(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
What I See in the Card:
The High Priestess sits alone on a throne, like a queen or judge, and everything about her is in perfect balance. She is not old, as you might expect one of her stature to be. She is rather timeless. Her robes are opulent. She is confident in her knowledge and her position.
The High Priestess is a teacher, but you have to go to her for learning; she won’t come to you. She looks quiet and calm, comfortable on the throne. It’s lush and green all around her, and nighttime. It feels like she’s always here, remote and self-contained.
Her throne bears symbols of the moon, suggesting her access to esoteric knowledge. The pillars of her throne are like gates. She looks at the person who approaches, a supplicant. I think she’ll help you if you’ll ask. She is intimidating but not unkind. I like her. But I don’t trust gurus so I’m not sure about how wise her wisdom is. Still, I’m sure she knows a thing or two. Whether I want to know those things, I’m less sure of. She’s a mystery.
Her book has no obvious words; only she can read it. It contains all the mysteries of life and death. You can’t take it from her, or read over her shoulder, but she might share some of what’s in it if you ask in just the right way.
What this card means depends on you and what you’re seeking to know. In a way, the card asks if what you’re seeking to know is enough, if you’re asking the right questions, looking deeply enough inside yourself, and really wanting wisdom. Or are you just asking for some superficial salve? (Yes please.) Are you taking her seriously?
You should take her seriously. She is more powerful than she appears. And maybe she knows something that could do you good.
This card comes at the beginning of your journey, when you might need wise advice. There’s nothing scary in the card. You don’t have to be afraid. But know your place. You’re coming to her as a supplicant.
I like this card. It suggests there is much to learn.
Read will take you to my notes on how to tell a fortune with the High Priestess — traditional interpretations; what the card might mean in different positions; keywords to help memorize meanings; and questions to ponder or ask the querent.
Write will take you to a few prompts for launching from the High Priestess into a story. A first line, a setting, an object, a character, and a theme — five possible ways to turn the Priestess into fiction.
Tarot will take you to a central Tarot-Prompts page.
Go ahead, ask for wisdom.
Images on this page are by the following artists:
Banner (and top box), left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland: Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington.
Mid-page boxes: Tarot Balbi; the Light Seer’s Pocket Tarot created by Chris-Anne.
Catherine Austen 