Description (mine)
It is twilight and the High Priestess is on her palazzo bathing in the light of the crescent moon which is above her left shoulder (in white) and at her left foot (in gold). She is sitting on a chair by the pool between two pillars. Behind her is a golden gate where we can see palm trees and pomegranates. She is dressed entirely in blue with white trim and is seated comfortably with her legs crossed. Around her neck is a golden equal-armed cross. On her head a crown of the maiden, mother, crone phases of the moon. In her right hand she casually holds a rolled-up piece of paper with half seen writing on it. She looks off into the distance and her thoughts are very far away.

From "A New Handbook for the Apprentice" by Eileen Connolly
"KEY: Activity beneath the surface; the whole picture cannot be seen at this point. Much depth.
REVERSE: Superficial situation; there are no secret activities involved.
 

MEMORY: Behind the veil, within your grasp, Living knowledge from the past.
REVERSE: Nothing hidden, naught to fear: All is seen, don’t waste a tear.
 

GUIDELINES: Ability to use intuition and receive spiritual inspiration. Best to keep your intentions or ideas to yourself. Be sure to select the right person for any confidence shared. Be yourself in any situation; have complete faith in your feelings at this time.
REVERSE: At this point examine everything, do not place trust until you have completely analyzed the situation. Can refer to a person with weak character and lacking in stamina. Could affect a relationship or any kind of support you may be needing. Suggests a complete review of person or situation; strength I lacking, need for a deeper commitment."

My Thoughts on The High Priestess
While gazing at Connolly’s High Priestess there are several things that come to mind. She seems so at ease and comfortable. This is a person that is completely at home with who they are. So lightly does she hold that scroll of all that was and is to be that I could imagine just walking up to her and, after asking her permission with the simple raising of my eyebrows, gently and easily remove this scroll that seems to be waiting for me. The loveliness of the twilight. That in-between time of not quite day but not quite night It brings to mind those all too brief moments in my life in which there is a magical stillness in the air. You are wrapped in the beauty of that exact moment and all is right in the world for that one brief fleeting moment. Her gaze feels so familiar to me. It captures those times of distant seeing when we are looking beyond ourselves. To me she is the outward manifestation of our inward selves.

Seeing with eyes that have no color and no need of glasses
whose vision grows sharper and clearer with age and use
I look upon a moving picture that goes forward in time and back in time yet all within the stillpoint of now
Imbued with the feminine Divine, I wear my Self with ease
And the secrets of Alpha and Omega
I keep crossed between my knees.

Susan
marquis@bayserve.net