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Above all things, know thyself!

For self is a sea boundless and measureless. -K. Gibran, The Prophet

[The Supernal Womb with a view}

"Secrets, Mystery, the future as yet unrevealed".

-A.E. Waite- 1909

Give yourself some time to read this blog, for it may be a vain attempt at explaining the Multiple Mysterious Elements of the Divine Feminine...but it is a long and honest one.

ATU 2, THE PRIESTESS, and the Key 2- High Priestess are the images that represent an androgynous universal principle of intuition, independence, self-trust, self-knowledge, and self-resourcefulness. On the Thoth ATU-2 card she is an androgynous figure that represents balance known to Chinese scholars as the Female magnetic force the Ying, curved, soft and receptive shown as the upper body, and from the navel down this androgyny is all straight lines, strong, dynamic, electric-Male Yang.

The Ying Yang symbol is shown in the seed shield of the Thoth- Princess of Disks (Persephone), for souls begin in the Knowledge of the Priestess and Manifest in the work of the Princess of Disks. The sacred fruit assigned to her is the Pomegranate which is also a red (menstrual womb) fruit full of seeds.

The seed shield of the Thoth Princess of Disks (Persephone).

The concept of the Sacred Blood (Life giving force) of the Goddess is often associated with various pagan and Wiccan traditions, as well as some forms of Western Hermetic Qabalah and esoteric spirituality.

In these belief systems, the Sacred Blood of the Goddess represents the divine feminine energy and power that is believed to flow through the cosmos and all living things. It is seen as a symbol of the creative and nurturing aspects of the feminine divine. Here are some key points related to this concept:

1. Goddess Worship: Many pagan and Wiccan traditions emphasize the worship of a goddess or multiple goddesses. The Sacred Blood of the Goddess is often seen as a central aspect of these traditions, representing the life force and spiritual energy of the divine feminine.

2. Fertility and Creation: The concept of the Sacred Blood is often associated with fertility and creation. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, much like the menstrual cycle of women, which is sometimes referred to as "the blood of the goddess."

3. Ritual and Symbolism: In various rituals and ceremonies, practitioners may use symbolic representations of the Sacred Blood, such as red wine or fruit juices, to connect with the divine feminine and invoke her blessings. These rituals can be a part of worship and spell work.

4. Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations: In Western Hermetic Qabalah and High Magick, the Sacred Blood of the Goddess can take on more mystical and esoteric interpretations. It may be associated with the sephira of Binah on the Tree of Life, representing the supreme mother and the source of all life.

5. Empowerment and Healing: For some practitioners, the concept of the Sacred Blood is empowering and can be used in rituals and meditations to heal, strengthen, and connect with the feminine aspect of the divine, promoting inner growth and spiritual development.

It's important to note that the interpretation of the Sacred Blood of the Goddess can vary among different traditions and practitioners. It is a deeply symbolic and spiritual concept that holds significance in the metaphysical and mystical realms.

Therefore, this card reminds us that we are all composed of the powerful receptive female magnetic and the strong assertive electric forces of male.

  The Higher Self is the Greater Self, that all of us "selves" are conceived from.

There is only One-Self, that cannot be created nor destroyed only transformed into selves and transmitted as individuality.

In Qabalah symbology the Higher Self or Greater Self, is shown as Adam Khadmon, the Hominoid Archetype (Relm of Atziluth) and is translated into English as "The Heavenly Human".

The Thoth Priestess wears a sun and moon crown to remind us that we are all are committed to have and achieve an equal balance in strength and softness. The faceted crystal background of the Thoth Deck card reminds us of the multifaceted aspects of intuition that are present at each level of consciousness:

1. Mental intuition (the triangular crystal).
2. Emotional intuition (the round crystal). 
3. Spiritual intuition (the diamond crystal).
4. Physically noted information (the octagonal crystal). 

Intuition is the Great calm Sea of the Universal Collective Unconscious, which is reflective, deep, contained and always present, waiting to be accessed and trusted---A Womb with a View. However, we must first trust and love ourselves to be aware of this mysterious and quiet power. The Priestess is a powerful symbol to use as a visual scrying affirmation to enhance self-trust, independence, and resourcefulness. This symbol reinforces the trusting of one's intuition, which is the Life-giving Mind of the Creatrix that is the High Priestess/ Priestess.

The Priestess is not a literal return to the warm enclosure of the Cosmic Womb, as is THE EMPRESS. Rather, she represents the Supreme Androgyne-the Birther of the Soul/Self without a smiling mask of the Sumerian Inanna, she is Ereshkigal revealing a True face of cold yet beautiful countenance. All veils are removed, all illusion is dispersed, and we must face the crystalline reality of our own absolute free will, a task not for the weak. However, This Supreme Androgyne was easily shown as female in the earliest Western Tarot as La Papessa, "the Papess" who was Sister Manfred, a relative of the Visconti family, whose tarot deck is represented in my blog as The Golden Tarot.

Sister Manfreda was a member of a small heretical sect called the Guillelmites who elected Sister Manfreda as their pope in accordance with their belief that the male-dominated papacy (Patriarchy) was soon to be replaced by a line of female popes. Hence, male authority which we know as the Patriarchy was to end. Past history has proven this to be a bit overly optimistic. Yet we are in that timeline of herstory now.

