Editing The High Priestess (section)

==Symbolism==

===Rider–Waite symbolism===
In the Rider–Waite–Smith tarot, the basis for many modern tarot decks, The High Priestess is identified with the [[Shekhinah]], the female indwelling presence of the divine.{{sfnp|Waite|1979|pp=13, 79}} She wears plain blue robes and sits with her hands in her lap. She has a [[Woman of the Apocalypse|lunar crescent at her feet]], "a horned [[diadem]] on her head, with a globe in the middle place"{{sfnp|Waite|1979|p=76}} similar to the crown of the ancient Egyptian goddess [[Hathor]], but with the horns having a shape more like half-crescents, and a large cross on her breast, the balance between the four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. The scroll in her hands, partly covered by her mantle, bears the letters TORA (meaning "divine law"), that symbolizes the memory we carry inside about the past, present and future, named [[Akasha]]. She is seated between the white and black pillars&mdash;'J' and 'B' for [[Jachin and Boaz]]&mdash;of the mystic [[Temple of Solomon]]. The veil of the Temple is behind her: it is embroidered with palm leaves (male) and [[pomegranate]]s (female),{{sfnp|Sharman-Burke|1985|pp=[https://archive.org/details/completebookofta00juli/page/35 35–36]}} growing on a tree shaped like the [[Tree of life (Kabbalah)|Tree of Life]].

The motif that hangs behind the High Priestess’s throne, veiling whatever mysteries she guards, is suggested in the pattern of [[The Empress (Tarot card)|The Empress]]' gown. The two are sisters, one bringing life into the world, the other inviting the living to the esoteric mysteries. Further behind appears a body of water, likely the sea, with water flowing through most cards of the Rider–Waite–Smith tarot.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

===Tarot of Marseilles symbolism===
In the [[Tarot of Marseilles]] it is noticeable that she wears a blue cape and red robe, in contrast to [[The Pope (Tarot card)|The Pope]], wearing a red cape and blue robe.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}