“How can I deepen the way I read tarot?”
I often hear my students asking this question as they struggle to build confidence and clarity when reading the cards. Should they lean into the set definitions or follow an intuitive impulse? What does reading the cards actually look like?!
The answer lies in the space where these two approaches blend — a fluid and masterful reading of the cards uses both intuition and structure. Or, in tarot’s archetypal expressions, it is the realm of The High Priestess & The Hierophant.
The High Priestess
Emphasizes an intuitively led approach to reading the tarot. She activates unconscious knowledge within, where insight and subtle connections emerge as we read the cards. She does not begin with set definitions nor is she anchored to the limited viewpoints detailed in guidebooks or definition sheets. She is the sacred mysteries made manifest, encouraging us to work off the images and symbols of the cards while noticing the spontaneous impressions that arise. Interpretations of the High Priestess may feel surprising, inspired, provocative and stirring.
The Hierophant
Emphasizes a structured approach to reading the tarot. He says to begin with the tradition, to reference the set definitions, structures and patterns laid out from teachers, books or other educational resources. His realm is that of the translated mysteries, taking the abstract and near-impenetrable symbols of the cards and giving them form and meaning that we can turn to time and again. Interpretations of the Hierophant feel grounding and supportive, the anchor in the midst of the unknown as we attempt to make sense of the cards.
In today’s mini lesson, I explore the principles of the High Priestess and the Hierophant, demonstrating through live readings what it looks like to fluidly move between both of their realms and approaches. Check out the companion guide I wrote and featured in the video, Tarot Definitions.
Looking for a beginners class on the tarot and other educational resources to deepen your inner work?
I invite you to join us in The Artemisian’s membership where we explore the archetypal and psychological dimensions of life to foster personal transformation and deepen self-understanding.
Joining gives you access to:
The Tarot for Beginners workshop (plus more in the archive!)
The Resource Library filled with book recommendations, a Jungian terms glossary, info on archetypal symbols, educational diagrams and more
Support for monthly inner work via the Oracle, workshops and discussion threads
And more opportunities to deepen your archetypal awareness and inner work like mini lessons, member’s live streams, etc
Thank you Jessica cano, Christine Stanfield, Paige Perkins, Marika O’S, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.
