism. She is also the card of the secret: she may signify that a silent but benevolent influence is at work (for example, an advisor, a wise grandmother, or a spiritual mentor quietly working to help). In a practical context, the Papess may also signal the need to keep something secret or remain reserved about a matter until it has matured. Overall, this card brings a message of patience, depth, and intuitive understanding of the world.
Reversed Meaning of the Papess or The High Priestess
Reversed, the Papess may indicate blocked intuition, poorly guarded secrets, or superficiality. Instead of listening to their inner voice, the querent may ignore it or misinterpret it. This often manifests as confusion, a lack of clarity about which direction to take, or even inappropriate revelations (talking too much instead of keeping a secret). The reversed Papess may also point to an imbalance between the inner and outer worlds: for example, excessive passivity or restraint that becomes sterile (ruminating without ever taking action), or conversely, an inability to remain calm (frantically seeking answers externally when one should turn inward). In relationships, this reversed card may indicate that one does not trust one’s intuition about someone—one may be lying to oneself or refusing to see a truth that is nevertheless obvious deep down. Sometimes, it reveals that secrets are weighing heavily and may create unease if they remain buried. The negative advice would therefore be: it is time to clarify matters and open up, while carefully choosing whom to confide in. In addition, the reversed Papess may indicate a lack of knowledge or preparation: perhaps the querent is embarking on something without sufficient information. Overall, this reversal invites one to rebalance the inner world: recover mental stillness, meditate, or, conversely, leave one’s isolated bubble if one has become too cut off from the world.
Influence of the Papess or The High Priestess on Work
Professionally, the Papess often indicates a phase of learning or preparation. The querent may be in training or gathering information for a project. It is advisable not to skip steps: this card may suggest waiting for the right moment to propose an idea or working behind the scenes on a plan before presenting it publicly. It favors careers connected with knowledge, teaching, research, or advisory roles where listening is essential (psychology, mediation). Upright, the Papess may announce a supportive female colleague or supervisor who acts as a mentor. She may also suggest that the solution to a problem at work will come from careful reflection rather than rushed action. Reversed, caution is advised: hidden information may harm you if you do not look for it. Perhaps a contract contains undisclosed clauses, or gossip is circulating secretly. The reversed Papess in work encourages you to clarify the situation and not remain uninformed. You should also avoid being too passive in your career and missing opportunities as a result.
Influence of the Papess or The High Priestess on Finances
Financially, the Papess recommends caution and planning. This is not the card of bold moves, but rather of wise saving and discreet management. It may indicate that the querent keeps their finances private (for example, quietly saving for a future project or being reluctant to disclose their financial situation). She advises thoroughly researching an investment and reading contracts carefully (the book on the Papess’s lap reminds us that we must know the fine print). Upright, this generally promises stability achieved through wisdom: by listening to one’s intuition, one avoids pitfalls and makes sound financial choices. Reversed, however, the Papess may signal a lack of financial transparency—perhaps an expense has been concealed or a financial partner is dishonest. Also beware of ignoring the reality of your financial situation. There may be delays in incoming funds (the Papess’s slowness) or a need to clarify muddled accounts.
Influence of the Papess or The High Priestess on Love
In love, the Papess evokes patience and deep feelings more than fiery passion. For a single person, she may indicate that love is developing behind the scenes: perhaps someone is quietly harboring feelings (a platonic love or secret admirer), or the querent themselves is nurturing a feeling without expressing it. This suggests listening to one’s heart and intuition about the people one meets, without rushing. In a relationship, the Papess encourages listening and unspoken understanding between partners. It is silent complicity and discreet emotional support. She may mean that certain unspoken matters need to be addressed within the couple (unexpressed emotions that, if put into words gently, will strengthen the bond). Upright, it is a relationship based on intuitive trust and quiet fidelity; reversed, there may be secrets or a lack of emotional communication creating distance. In that case, gradually opening the dialogue should be encouraged.
Influence of the Papess or The High Priestess on Health
In health matters, the Papess evokes a period of observing and listening to one’s body. She encourages paying attention to subtle signals and bodily intuition (for example, sensing the need to rest before exhaustion sets in). She is also the card of stable mental and emotional health supported by meditation, spirituality, or gentle therapy. Upright, she may indicate a beneficial period of convalescence or hormonal adjustments (the Papess is linked to the Moon, and therefore to female cycles; this could concern gynecological or hormonal health). The Papess encourages consulting experts when necessary and patiently following a long-term treatment. Reversed, she warns against keeping one’s ailments to oneself. The querent may minimize an important symptom or delay seeking medical help. They may also feel emotionally isolated, which harms their recovery. The reversed Papess calls for expressing what is wrong (not internalizing everything) and seeking informed medical or therapeutic guidance instead of remaining in uncertainty.
Influence of the Papess or The High Priestess on Family
In a family context, the Papess often represents the mother or grandmother, or more broadly, a wise and protective female figure in the family. She brings an energy of unconditional but quiet love—for example, a grandmother who secretly prays for her grandchildren, or a mother who intuitively understands her children’s needs. Upright, the Papess indicates family harmony based on unspoken understanding and discreet support. Heartfelt bonds grow stronger through patience and mutual listening. Perhaps the family also keeps a long-standing secret or honors esoteric traditions passed down from generation to generation. Reversed, there may be unspoken issues or isolation within the family: for example, a family member who retreats into silence instead of sharing their pain, or a burdensome family secret that is difficult to reveal. The advice would be to encourage gentle communication and create a space where everyone can confide without judgment.