The High Priestess or Priestess is a significant archetype in Tarot cards, and she often draws upon various mythological and cultural influences. To the Patriarchy she was also known as the Ice Queen, simply because she is not intimidated by the male false sense of superiority. Here's a mythological report on the High Priestess archetype in diverse cultures:

1. Ancient Egyptian Influence: In many Tarot decks, the High Priestess is associated with the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis. Isis is a symbol of mystery, wisdom, and the divine feminine. She is often depicted as a veiled woman, which parallels the High Priestess's mysterious and enigmatic nature. Isis represents the secrets of life, death, and rebirth, much like the High Priestess's connection to hidden knowledge.

2. Greek Influence: The High Priestess can also be linked to Greek mythology, particularly to the goddess Persephone. Persephone's journey between the underworld and the surface world reflects the High Priestess's role as a mediator between the conscious and subconscious realms. Persephone's transformation and wisdom gained in the underworld mirror the High Priestess's association with esoteric and hidden knowledge.

3. Judeo-Christian Influence: Some interpretations connect the High Priestess with biblical figures like the Virgin Mary or the Shekhinah in Jewish mysticism. The Virgin Mary embodies purity, maternal love, and divine femininity, which are qualities associated with the High Priestess. The Shekhinah represents the presence of the divine in the material world, aligning with the idea of the High Priestess as a bridge between the mundane and the spiritual.

4. Chinese Influence: In Chinese culture, the High Priestess can be likened to Guanyin, the goddess of compassion and mercy. Guanyin is often depicted as a serene and compassionate figure, echoing the High Priestess's connection to intuition, empathy, and nurturing qualities. Both figures represent the feminine aspect of wisdom and healing.

5. Hindu Influence: The Hindu goddess Saraswati, associated with knowledge, music, and art, shares similarities with the High Priestess. Saraswati is often depicted in books and musical instruments symbolizing her connection to wisdom and creativity. The High Priestess's association with intuition and esoteric knowledge aligns with Saraswati's attributes.

6. Native American Influence: The High Priestess archetype can also be linked to Native American cultures, where spiritual leaders, often women, act as mediators between the earthly and spiritual realms. These leaders possess deep wisdom, intuitive insights, and a connection to nature, resembling the qualities of the High Priestess.

The High Priestess, as represented in Tarot, draws upon these diverse mythological and cultural influences, emphasizing the universal themes of intuition, mystery, wisdom, and the feminine divine. It reflects the idea that these archetypal qualities are found across various cultures and traditions, making the High Priestess a symbol of profound significance in the world of Tarot and metaphysical exploration.

The High Priestess is the self-impregnating womb of pure consciousness, something we call intuition. The baptism of a soul who approaches this Androgynous God/dess, will be washed in the Abyssal Womb cleansed of all that is unworthy of the Sun/Self of God, restoring the Higher Self from the Source.

We are a mystery of I AM, that is continually unfolding we are not an identity manufactured by humankind. I AM is Eheieh's (God Name of Kether) the shouted " I Will Be " that is the Logos and Understood by the Goddess of Ten Thousand name's, Binah. That Understanding then gestates in Mother Binah and is then given birth by the Womb that is the High Priestess. All solar-self and/or Souls (People of RA) come from this "womb with a view" that is the High Priestess.

Since the High Priestess has power over life, she also has power over death: you can't have one without the other. This is a power we all have over material forms. Each of us is destined to be and that we cannot change; However, each of us individually controls our own fate...something that is called "freedom of choice" and fate is totally assumed. Since you are allowed by the Creatrix to "assume your identity", assume the best Self as She does!

The crown of the Egyptian goddess Hathor, with its crescent moon and full moon orb in the center, symbolizes her association with the cycles of the moon and the heavens. The crescent moon typically represents the waxing and waning phases of the moon, signifying renewal, growth, and change. The full moon orb in the center represents the culmination of the lunar cycle, symbolizing fullness, completeness, and the peak of power.

In Hathor's context, this crown reflects her roles as a goddess of fertility, love, music, dance, and joy. The lunar symbolism ties her to the rhythms of nature, particularly the cycles of birth, growth, and renewal. Additionally, Hathor was often linked to the sky and celestial bodies, emphasizing her cosmic significance and her connection to the divine forces that govern the universe.

Overall, Hathor's crown embodies themes of femininity, regeneration, and celestial influence, emphasizing her multifaceted nature and her ability to preside over various aspects of life and the

The crown on the head of the Mystic Palette Tarot-Key 2-The High Priestess also has the crescent moon highlighted above it. The wings imply she can easily travel over the vast inner landscape of the of the Supernal Triangle. The veils imaged in this card, are the layers of light and/or dimensional frequencies that hide her true visage. The candles have been used throughout the centuries to represent the "light in the darkness" and/or the Wisdom that outshines the dark ignorance of fear.

The mask in the crown, is indicative of the Masking of Light, that hides her dark true face, Truth be told, we all wear masks that are made of imagined identity (self-reflection) and reflected light. Light dazzles the eye of the beholder, leaving truth unseen and therefore, unknown.

The planet of the Priestess is the Moon; shown as the crescent and the full moon crown. In the art of the Mystic Palette Tarot-Ciro Marchetti, placed the Wiccan symbol of the three phases of the Divine Feminine often called the Trinity Goddess and is the three phases of Woman:

1. The Waxing moon-Maiden.
2. The Full Moon-The Mother.
3. The Waining moon-the Crone.

The Qabalistic Tree of Life her Path is assigned the Hebrew letter, Gimel, meaning camel, which is most appropriate, as she is the one who carries our Personality across the vast desert/ocean of the Abyss (The Abyss Womb is the Dark Energy who gives birth to light).She is often compared to Diana the huntress or a Norse Goddess such as Freya or Bridget of the Celts. Whatever the mythological image, there are 3 Qabalistic Paths that represent the same intelligence, although as different but similar aspects, they are.

