The High Priestess represents our spiritual channel. She is the embodiment of divine feminine sovereignty. This archetype values spiritual development and sacred connection. She invites us to observe our own inner workings and also explore the depths of what spirit can offer us. She teaches us that wisdom is gained through embodying sacred feminine energies.
The High Priestess card is ruled by the moon and associated with spirituality, mystery, higher power, and our higher selves. She invites us into a spiritual practice that is cyclical. Sometimes we shine brightly and sometimes our light is eclipsed - but it is always present. The wisdom she offers us is in the not knowing. It’s in learning to simply BE.
Much like the invisible, gravitational force that allows the moon to move our oceans, she pulls us inward and asks us to surrender our expectations so that we can develop and deepen our intuition. To discover that deep well of knowledge that lives within. It’s what we discover in the often uncomfortable stillness.
There is so much seed planting work done in this energy. What we cultivate in those quiet, private spaces will offer us clarity and teach us to trust in divine timing. Each of us is unique, and each of us has our own unique way of connecting with spirit, but we must first be brave enough to look inward and see our reflection.
Will you allow her to guide you into your own depths, your inner wisdom, and lean into the mystical forces beyond this material plane?
Some reflection questions to consider when working with The High Priestess card:
- Are there any areas of my life that could benefit from a slower pace and deeper reflection?
- What area(s) of my life am I seeking answers and/or direction?
- What would it look like for me to sit in that space with ambiguity? To simply be present with the unknown?
Below are some common associations and a movement exercise to help you better understand and embody the energy of the high priestess card. To see these properties in action, click on the YouTube video image below to watch my own channeled movement for this archetype.
Element: Water
The water element is connected to our emotions. It is cleansing, healing, and connects us to our psychic senses. This element can be expressed through movement that is slow, fluid, cyclical, and soft. Often, this movement is initiated through the sacral chakra and/or hips and lower torso. One might also feel led to mimic the movement of the ocean tides - pushing, pulling, rising and falling.
The water element represents our subconscious. In dance and movement practices, it can be expressed an an inward, internal energy with continuous movements that flow in an out of one another.
Planetary Influence: Moon
The planetary influence of the High Priestess card is the moon. The moon is associated with feminine energies, enlightenment, and spirituality. The moon shines brightest in the dark, emphasizing our need for internal reflection. She represents our inner feelings and desires. With her gentle illumination, we can connect to our own inner wisdom and intuitive knowing.
Movement Exercise for The High Priestess Card
This particular exercise was created to assist us in exploring the energetic push and pull created by the moon and allowing our body to move in sync with this kind of energy.
Before you begin, make sure you're moving in a safe space with plenty of vertical and horizontal room. You’ll also want to make sure the floor is free of any debris that could cut or scrape your body.
- Start this practice standing with your feet comfortably hip-width apart.
- Allow your hips to gently sway side to side.
- Next, begin to allow that simple swaying motion to grow and expand until you feel a push or pull to travel throughout your space.
- See if you can allow your arms, torso, head to trail along with this movement - responding to the energy rather that leading it.
- Come back to standing and now we will focus on a rising and falling type of movement.
- Allow yourself to rise up on your toes, lifting your torso to the sky, until you can’t hold that suspension any longer.
- Then allow yourself to safely fall forward and follow the momentum wherever it takes you.
- You can experiment with falling out of the suspension in different ways (backwards, sideways, and even to the floor).
Approach this entire process with curiosity and an open mind. Be careful not to let yourself judge any movements as right or wrong. Be brave and move with courageous intention - you cannot mess this up!
While you’re moving, try and make mental notes of any feelings or sensations you might have experienced. Take time to journal your thoughts and experiences before ending this practice.
Learn more about working with the tarot in conjunction with your dance and movement practices in episode 10 of my Spiritual Dance Podcast titled “Tarot for Dancers.” CLICK HERE to listen.
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