Dark Grimoire Tarot - The High Priestess

A woman stands in a valley reading from a book. Behind her are mountains and what appears to be the sun (either rising or setting). Numerous glowing orbs surround her and the book itself seems to emanate light.

The card seems to show a natural progression from the previous one. The Magician was writing the book, the Priestess is now reading from it. She is performing the magic that the Magician discovered - knowledge was recorded, and now it is put into action. Her robe and headress display an eye motif, suggesting the third, inner or mind's eye.

The sun behind her suggests either dawn or twilight - the moments of transition, when it is neither full day or full night. The Priestess represents these moments, as a gateway between one world and another. This idea is re-inforced by the natural shape of the mountains suggesting a pathway to the sun. The Priestess stands before it as the gatekeeper.

As the sunlight fades and the darkness closes in around her the High Priestess opens her own grimoire. She points to the texts and reads. She does not speak the words loudly for they are dark and forbidden but the power oozes out of her whisper and the orbs of light begin to emerge from the ground.

The LWB states that she "holds the noctunral knowledge of the World of Dreams." The World of Dreams is associated with the suit of Chalices. The High Priestess is astrologically connected with the Moon. The quiet power of the night and the emotional strength of intuition and dreams. Is she and her magics the source of the sweet voice that whispers into our ears at night?

The High Priestess is the archetype that represents teh inner hidden wisdom with in ourselves. What better image than of a woman on the verge of night calling out the lights to spread that power?

In this deck she is a dark priestess who does not hold back on her silence, her keeping of secrets. Her silence and secrets are part of her strength and power. She is a holder of a powerful book of magic and is capable in its use.

Onyx.

The priestess stands outside on the grass. The sun is sinking and darkness enfolds the hills and the meadow. A breeze blows making her sleeves billow and your heart leaps at the sense of freedom and comfort the dark night brings. The swirling patterns nd eye embroidered on the priestess's gown suggest visions and dreams. The priestess teaches how to find your way in the darkness with your inner eye.

The priestess begins to read and tiny sparks like fairy lights whirl in the grass, sparks of creativity and inspiration. The words in her book are words of darkness that are beautiful like poetry and engaging like fiction but they are true. They inspire and awaken the darkness in your own heart, your own creativity and rebellion.

Inspiration; inner knowing; respite from the day and the intellect; freedom; Investigating reality through imagination and inner feelings; learning from your night voyages.