1. The Paths of Gimel (THE PRIESTESS),
2. The Path of Samekh (THE ART).
3. The Path of Tau (THE UNIVERSE) which together make up the devotional middle pillar of the Qabalistic Tree of Life. The Indigo Middle Path color in Aziluth (the highest of the Four Worlds) is Indigo, a deep-dark- water blue that suggests the Moon, as all three Paths relate to the Moon as "Maid-Mother-Crone". 

The High Priestess is illustrated as the Middle Pillar between the twin pillars of the Moon and the Pillar topped with the goldenHebrew letter Gimel.

The pure state of Intelligence that is The Path of Gimel, will carry those cleansed of indoctrinated thinking across the longest and most important Path on the Tree of Life; A path which radiates down from the Supernal Triangle (The Archetypal World), composed of unimaginable potential, to the Ethical Triangle, the "actual" (Briah), also making this the path a position between the Unlimited No-Thing in Kether, and the Son/Sun (Solar Self) in the 6th Sephiroth-Tiphareth, a Path of the Highest Initiation.

The common description of the traditional High Priestess/Priestess is that she is the most pure essence of consciousness, symbolized in Tarot as the very source of all Water (Consciousness) and the purest light symbolized as the moonlight is reflected through ice; However, to the initiate, she is considered The Lower Chokmah (Wisdom), wisdom is being expressed here as both masculine and feminine (The Goddess Sophia of the Greek Gnostics-represents Wisdom) When applied to Chokmah, a female noun in Hebrew the word Wisdom is a feminine receptivity through Masculine expression, for here it is "sent forth" and as the Seed of wisdom is ejaculated, it expands outward, and in this action the seed of expansion contains its own limitation (measurement and/or Time). Hence, Androgynous.

Therefore, she is the Diana who shoots Chokmah's captured "Will-to-Force" out into the universe and it is her Understanding that limits the expansion of his “seed”. The Feminine Force is Formative. Here Wisdom is taken into the most Spiritual manifestation of the feminine and formulates it into herself as any geometrical point into which to contemplate any possibility, i.e., the “All Seeing I Am” of the original consciousness.

Now I know this concept of the mysterious self may seem an impossibly difficult one to understand and the most descriptive of Qabalistic terms may seem nonsensical, but the Priestess is the Womb of Consciousness, and yet she is both Male and Female...much like a Hermaphrodite (Hermes-Aphrodite) that can impregnate itself with Understanding.

The human brain is a copy of the hermaphrodite phenomena as it both male and female in its approach to thought and can impregnate itself with logic that gives birth to emoted and limited thought forms and/or images, and even "feelings" as the body responds to the emoted thought. It is a biochemical AI, not the Celestial Light and Mind of the Divine Creative that you are.

 The Higher Chokmah is a specific Sun (left brain), and the Lower Chokmah is a specific Moon (right brain). Thus, when viewing THE PRIESTESS Thoth Tarot card, you will see a slight feminine figure with arms raised in the shape of a cup, behind vibrations of light and a strong lower masculine leg section with the Diana's bow across the knees. Yet she is a virginal force because no "Outside" Male force fertilizes her.

Thus, the myth of Diana adds understanding to this card. From her, the source of Water /Consciousness is the idea behind the idea of form, I think the well known western Qabalist Dr. Paul Foster Case said this best in saying that,"... no matter how many forms develop from it, the virgin substance is itself unchanged. Like Water, which holds matter in suspension or solution, this substance remains over itself. Here is one key to the alchemical mystery of the First Matter. Here, too, one may find a clue to the inner significance of the Virgin Myths of all Religions."

The (High) Priestess is often called the Prima Materia, or Root Matter (First Matter) as she can be considered the result of Kether's God name-Eheieh, "I Will Be", the birthing of Self-Awareness/Consciousness and/or "I AM".

In his text, THE THIRTY-TWO PATHS OF WISDOM, Dr. Case calls the Path of Gimel, the Uniting Intelligence, because it is the "Essence of Glory" and/or "The Grace of God". No matter the terms, the fact is that your personality must be shed of all the false sensual reality and animal desires that our indoctrinated false ego (Social/Racial Egregore) has constructed before she is able to carry one's consciousness across the Abyss, into the invisible Sephiroth of Daath (Knowledge) that is the well-known in Qabalah, as the invisible Chakra of the Tree of Life. This Sephiroth resides below Kether on the Middle Path of the Tree and into the Dark Abyss of the Universal Collective Unconscious (Bottomless but filled with Energy and Data).

It is that Knowledge that our conscious essence/Soul/Psyche is conceived of, so that it could become the operator of the Images of God/Self. [Daath is no longer invisible to one who has entered the Garden of inherited Knowledge that resides between the mother named Understanding and the father named Wisdom.]

Now the MAGUS, (Will of Kether), symbolizes a condition prior to Unconscious thought called the Primal Will (The Supernal Triangle of "I will Be", "Will-to-force", "Will-to-Form").This powerful condition acts upon THE PRIESTESS/HIGH PRIESTESS in such a way, that the Path of Gimel becomes the Inner-Self capable of carrying the thought forms (information) of which the Universe will eventually be composed.

Being that she is the source underlying all vibratory patterns that compose form, she is shown on the Thoth Card as a figure composed of vibratory waves of energy and on the Mystic Palette Tarot as wearing a golden multi-rayed crown complete with serpent-force.

