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 marked with the letter “B” and the other white marked with the letter “J.” These columns recall those of Solomon’s Temple (Boaz and Jakin), symbolizing duality (masculine and feminine, darkness and light, severity and mercy). The Papess wears a long blue robe and a veil, as well as a papal tiara or crown with two levels (or sometimes a moon at her feet and a crescent moon on her head in some decks). On her lap, she holds a partially unrolled book or scroll – the Thora in the Rider-Waite – indicating divine law or esoteric wisdom. Behind her, a veil decorated with pomegranate and palm motifs hides a landscape with water. The pomegranates, symbols of abundance and fertility (and associated with Persephone in mythology), emphasize the connection to the underworld of hidden knowledge. The overall iconography gives the Papess an aura of mystery, inner wisdom, and feminine intuition.
1. History of the Papess or The High Priestess Card
In the Marseille tarot, the II arcana is The Papess. Its name has intrigued over the centuries, as there has never been an official papess in the Catholic Church. Some have seen it as a reference to the legend of Pope Joan (a woman who, according to a medieval story, 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 old cards, the Papess appears veiled, crowned like a pope, holding a closed book on her lap. She symbolized esoteric knowledge hidden behind dogma. When 19th-century French occultists (including Éliphas Lévi) studied the tarot, they saw her as an embodiment of sacred science, faith, and intuitive knowledge. In the Rider-Waite tarot, Arthur E. Waite chose to rename her The High Priestess, emphasizing her universal spiritual role rather than a Catholic connotation. The Rider-Waite iconography incorporated Kabbalistic elements (the Boaz and Jakin columns of the Temple) and mystical symbols to highlight her status as guardian of mysteries. The Papess is often associated with the Moon, the goddess Isis, or the goddess Artemis/Diana in esotericism, and her number II places her as the feminine counterpart to the Magician I (she represents passivity, the gestation of inner knowledge, while the Magician represented action and externalization). Today, The Papess/High Priestess is understood as the archetype of the intuitive priestess, the inner voice and the subconscious.
2. Correspondence Table of the Papess or The High Priestess
| Number | 2 |
| Element | Water |
| Gender | Feminine |
| Planet | Moon |
| Season | Winter |
| Stone | Lapis lazuli |
| Plant | Mint |
| Hebrew Letter | Beth |
3. Interpretation Tips for the Papess or The High Priestess
Interpreting The Papess requires inviting the querent to inner calm and listening 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, she 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 can 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, remind them that The Papess embodies patience and insight: she reads a closed book, a sign that she holds hidden knowledge that she will only reveal to those who are receptive. Thus, during the reading, one might say: “There may be elements you don’t yet know, take time to reflect, trust your little inner voice.” If the querent is going through a period of uncertainty, The Papess advises not to force events and to cultivate their inner world (meditation, prayer, study). In short, to read this card well, guide the interpretation toward introspection, discretion, and trust in inner wisdom.
4. Upright Meaning of the Papess or The High Priestess
Upright, The Papess symbolizes inner wisdom, intuition, hidden knowledge, and fertile passivity. It indicates that the answer sought by the querent may lie in what is not apparent, behind the scenes of consciousness. This card encourages listening to one’s intuition and trusting dreams and hunches. It is a time to gather information, learn, consult inner guides rather than act impulsively. The Papess often represents a period of gestation (in any area): things are taking shape internally before they can manifest. On a spiritual level, she indicates a strong connection with the subconscious, the possibility of developing psychic abilities or seeking answers in spirituality and esotericism. It is also the card of secrets: it can mean that a silent but benevolent influence is at work (for example, a counselor, a wise grandmother, a spiritual mentor who acts discreetly to help). In a practical context, The Papess can also signal the need to keep something secret or be reserved on a subject until it is ripe. Overall, this card brings a message of patience, depth, and intuitive understanding of the world.
