The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning: Upright, Reversed & Love

The room goes quiet as you turn the card. Between two pillars—one black, one white—she sits, a crescent moon at her feet, a scroll half-hidden in her lap. The High Priestess doesn't speak loudly. She doesn't need to. The answers you're looking for are already inside you.

The High Priestess is card number 2 in the Major Arcana. She is the guardian of the subconscious mind, the keeper of hidden knowledge, and the voice of deep intuition. Where The Magician acts, The High Priestess listens.

Quick Reference

Upright Meaning

When The High Priestess appears upright, you're being asked to pause and listen. Not to the noise around you—to the quiet voice within. Your intuition is exceptionally strong right now, and it's trying to tell you something. The answer to your question isn't found in spreadsheets or pro-con lists. It lives in the space between your thoughts.

This card often surfaces when there's something hidden—information that hasn't been revealed yet, or a truth you sense but can't quite articulate. Don't force it. The High Priestess teaches patience. What needs to be known will come to light in its own time. Your job is to remain still and receptive.

There's also a deeply feminine energy to this card, regardless of your gender. It speaks to cycles, receptivity, and the wisdom that comes from going inward rather than outward. If you've been in constant doing-mode, The High Priestess is your permission to simply be.

Reversed Meaning

The High Priestess reversed suggests you've lost touch with your inner voice. Maybe you've been ignoring your gut feelings, overriding your instincts with logic, or letting other people's opinions drown out your own knowing. This disconnection can leave you feeling anxious and ungrounded.

This reversal can also indicate secrets—either something being kept from you, or something you're keeping from yourself. Are you in denial about a situation? Is there a truth you're afraid to face? The reversed High Priestess gently insists: stop hiding. Honesty—especially self-honesty—is the path back to peace.

The High Priestess in Love & Relationships

If you're single: The High Priestess suggests a period of inner work before the right partner appears. You may need to understand your own desires and patterns more deeply before inviting someone new in. Trust the timing. Romance may also come from an unexpected, mysterious connection—someone who intrigues you on a soul level.

If you're in a relationship: There may be unspoken feelings or hidden dynamics at play. This card encourages you to look beneath the surface. What isn't being said? What do you sense but haven't addressed? Open a gentle, honest conversation. Emotional intimacy deepens when both partners feel safe to reveal their inner world.

The High Priestess in Career & Finances

In career readings, The High Priestess suggests that not all information is on the table yet. Before making a major professional decision, wait. More details will emerge. Trust your instincts about workplace dynamics—if something feels off, it probably is. This card also favors careers in healing, counseling, research, and the arts.

Financially, The High Priestess advises caution. Now is not the time for impulsive investments. Something may be hidden in the fine print, or a deal may not be as good as it appears. Do your research quietly, and trust your instincts if something feels too good to be true.

The High Priestess as Advice

Go within. The answer you're seeking won't come from asking more people or gathering more data. Sit quietly. Meditate. Journal. Pay attention to your dreams. The High Priestess reminds you that you already know the truth—you just need to get still enough to hear it. Trust yourself more than you trust the noise.

Card Combinations

• The High Priestess + The Moon = Deep subconscious work is needed. Illusions may be clouding your judgment—trust your dreams and inner visions for clarity.
• The High Priestess + The Magician = A perfect balance of intuition and action. You know what to do AND how to do it.
• The High Priestess + The Empress = Powerful feminine energy. Creativity, nurturing, and deep wisdom combine for a period of personal flourishing.

Explore more:

• Major Arcana Deep Dive
• Complete Tarot Card Meanings List