In Western Hermetic Qabalah and Tarot, serpents and serpent force carry deep esoteric symbolism, primarily representing wisdom, transformation, and spiritual power, often tied to concepts of initiation, energy, and the balance between higher and lower states of consciousness. Below is an exploration of how serpents are interpreted in both systems:

1. Serpents in Hermetic Qabalah

In the Hermetic Qabalah, serpents are closely associated with the life force energy known as the Kundalini in Eastern traditions, often referred to as the "serpent power." This energy is coiled at the base of the spine and represents latent spiritual potential (inherited from the Anunnaki). When awakened, it ascends through the central column of the Tree of Life, mirroring the spiritual ascent of the soul.

Key Representations:

• Serpents in the Tree of Life: The paths on the Tree of Life, particularly the Middle Pillar (representing balance between severity and mercy), are sometimes associated with the ascent of serpent power. The Middle Pillar practices, particularly those rooted in the awakening of energy centers (like the chakras in Eastern systems), involve a serpent-like rise of energy through Malkuth (the physical plane) to Kether (the crown, divine consciousness).

• The Serpent of Wisdom: In the Qabalistic tradition, serpents can symbolize knowledge and the secret wisdom of the mysteries. The serpent appears in connection with the Garden of Eden myth, where it offers the fruit of knowledge, representing the movement from innocence into a deeper awareness of duality and the forces of creation and destruction.

• Nechushtan (Copper Serpent): The symbol of the bronze serpent lifted by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:8) is often referenced in Hermetic traditions as an emblem of healing and redemption, also suggesting the interplay of divine power, wisdom, and the descent into matter for the purpose of spiritual elevation.

2. Serpents in Tarot

In the Tarot, the serpent appears in several key cards, where it symbolizes both the subtle energies of transformation and the secret, initiatory knowledge granted through the spiritual path. Crowley's Thoth Tarot and the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot both present serpents in significant ways.

Key Tarot Cards Featuring Serpents:

• The Lovers (Key VI) - Rider-Waite-Smith: The serpent wrapped around the tree in the Lovers card recalls the story of Eden, representing knowledge and the temptation to evolve through experience. It symbolizes the initiation into duality (good and evil, masculine and feminine) and the choices that come with deeper understanding.

• The Magus (Key I) - Thoth Tarot: In Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, the Magus (or Magician) is surrounded by serpentine symbolism, reflecting the manipulative and transformative power of the mind. The serpent is often considered a representation of the creative force that the Magus channels into form, guiding the act of will and creation.

• The Wheel of Fortune (Key X): The Wheel of Fortune depicts a serpent descending on one side of the wheel, symbolizing involution—the movement of spirit into matter. This is balanced by the ascent of spirit represented on the other side, suggesting the eternal cycle of rise and fall, creation and dissolution.

• The Devil (Key XV): The serpent in relation to the Devil card represents the raw, primal force of desire and instinct. In the context of the Thoth Tarot, the serpent force (also understood as Set) embodies the untamed power that must be harnessed through spiritual discipline to achieve transcendence.

• The Universe (Key XXI) - Thoth Tarot: In Crowley’s system, the serpent is intertwined with the figure in the Universe card, symbolizing the completed spiritual cycle. The serpent here is a force of wisdom, representing both the culmination of the Great Work and the mastery over the physical and spiritual realms.

3. Kundalini and the Serpent Power:

The concept of serpent energy, as understood in Hermetic Qabalah, is influenced by the Eastern idea of Kundalini. When Kundalini energy rises through the body, it is described as moving like a coiled serpent up the spine, through the energy centers, or Sephiroth, on the Tree of Life.

• The Serpent and the Ouroboros: The Ouroboros, the serpent devouring its own tail, is a significant symbol in alchemical and Hermetic traditions. It represents the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the unity of opposites. This concept is echoed in Tarot, particularly in the World (or Universe) card, where the circular shape of the serpent indicates completion, wholeness, and the eternal return.

4. Sexual Energy and the Serpent:

In Hermetic thought, serpent energy is also linked to the sexual force, which, when properly understood and directed, can lead to spiritual enlightenment. This is seen in the relationship between Yesod (the Sephirah associated with the moon and the sexual energies) and Tiphereth (the heart and higher self). The refinement of raw sexual energy into spiritual force is part of the journey of the serpent as it rises along the Tree of Life.

Conclusion:

In both Western Hermetic Qabalah and Tarot, the serpent symbolizes the process of transformation, the movement from ignorance to wisdom, and the rising of spiritual energy that leads to enlightenment. It is a potent emblem of both the hidden dangers and the profound wisdom that comes from traversing the spiritual path. The serpent’s duality—as both a symbol of temptation and of ultimate knowledge—mirrors the initiate's journey through the Tree of Life and the Tarot's archetypal stages.

A further example of this Trinity Goddess format is that nothing can grow in the Garden of the Empress without this wave structure that underlays energy. It is for this very reason that the Moon is assigned to this path, for it is a pattern of waxing and waning, fluctuation, dualities and tides, waves of magnetic energy in a vibratory pattern. Here, the Goddess is both Force and Form, and as a Moon she controls the tides of consciousness. Hence the Cresent Horned crown with a full moon center that is worn on her head.

