Divinatory meaning: Thirst for knowledge of an esoteric nature, secrets to be revealed, potential abundant but as yet unfulfilled.
The card of the High Priestess depicts Persephone leaving behind the dayligh world of her mother, Demeter. The underworld represents what psychology calls the unconscious, that part of ourselves with which we are least familiar even though its infuence on our personality is great. The twilight world of which Persephone is queen can be the fruitful and rich womb which holds many secrets until they are ready to be born into the daylight domain of Demeter. The only way to enter Persephone's realm is through dreams, fantasies and intuition. Demeter rules the day while Persephone rules the night.
As you colour in Persephone's image, think about your own attitude to self- discovery. After all, discovery has two sides to it: some of the_ treasures hiddenin the unconscious may be pleasant, others not so pleasant. The black and white pillars at the entrance of the underworld reflect the duality of both creative and destructive impulses, hidden in the unconscious mind. The High Priestess is at image representing vast potentials as yet unfulfilled, and secrets yet to be revealed. Her domain is like the hidden world of the womb which silently provides protection until its precious seed is ready to be given life. Persephone protects thoughts, feelings, memories and dreams until they are ready to be released into consciousness.
Persephone rules the feminine world of night, sleep and dreams. As you begin to examine this side of your personality in greater detail you can start to contact Persephone's essence. She is subtle and fascinating but we cannot understand her meaning by using our conscious rational minds. She reveals her secrets gradually and cautiously: we usually get glimpses of her meaning through the world of dreams. Consider your associations with the. Dream-world and the unconscious mind. Do you think dreams are meaningful or merely a useless. Clutter of images? Does the idea of trying to make contact with the unconscious frighten or excite you? C. G. Jung, the great Swiss psychologist, likened the dread and resistance which every human being feels when it comes to delving too deeply into himself, to the fear of the journey to Hades and the underworld. Notice the kind of colours this image requires you to choose. Find a key colour which sums up the elusive essence of the High Priestess.
When you embark on your visualisation exercise, try to feel the sensation of leaving behind the warm sunshine. Imagine yourself to be descending with Persephone down those damp clammy steps into the depths of the musty dark underworld. Strike up a conversation with Persephone. Perhaps you could ask her how she feels about her dual role as Princess of the Day and Queen of the Night See if you can recognise a similar duality in yourself. Make a careful record of the various feelings, thoughts, sensations and impressions which emerge as a result of your fantasy encounter with the High Priestess.