5. Reversed Meaning of the Papess or The High Priestess
Reversed, The Papess can indicate blocked intuition, poorly kept secrets, or superficiality. The querent, instead of listening to their inner voice, might ignore or misinterpret it. This often shows as confusion, lack of clarity about which direction to take, or even inappropriate revelations (talking too much instead of keeping secrets). The reversed Papess can also point to an imbalance between the inner and outer worlds: for example, excessive passivity or restraint that becomes sterile (ruminating without ever acting), or conversely an inability to stay calm (frantically seeking answers outside when one should turn inward). In relationships, this reversed card can signal a lack of trust in one’s intuition about a person – one might lie to oneself or refuse to see a truth that is obvious deep down. Sometimes, it reveals that secrets weigh heavily and risk creating discomfort if they remain buried. The negative advice would be: it’s time to clarify things, to free speech while carefully choosing whom to confide in. Moreover, the reversed Papess can mark a lack of knowledge or preparation: perhaps the querent is embarking on something without enough information. Overall, this reversal invites rebalancing the inner world: regaining mental silence, meditating, or conversely breaking out of isolation if one has cut off too much from the world.
6. Influence on Work of the Papess or The High Priestess
Professionally, The Papess often indicates a phase of learning or preparation. The querent might be in training or gathering information for a project. It is advised not to skip steps: this card suggests, for example, waiting for the right moment to propose an idea or working behind the scenes on a plan before presenting it publicly. It favors jobs related to knowledge, teaching, research, or advisory roles where listening is essential (psychology, mediation). Upright, the Papess can announce a kind colleague or superior who acts as a mentor. It can also suggest that the solution to a work problem will come from deep reflection rather than hasty action. Reversed, caution: hidden information may harm you if you don’t seek it out. Perhaps a contract contains undisclosed clauses, or gossip circulates secretly. The reversed Papess in work encourages clarifying the situation and not remaining ignorant. Also, avoid being too passive in your career to the point of missing opportunities.
7. Influence on Finances of the Papess or The High Priestess
Financially, The Papess recommends caution and planning. It is not the card of sudden moves but rather of wise saving and discreet management. It can indicate that the querent hides their finances (for example, quietly saving for a future project or not readily disclosing their financial situation). It advises thoroughly researching before investing, carefully reading contracts (the book on the Papess’s lap reminds us to know the fine print). Upright, it generally promises stability achieved through wisdom: by listening to intuition, one avoids traps and makes wise financial choices. Reversed, however, the Papess can signal a lack of financial transparency – perhaps an expense was hidden or a financial partner is dishonest. Also beware of denying the real state of your finances. There could be delays in income (the Papess’s slowness) or a need to clarify murky accounts.
8. Influence on Love of the Papess or The High Priestess
The Papess in love evokes patience and depth of feelings more than fiery passion. For a single person, it can indicate that love is being prepared behind the scenes: perhaps someone feels something silently (platonic love or secret admirer), or the querent themselves harbors a feeling without expressing it. It suggests listening to one’s heart and intuitions about the people they meet, without rushing. In a relationship, The Papess favors listening and tacit understanding between partners. It is silent complicity, discreet moral support. It may mean that some unspoken matters need to be addressed in the couple (unexpressed emotions that, if gently put into words, 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. Then, gradual opening of dialogue should be encouraged.
9. Influence on Health of the Papess or The High Priestess
The Papess in health suggests a period of observation and listening to one’s body. It urges paying attention to subtle signals, bodily intuition (for example, feeling the need to rest before exhaustion). It is also the card of stable mental and emotional health thanks to meditation, spirituality, or gentle therapy. Upright, it can indicate a beneficial convalescence or hormonal adjustments (The Papess is linked to the moon, thus to female cycles, possibly concerning gynecological or hormonal health). The Papess encourages consulting experts if needed and following a long-term treatment with patience. Reversed, it warns against keeping ailments to oneself. The querent might minimize an important symptom or delay seeking medical help. They might also feel emotionally isolated, which harms healing. The reversed Papess calls for expressing what is wrong (not internalizing everything) and seeking enlightened medical or therapeutic guidance instead of remaining in uncertainty.
10. Influence on Family of the Papess or The High Priestess
In the family context, The Papess often represents the mother or grandmother, or more broadly a protective and wise female figure in the family. She brings an energy of unconditional but silent love – for example, a grandmother who prays secretly for her grandchildren, or a mother who intuitively knows her children’s needs. Upright, the Papess indicates family harmony based on tacit understanding and discreet support. Bonds of the heart are strengthened by patience and mutual listening. Perhaps the family also keeps a long-held secret or honors esoteric traditions passed down through generations. Reversed, there may be unspoken issues or isolation within the family: for example, a family member who shuts themselves in silence instead of sharing their sorrows, or a heavy family secret that is hard to reveal. The advice would be to encourage gentle communication, creating a space where everyone can confide without judgment.