In some esoteric traditions, particularly within Tantra and certain forms of sex magic, there is a belief that the combination of the sacred fluids of a woman and the seminal fluids of a man can be used to create a potent elixir or magic drink. This practice is a High Priestess temple ritual that is often associated with the idea of harnessing and transmuting sexual energy for spiritual and magical purposes. Here are some key points:

1. Sacredness of Sexual Energy: These traditions view sexual energy as a powerful and sacred force. It is believed that this energy can be directed and transformed to achieve spiritual growth, heightened consciousness, and magical results.

2. Union of Opposites: The mixing of the sacred fluids from both the female and male is seen as a symbolic and literal union of opposites, representing the duality of masculine and feminine energies. This union is believed to create a harmonious and balanced energy that can be channeled for various purposes.

3. Alchemy and Transformation: This practice has elements of alchemical symbolism, where the combination of fluids represents the transformation of base matter into a higher, spiritual form. It is often seen to elevate one's consciousness and connect with the divine.

4. Intent and Ritual: The process of mixing the fluids is typically performed within a ritual context. Intent, visualization, and focused energy play crucial roles in these rituals. Practitioners may have specific goals, such as spiritual enlightenment, healing, or magical manifestation.

5. Privacy and Consent: It's important to note that these practices, when involving sexual fluids, should always be consensual and conducted in a safe and private setting between willing participants. Consent and ethical considerations are of utmost importance.

6. Secrecy and Discretion: Many practitioners of these esoteric traditions keep their practices private and may not openly discuss them with others. They are often considered advanced and are typically not part of mainstream or widely accepted spiritual practices. These practices are called "High Magick" rituals and are not for the Human Stain and/or the Mundane. The kundalini must have risen in both parties and that practice alone is extremely dangerous to the mundane personality.

It's essential to approach these topics with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of spiritual and magical beliefs. These practices are not universally accepted or understood, and they should only be explored by individuals who are well-informed and consent to participate in such rituals. If you are interested in the complete release of your magick bodies abilities to transcend through ecstasy and high magick you must be without ego and have practice Tantra Yoga meditations for some time. Otherwise, you risk insanity!

In the hand, over Mystic Palette High Priestess's heart, is the Trinity goddess symbol, complete with Western Mysteries symbol of the silver (moon-metal) Pentacle (pentagram in a circle).

In Western Hermetic Mysteries and Tarot, the pentacle and the pentagram are potent symbols rich in esoteric meaning, representing balance, protection, the elements, and the human experience of the divine. Both are deeply connected to the physical and spiritual planes, with layered symbolism that touches on the microcosm (the individual) and the macrocosm (the universe). Here’s an exploration of their imagery and symbolism:

1. The Pentacle in Western Hermetic Mysteries

A pentacle is typically depicted as a disc or amulet inscribed with a pentagram (five-pointed star), and it has a dual association with both the physical and spiritual realms. In Hermetic practices, it is seen as a grounding tool that connects the practitioner to the material world, yet it also serves as a focus for manifesting spiritual energies into that realm.

Symbolism of the Pentacle:

• The Element of Earth: The pentacle is strongly associated with the element of Earth in both ceremonial magic and the Tarot. Earth represents the material world, the body, and physical manifestation, symbolizing stability, fertility, and security. It corresponds to the Sephirah Malkuth on the Tree of Life, which is the Kingdom, the physical plane of existence.

• Protection and Manifestation: The pentacle serves as a protective emblem, often used in rituals to ward off negative energies or to create sacred space. It also acts as a symbol of manifestation, representing the practitioner’s ability to channel higher forces into the material plane.

• Union of Spirit and Matter: In the Hermetic tradition, the pentacle is a symbol of the balance between spirit and matter. It embodies the idea that spiritual insights must be grounded and applied in the physical world to have true value. The pentagram inscribed on the pentacle also emphasizes the harmonious balance of the elements, with spirit presiding over them.

The Pentacle in Ritual:

In ceremonial magic, the pentacle is used as a magical tool to represent Earth. It can be charged with energy or intention, usually placed on the altar as a grounding symbol during rituals. In some practices, it serves as a focus for material goals, like wealth or physical health, due to its association with Earth’s abundance.

2. The Pentacle in Tarot

In the Tarot, the Pentacle appears as the suit of Disks or Pentacles (often called Coins in some decks), representing the material world, physical health, finances, and the practical aspects of life.

Key Tarot Cards with Pentacle Imagery:

• The Ace of Pentacles: This card is often depicted with a single large pentacle hovering in the air or emerging from a hand. It symbolizes new beginnings in the material realm, prosperity, and the potential for growth. The imagery suggests a gift from the divine, ready to be planted and nurtured into physical manifestation.

• The Ten of Pentacles: This card often shows a family or a multigenerational setting, with the pentacles displayed prominently. It represents legacy, wealth, inheritance, and the culmination of material success. The imagery is rooted in stability and the completion of earthly endeavors.

• The Queen of Pentacles: She is often depicted holding or seated near a pentacle, surrounded by lush, fertile imagery. The Queen embodies the nurturing aspect of Earth, focusing on the practical care and cultivation of resources. Her connection to the pentacle emphasizes material comfort, domesticity, and grounded wisdom.

3. The Pentagram in Western Hermetic Mysteries

The pentagram is a five-pointed star with deep symbolic roots in Hermeticism, alchemy, and magic. It represents the five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Spirit—in harmonious balance. It also signifies the human being as a microcosm of the universe, where each point corresponds to a different aspect of human existence.

Symbolism of the Pentagram:

• Five Elements: The pentagram reflects the five classical elements, with four being material (Earth, Water, Fire, Air) and the fifth being Spirit (sometimes called Aether or Quintessence). The upward-pointing pentagram (with one point at the top) shows Spirit ruling over the elements, symbolizing spiritual mastery and the dominance of higher consciousness over material forces.

