Major Arcana, number 2
The High Priestess meaning and how to read it
- upright
- intuition, inner knowing, stillness, secrets
- reversed
- overthinking, assumptions, closing off
The High Priestess is traditionally shown seated between two pillars with a scroll in her hands. She stands for knowledge that stays below the surface and things not yet revealed. On our deck she carries 巫, the character for a shrine maiden.
Updated September 23, 2026
The High Priestess upright meaning
Upright, intuition is sharp and you can see to the heart of things quietly. You observe more than you announce and speak when it counts, and that calm earns trust.
It also says something has not surfaced yet. Wait for the full picture before deciding and you will not misjudge.
The High Priestess reversed meaning
Reversed, caution turns into nerves or fixed assumptions. The answer is already settled in your head and nothing else gets in. If something bothers you, one short question will settle it faster than more guessing.
The High Priestess in love and feelings
Upright
A love built on a deep connection. Growing trust slowly suits you better than rushing. With a crush, you are keeping your feelings hidden and watching them closely.
Reversed
Your feelings are so guarded that they do not reach the other person. Ideals may be so high that you miss the good in the person in front of you.
In the place of their feelings
They do not show their feelings easily, but they are quietly paying attention to you. They are careful and will step back if pushed.
The High Priestess for career and money
Upright
Suited to work that uses knowledge and focus: research, analysis, writing, specialist roles. A good time to study for a qualification.
Reversed
You are keeping everything to yourself and information is not being shared. Check whether perfectionism is stopping the work from moving.
The High Priestess as a future card
As a future card, the answer comes from within. Time spent learning and preparing opens the way more than hurrying.
The High Priestess in a yes or no reading
uprightDependsreversedNo
Upright, depends: do not decide yet, watch a little longer. Reversed, no: acting on assumptions tends to cause misunderstandings.
The High Priestess as a birth card
The High Priestess is your personality card if your month, day and year reduce to 2. Born on May 10, 1985: 5 + 10 + 1985 = 2000, and 2 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 2. The soul card is also the High Priestess. Justice (11) and Judgement (20) share this soul card.