The High Priestess is shown seated at the entrance to a Temple, between two columns. Behind her is a curtain decorated with pomegranates and palms that partially hides what is behind her. Even so, we can see glimpses of water through the gaps in the curtain.
The High Priestess has a crown that represents the full Moon, with waxing and waning crescents on either side. At her feet is another crescent of the Moon. Her gown flows; in fact, it seems to flow until it becomes water.
She has a cross on her breast; the cross’s arms are all equal. This may relate to the four seasons, the four Suits of cards, four elements, etc.
The High Priestess holds a scroll that is partially hidden among her robes. The scroll has the letters “TORA.” This refers to the Torah, or the Law, the first five books of the Bible. Not all of the Law is visible. The High Priestess is a keeper of secrets, of the Mysteries. She also represents what is unconscious within us.
There are two columns, black and white. These represent opposites. There is a B on one column, a J on the other. These refer to the names given to the columns in the Bible. The B stands for Boaz (בֹּעַז) and Yakhin (יָכִין). Boaz represents God’s attribute of Mercy, while Yakhin stands for God’s attribute of Justice.
The Temple referred to is Solomon’s Temple, described in the Bible in 1 Kings 7:21-22:
21 And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.
22 And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.
The High Priestess represents the Shekhina, the Presence of God that once dwelt in the Temple; a feminine aspect of God.
also Malkhut (the lowermost Sephirah of the Kabbalah Tree of Life).
Keywords: Hidden wisdom. Secret knowledge. The Unconscious.