• Microcosm and Macrocosm: The pentagram is often viewed as a diagram of the human being. When drawn with a single point upward, it represents the perfected individual—aligned with divine will, with Spirit guiding the lower material aspects. This alignment reflects the Hermetic principle of "As above, so below," where the human form reflects the cosmos.

• Protection: The pentagram is frequently used as a protective symbol, particularly when inscribed or traced in rituals. Its five points create a boundary of protection, invoking harmony and balance. It is used in banishing and invoking rituals within the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP), a foundational practice in Hermetic ceremonial magic.

Reversed Pentagram:

A pentagram drawn with two points upward is often considered a symbol of imbalance, where the material forces dominate Spirit. This reversal can represent the inversion of natural order or the descent into the lower instincts and desires. In some occult traditions, this symbol is associated with chaotic forces or the pursuit of material power unchecked by spiritual principles.

4. The Pentagram in Tarot

While less explicitly depicted than the pentacle, the symbolism of the pentagram permeates certain cards in the Tarot, particularly those associated with spiritual authority and the integration of material and spiritual forces.

Key Tarot Cards with Pentagram Symbolism:

• The Hierophant (Key V): As a figure of spiritual authority, the Hierophant often implies the harmonious balance of earthly and spiritual knowledge, akin to the pentagram’s symbolism of Spirit ruling over the elements. Though a pentagram may not be visibly depicted, the concept of balance between the divine and the material is central to this card.

• The Magician (Key I): The Magician channels the forces of the elements through the tools on his table, one of which is the pentacle. He embodies the Hermetic concept of the human being as a microcosm capable of working with the powers of the universe. The Magician’s upright posture is akin to the pentagram’s image of Spirit above, controlling and directing the elements.

5. The Pentacle and Pentagram in Alchemy and Magic

• Alchemy: In alchemical imagery, the pentagram represents the perfected work, or the Philosopher's Stone, where the alchemist has successfully harmonized the elements within themselves. The symbol of the pentagram often accompanies diagrams showing the process of transmutation—both of physical substances and of the soul.

• Magic Circles and Ritual Use: In ceremonial magic, the pentagram is inscribed or traced within magic circles to invoke divine forces and create boundaries of protection. The pentacle serves as a physical representation of this symbol, often empowered through consecration and used in rituals to balance the elements and bring down spiritual energy into material form.

Conclusion:

The pentacle and pentagram are deeply interwoven symbols in the Western Hermetic tradition and Tarot. The pentacle, as a symbol of Earth and the physical plane, emphasizes the grounding of spiritual forces in material existence. The pentagram, as a symbol of the elements and the human experience, represents the mastery of spirit over matter and the alignment of the microcosm with the macrocosm. Both are used in ritual for protection, manifestation, and spiritual growth, encapsulating the Hermetic principles of balance, harmony, and the unity of the divine and the physical.

Now if you wish to scry this card, remember, she is Pure Virginal Conscious and without empathy; she is as Durga, the Hindu Destroyer Goddess or the Ice Queen, Hel, of the Norse. You will encounter what Dang Olsen (Dream Tarot) called, "Brutal Holy Cosmic Vibration".

Unless you have a mentor, who has been through the initiation (descent into the Underworld of the Subconsciousness) of THE PRIESTESS/HIGH PRIESETS of the Greater Self, you may find her Cold Beauty shockingly destructive to your emotional sensibilities. For she strips your personality of all that is not worthy of Pure Self Conscious, including the sensuality and "feelings "you are so dedicated to and call "your Identity"; She is Pure I AM and what you think you are...is pure fantasy/illusion. She Knows you into existence as the Sun of God, and/or a Being of the family of Ra: She is Kundalini.

As the Goddess Durga Her many hands, really represent the many attributes of this High Priestess of Ten Thousand Names. She has, sword/dagger for pruning unworthy bits, and her many forms of the many named goddess are shown as individual composite aspects in her many arms.

Oh, I know her as Elizabeth (Elisheva), as She is permanently aware of her initiates and often renames them, she called me Prometheus during my dark night of the Soul,which I translated into the Qabalistic Eli Serabeth (Temple/House of the Fiery Daemon/Godman). She is an awe inspiriting Beauty who will assist you in self-dissection.... often without permission even when familiarity is gained.

To those who think bravery is an ego trip, don't try meeting the High Priestess- ever! If you wish to hold on to your false ego that enslaves your identity stay ignorant of your true darkness! Ask a true priestess and/or a mother of children, what bravery is, then do your best to incorporate that idea into your heart.

For you as an understanding Soul may then survive the ordeal of the "Dark night of the Soul" where you must face the falsehood that is what you think you are and lose all false desire, and the illusion of the senses before you have shed the veils of lies and/or mask of words and "feelings" that compose your false ego identity. In other words, she will strip you of all Identity, as did Ereshkigal strip Inanna in her descent into the dark underworld and then reestablish the Pure Identity of the Sun/Solar Self of the Divine Creative and the will of the One, "I Will Be" (Eheieh), as your greatest passion.

The Wisdom of THE PRIESTESS.HIGH PRIESTESS is in regulation, as her fluctuation establishes the direction for the First Matter as it descends into greater and greater density. Thus, she is THE MOON that regulates the tides of the Waters of consciousness.

