Brief Introduction: The High Priestess Tarot Card Unveiled
Welcome to the enigmatic realm of tarot, where the High Priestess sits shrouded in mystery. This introduction peels back the layers of myth and legend, illuminating the truth behind this iconic tarot card. It's a journey into the heart of intuition, revealing how the High Priestess, often veiled in secrecy, came to be the mirror to our innermost wisdom. The High Priestess tarot card is often called the Divine Feminine, she is powerful, formidable, and she embodies all things intuitive. But, did you know that The High Priestess originally carried a different name? A little-known truth is that our beloved Priestess was once called “The Popess”! Let’s unmask the secret and discover just what this is all about.
Tracing the Roots: From Early Tarot to Modern Decks
The journey of the High Priestess tarot card is as rich and varied as the history of tarot itself. Originating from the early tarot decks of the 15th century, this card has evolved significantly over the years. Initially part of a game played by Italian nobility called Tarocchi and comparable to Bridge, tarot cards gradually transformed from a game for nobility into a tool for divination. The High Priestess card, in particular, has transitioned into a symbol of hidden knowledge and subconscious wisdom. Modern decks have further refined her imagery, each adding a unique twist to her mystique.
Symbolism Decoded: The High Priestess Imagery
Let’s briefly review SOME of the RWS symbolism on The High Priestess card. The pomegranates, nestled in the tapestry, are emblems of abundance, fertility, rebirth, and the intertwining of life and death. The tapestry itself divides the seen from the unseen. The pillars with J and B (for Jachin and Boaz) represent entrance into the sacred and stand as guardians of sacred knowledge. The moon at her feet symbolizes connection with cycles of the moon, cycles of feminine divine, intuition, the ebb of flow of emotion and even the cyclical nature of time.
Uncovering the Story: The Popess and the Legend of Pope Joan: Fact or Fiction?
Originally called La Papesse, as tarot evolved from the Italian aristocracy to divination, this card depicted several blatant ties to the Papacy. These ties included: the woman held the Papal “keys to the kingdom”, she wore the Papal crown called a “triregnum”, and lastly, in some decks the image of the woman herself is reminiscent of legendary Pope Joan.
The tale of Pope Joan, a woman who allegedly reigned as pope disguised as a man, has been a subject of debate for centuries. Was she a real historical figure, or merely a legend? The story, set in the Middle Ages, tells of Joan's intelligence, her ambition, and her love. How it all lead her to the highest seat in the Catholic Church, only to then be discovered, executed, and eradicated from church history. This narrative, woven with threads of secrecy and revelation, mirrors the essence of the High Priestess card.
Connecting Pope Joan to The High Priestess: The Intersection of Myth and Symbolism
The connection between Pope Joan and the High Priestess lies in the shared themes of hidden knowledge and the breaking of conventional boundaries. The High Priestess, as a tarot card, represents the unknown and the unspoken truths, similar to how Pope Joan's story challenges historical narratives and gender norms. Both figures, real or symbolic, invite us to look beyond the surface and question the established order of things. In this way, the High Priestess does not just represent wisdom and mystery, she is a reminder of the power of the unseen and the unacknowledged in our lives. The story of Pope Joan, “the Popess”, is far too intricate to delve into here in a blog post. However, I’m providing links to more information if you would like to know more and find out a little more history about our favorite Major Arcana lady along the way.
Love, Light, and Blessings,
Kirsten
References:
https://www.occult.live/index.php/The_High_Priestess
Tarot. The Library of Esoterica: An informative book and pictorial walk-through Tarot https://www.taschen.com/en/books/esoterica/08003/tarot-the-library-of-esoterica/
The Noble Blood Podcast Episode 161 “How Pope Joan Became the High Priestess”