The High Priestess embodies the deep,
Often unseen layers of our psyche,
Symbolising the archetypal feminine and our encounters with mystery.
This card invites us to look beyond the surface,
To the intuition and wisdom that resides in the quiet spaces of our minds.
As the second card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot,
The High Priestess encourages us to tap into our hidden knowledge,
The truths we didn't know that we knew,
But which have been calling for our attention from behind the scenes.
In this active imagination exercise,
We'll engage with this energy of the High Priestess,
Aim to deepen our relationship with it,
And uncover and embrace profound unseen influences in our lives and perceptions.
So first just taking a seat or lying down comfortably.
Close your eyes.
Just taking a couple of deep breaths.
In through the nose,
Out through the mouth.
Just allowing the mind and body to relax naturally.
Just letting go of any control of the breath now,
Just allowing it to return to a natural rhythm.
It's a good idea to start each session of active imagination just by settling the mind with some regular meditation.
In this way we can just allow the disparate inclinations of minds to come to the surface.
Let them go in our conscious awareness where they run their course.
And in this way we can naturally open the aperture of our minds,
Allowing deeper unconscious material to come to the surface.
So if at any point the mind does wander,
Simply make it conscious,
Let it go,
Bring the attention back to the exercise.
And now imagine yourself in a serene,
Moonlit,
Outdoor space.
Just take a moment to settle into this space and allow it to form in your mind.
Notice what's around you,
Perhaps aspects of nature,
Perhaps trees or water.
And notice your initial feelings.
In this space the figure of the High Priestess begins to form.
This is an embodiment of the archetypal feminine,
Inviting you to explore the depths of your own inner knowing and intuition.
Notice the presence of the High Priestess.
How does she appear to you?
What is your immediate sense of this archetype?
Approach her,
Acknowledging your readiness to uncover hidden aspects of your psyche.
If you feel any resistance,
You can safely acknowledge that too,
And perhaps share it with her.
The High Priestess gestures towards a reflective pool.
She invites you to take a look into its depths.
As you reside here with the High Priestess,
You're going to ask her a series of questions.
As you do,
Simply state each question and see what rises to the surface in your mind.
This reflective pool is there to reflect hidden aspects of your own psyche,
And the images and symbols that form within it contain insights and unseen parts of yourself.
Ask the question,
How is my relationship to the archetypal feminine currently?
How can it be improved or balanced?
Again,
Just look into the pool,
See what appears,
As well as listen and watch for any wisdom from the Priestess herself.
What aspects of the archetypal feminine are currently influencing my life?
Where in my life am I ignoring my intuition?
And how can I begin to listen to it more?
Where might I be harshly judging myself or others?
Where might I be struggling to forgive myself or others?
How can I better connect with the quiet,
Introspective energy of the High Priestess in my daily life?
Having asked these questions,
You're now going to engage in a more free-form interaction with the High Priestess.
You can continue to use this reflective pool,
Or simply converse with them.
This is your chance to cultivate a more conscious relationship with this part of you.
Reconcile areas where you may not currently feel entirely aligned.
Make commitments to honour the needs of this part of you,
As well as make affirmations of where you are aligned,
And you already have a deep relationship.
Be sure to maintain the same wholesome intention and ethical stance as you would in any other conversation.
So take the next minute or two to engage in this open conversation while I'm quiet.
So,
As this conversation draws to a close,
It's nearly time to leave this place.
But before you do,
Make one final gesture of reconciliation or affirmation of your relationship with the High Priestess.
You might choose to give her a symbolic gift,
Or it might be something you say.
Make this gesture now,
And reaffirm your intention to honour the needs of the High Priestess in your daily life.
So thanking the figure now for their wisdom and guidance,
And just allowing the scene to fade.
Remember,
It can be a good idea to journal this experience.
And you can repeat this exercise and re-engage with the High Priestess any time you need to.
Bringing your attention back now to the space around you.
Noticing any sounds or sensations.
Taking a deep breath.
And in your own time,
Opening your eyes again.