As stated before, the four paths rising into the Supernal Triangle each represent an Alchemical element, each a composite of the "Garden of Eden". THE (HIGH) PRIESTESS or THE SOPHIA, is the Uniting Spirit, the Fifth element, symbolized as the top point of the Pentagram. THE CHARIOT =Fire; Water= THE EMPRESS; LOVERS= Air; the HIEROPHANT=Earth.

Overall, THE (HIGH) PRIESTESS, is the vessel for all operations of the Supernal Triangle, she is the crucible/womb where the Alchemical activity of Mercury, Sulfur, and Salt take place. She is also the source of the Four Rivers of Paradise, The Pison (River of Fire), The Gibon (River of Water), The Hiddikel (River of Air) and the Phrath (River of Earth), which goes a long way in describing her fluctuating nature, as rivers are often waves of serpentine flow that also are influenced by the Moon.

As I have mentioned before, the journey up the Paths of the Tree of Life, (called the Serpent path) is about Remembering our beginning, a critical part of "Above all things, Know thyself” …the Qabalistic axiom. THE HIGH PRIESTESS/PRIESTESS conceals within Her Vibrations, all the knowledge/memories of the Race, as well as those of the Cosmos. She is the circle/sphere in which all is created, the Womb of the Supernal Trinity.

Behind her resides Daath (Knowledge), invisible because of Vibratory Veils of light as well-being subjective potential. These veils are shown as Light in vibratory form, on the Thoth Card and the veil combination of The High Priestess as shown on the Mystic Palette- High Priestess Tarot Card show hanging veilsthat are usually closed veils that block access to the Dark Abyssal Womb of the invisible Sephiroth of Supernal Knowledge-Daath.

The Thoth-ATU 2-Priestess, shows these veils of light as curved and straight lines. Curved being Female magnetic force and straight lines be linear masculine force.

The Qabalist knows that it is Light that conceals the True Spirit---the one we've called "The Fiery Darkness", because Dark Energy is the birthplace of visible Light, as it is the substance of Supernal Potential and has no measurement, (beginning nor end to measure) making it infinite.; hence dark. It is said that to look upon the Light of the HIGH/ PRIESTESS, one must become Virginal in consciousness (2=1 and/or Androgynous). For her radiation of Light so bright one of mundane persona or material consciousness, cannot look upon it and keep sanity, and thereby, one will also be shocked right back into their Malkuth realm of the Egregore of Race sponsored consciousness.

If the desire of the survival subconscious aspect of mind is conquered and focused, the Light of the Priestess is welcoming, and brilliantly beautiful...but without heat, thus it is a cool light resembling the dazzling brightness of Ice in full Moon Light. Passing through the "Light", one enters the Abyss of Dark Matter/Dark Energy of non-space where the only sense is the original "I" sight of the One who is All; also known as “the seed atom” (Theosophy) of your beginning as a Solar consciousness. Think of this as being comparable to reentering the womb and returning to the original "egg" of yourself, as True Spiritual "I Will Be".

In our Universe, it is known that a Black Hole, is concentrated gravity, which sucks up light at one end, dark and sinister, but empties out into another universe, as a White Hole, where visible light is now emptied and is comparable to the invisible Sephiroth Daath who is the High Priestess/ Priestess.

Obviously, when considering Light, the Qabalist must rethink the essence of Light as Self. It is apparent to the researcher that all religions which stress "the Light" as a high state of consciousness, are based on Tiphareth-The Sun/Son. For instance, religions based on the teachings of Christ, Buddha, Apollo, Osiris, Ahurda-Mazda, Mithra, etc. However, the Gnostic Mysteries, unlike organized religions, states that Light conceals, rather than reveals, by its very brilliance. Thus, visible light is measurable (186,000 miles per second) and finite. 

As does the Moon, so does the PRIESTESS/HIGH PRIESTESS go from brilliant light to absolute darkness (Dark Energy). Hence, the Mythology of the Moon and her deities, such as, Dianna-Artemis, Hecate, and He- el-Aine (Later as Helen, Helena, Elaine, and Eleanor), better known to those of Celtic origin as Elaine the Moon-Goddess and to the Norse as Hel the Goddess of the Underworld (Ice Queen). In all cases, expressing an image of Mysterious Womb and its power over life-death and rebirth.

By trying to emphasize the Great Mystery of the Priestess, the Thoth Deck Card Shows THE PRIESTESS as Hecate-Selene (The Triple Goddess as described by Hesiod) which means -The Far Shooting Moon and is an aspect of Artemis. Artemis is also known as the "maiden of the silver bow", suggesting the lower aspect of THE PRIESTESS, (The ART card), which is Sagittarius, the archer. That is why she is illustrated on the Thoth card, with a bow across her knees. Artemis is the triple Goddess, represented as the Maiden, then the Orgiastic Nymph, then the Old Crone. As some say, Maid, Mother and Crone.

 To reiterate, THE PRIESTESS/HIGH PRIESTESS acts upon the First Matter of the MAGUS (Lord Python first husband of the Goddess Lilith/Ereshkigal the High Priestess), causing it to function in the pattern of a horizontal figure eight (lemniscate). This represents a unified energy cycle of both opposed and duplicated vibration; that forms twin circles in an unbroken line; therefore, infinite. This holding, enclosing, unbroken and duplicating function is that of the first female womb quality on the Tree of Life. Making 0 equal 2 and/or the duplicating of Mother-Binah (Understanding) and Father- Chokmah (Wisdom) in all things.

She is the Goddess of Ten Thousand names and represents the Noncompliant woman who abolishes the misogynistically intimidated and compliant Eve.

The Mystic Palette Tarot- Key 2-The High Priestess card also shows her eyes, either rolled up in her head or made of pure light. Perhaps she is in meditation or doesn't see the false reality we present as out outer selves, but rather looks inward to the truth of the inner self. Either way, what applies to the Thoth Tarot-ATU 2-Priestess, applies to the Mystic Palette High Priestess.

In astrology, the Moon is considered one of the key celestial bodies, and it represents various aspects of an individual's personality, emotions, and inner self. Here are some key characteristics associated with the Moon in astrology:

1. Emotions and Feelings: The Moon is closely linked to emotions and the subconscious mind. It influences how individuals react emotionally to situations and people. The Moon sign in a birth chart reveals the emotional nature of a person.

2. Nurturing and Motherhood: The Moon is often associated with the archetype of the mother and represents nurturing, caregiving, and maternal instincts. It reflects how individuals express and receive love, especially within family dynamics.

3. Instincts and Intuition: The Moon is connected to intuition and instincts. It governs how people respond to their environment on an instinctive level and how they navigate their inner world.

4. Habits and Daily Routines: The Moon is linked to habits, routines, and the daily rhythm of life. It reflects a person's comfort zones and how they seek security and stability in their everyday life.

5. Imagination and Creativity: The Moon is associated with the imagination and creativity. It governs artistic expression and the ability to connect with one's inner, imaginative world.

6. Adaptability: The Moon is considered a fast-moving celestial body, changing its sign every 2 to 3 days. This reflects adaptability and a responsive nature, as individuals may find their emotions and moods shifting relatively quickly.

7. Relationship with the Past: The Moon is linked to memories, the past, and ancestral influences. It reflects how individuals are connected to their personal history and how they may be influenced by past experiences.

8. Feminine Energy: Traditionally, the Moon is associated with feminine energy, and it is often linked to the yin principle. It embodies receptivity, intuition, and the reflective nature of the feminine.

In an astrological birth chart, understanding the Moon's placement, sign, and aspects to other planets provides valuable insights into an individual's emotional landscape and how they navigate the world on a deeply personal level. It's important to note that the Sun sign represents the external self, while the Moon sign represents the internal, emotional self.

The Mystic Palette Tarot-Key 2 High Priestess is an image that can provide knowledge, patience, and fruitfulness all of which are attributed to the Higher Self. Here skill is represented as acquired through study, experience, or long gestation, all of which are the real weapons that help us drive out the demon-virus of the False Ego that we have all nurtured with our lives and that has become a profaned veil of lies between us and the Psyche/Soul/Solar-Self. The fact of her Mystery is shown in the art of this key 2 card, as a faceless power that exists in the Darkness of the Abyssal Womb.

The term "Abyssal Womb" or "Abyssal Womb" as presented in various esoteric and occult traditions, including Western Hermeticism, Qabalah, and certain branches of mysticism, the Abyssal Womb symbolizes the primordial or cosmic womb from which all creation emerges.

Here are some interpretations and implications of the term:

1. Primal Source: The Abyssal Womb is often seen as the ultimate source or origin of existence, akin to a cosmic womb from which all forms manifest. It represents the deepest, most profound level of reality, beyond ordinary perception.

2. Transformation and Rebirth: In some contexts, the Abyssal Womb symbolizes the process of spiritual transformation and rebirth. It represents a state of dissolution or annihilation of the ego, leading to a new, higher level of consciousness.

3. Unity of Opposites: The Abyssal Womb may also embody the concept of unity of opposites, where darkness and light, chaos and order, are harmoniously integrated. It signifies the transcendence of dualities and the realization of oneness.

4. Mystery and Depth: The term "abyssal" conveys a sense of profound mystery and depth, suggesting that the Abyssal Womb holds secrets and truths beyond ordinary understanding. It invites seekers to explore the depths of their own consciousness and the universe.

Overall, the concept of the Abyssal Womb encompasses themes of creation, transformation, unity, and mystery, offering a powerful symbol for contemplation and spiritual exploration in various mystical traditions.

When the HIGH PRIESTESS or PRIESTESS, is thrown during a reading: for the non-initiated (who haven't experienced the dark night of the Soul and/or Her Pruning of the dead ideas of self):

• The querent is experiencing the principle of self-trust, indicating an easily working state of harmony and inner independence.
• A self-knowing.   
•  Accessing hidden Knowledge from the unconscious.  
• Self-sufficiency, self-trust, and intuition.
• Binary.
• Good judgment.
• Platonic love.
• Spiritual evolution.
•  To the initiated male.
•   She represents the Spiritual Bride of the Just man (The Prince, no longer of this world) When he reads the Law, she gives him the Divine Meaning/Understanding. 
• The Arcana is revealed, the Mystery is unfolded, and futures are seen.
• Anima-Life.
• To the Initiated Female.
• She is the Papess, associated with St. Mary Magdalene, or the Great Shakti of the triple Hindu Goddess Kali, or the Greek Gnostic Sophia, the original Mother of the Holy Trinity. 
• Considered one of the Highest and Holiest of the Major Arcana. Complete development of the Creatrix Feminine Powers (Womb rite) that go deeper in meaning than the words, intuition, or insight, can convey. 
• She is the Law of inherited Wisdom.

If ill defined by the surrounding cards, it implies:

• A time for action.
• Daydreaming.
• Escape from reality. 
• Moodiness.
• Phoniness.
• Existential dread.
• Proud and arrogant behavior.

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