http://archetypalmind.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/high-priestess-symbolic-analysis/
“…each mind/body/spirit complex shall and should and,
indeed, must perceive each archetype, if you use this
convenient term, in its own way. Therefore, you may see
that precision is not the goal; rather the quality of
general concept complex perception is the goal.”- Ra,
Session 77
Key Observations
- Female energy,
unconscious and intuitive.
- The main figure sits between the
two poles, on what appears to be a more reflective or
lighter version of the cubic stone (square
shape) of the magician. Remember the cubic
stone represents the material world.
- The veil represents
the separation of the conscious mind and the
unconscious mind or unmanifested mind.
- The pillars, black
& white are said to represent the poles. I think
of the hidden third. Notice that the Priestess sits
within a structure in which polarity is an integral
and necessary part. The unfed mind has no polarity
just as intelligent infinity has none. The nature of
the sub-sub-sub-Logos which offers the third-density
experience is one of polarity, not by choice but by
careful design. 2 You will note also, from the symbol
denoting spirit in manifestation upon each pillar,
that the One Infinite Creator is no respecter of
polarity but offers Itself in full to all.3
- This figure is immanent, near
at hand within all manifestation. The
opportunities for the reaching to the Potentiator
are numerous. However, of itself the Potentiator
does not enter manifestation.
- The crescent moon
is again repeated
- The crux
ansata indicates
the sign of life as the spirit enlivening
matter.Moreover, it illuminates a concept which is a
portion of the archetype which has to do with the
continuation of the consciousness which is being
potentiated, in incarnation, beyond incarnation.· The
robe, in this case, indicating the outer garments of
custom,shielding principles of the unconscious mind
from the conscious mind.The grapes on the cloth
indicating the fertility of the subconscious but also
the great protection given by the very character of
potentiation. To bear fruit is a protected activity.
The protection here depicted as being on the
right-hand side but not the left indicating that there
is protection for the positive path but not for the
negative. An inborn bias exists offering to the seeing
eye and listing ear information concerning the choice
of the more efficient polarity.
Deeper Meanings:
suggestions have been embedded within every image
pointing to perspective, functions and relationships
each archetype has with polarity, the material world and
the other archetypes. Observing the left or right hand
or the position of the figure (forward or side facing)
are two examples of another layer of symbolism that can
be considered. Ex. the right hand may be considered to
represent the right-handed path or the
“service-to-others” path, while the left hand may be
considered the left handed path or “service-to-self”.
Facing to the left may suggest that this archetype is
naturally focused in the direction of self.
- The high priestess is the part of
our mind that is always watching, observing
and reinforcing. From the perspective of the High
Priestess, both polarities are equal and structural.
- The right side of her body is
covered, while the left side is bare. Consider how the
higher mind might be perceived to the
individuals traveling either the path of light or it’s
opposite. How those on the right handed path
would feel protected, safe and warm from with the idea
that there is a positive force
overseeing their conscious efforts, while
those on the left handed path might feel a pull to
control or dominate their higher-mind, like other
things, it would be a powerful force to consider under
the submission of the conscious mind or perhaps an
egoist mind, as the case may be.
- The lines in
the cubic stone of the magician have changed
from diagonal to vertical now, in the dress of the
High Priestess and her feet are obscured. Perhaps
this points to the definitive nature. The idea of
polarity only works because of
the veils ability to create the appearance
of two where one truly exits. In the light of day it
is easier to distinguish the man from his
shadow, but in the dark of night, neither can be seen,
you must feel them out to know the difference. But in
reality there is only the man, the shadow is an
illusion and a direct result of the light. It is
unavoidable and nothing fear; it need only to be
recognized for what it is… a consequence of the
veiling process.
“Consider, if
you will, the path your life-experience complex has
taken. Consider the coincidences and odd
circumstances by which one thing flowed to the next.
Consider this well. Each entity will receive the
opportunity that each needs. This information
source-beingness does not have uses in the
life-experience complex of each of those among your
peoples who seek. Thus the advertisement is general
and not designed to indicate the searching out of
any particular material, but only to suggest the
noumenal aspect of the illusion.” -Ra, Session 8
Notes:
- crescent moon is found
in at the feet of the Empress (Arcanum 2)
- cubic stone is found
in the Empress (Arcanum 3), the Emperor (Arcanum 4), the Hierophant(Arcanum 5).
- square shape can
be found in the Empress (Arcanum 3), the Emperor (Arcanum 4), theHierophant(Arcanum 5), the Chariot(Arcanum
7), the Martyr(Arcanum 12)
- grapes can
be found in the Martyr(Arcanum 12)
- pillars can
be found Lightning (Arcanum
16), the Empress (Arcanum 3), theEmperor (Arcanum 4), the
Hierophant (Arcanum 5), Primeval
Darkness (Arcanum
15)
- crux ansata can
be found in the Empress (Arcanum 3), the Wheel of
Fortune (Arcanum
10), the Martyr[inverted]
(Arcanum 12)
“Each student may see some
other nuance. We, as we have said, did not offer these
images with boundaries but only as guidelines
intending to aid the adept and to establish the
architecture of the deep, or archetypical, portion of
the deep mind.”- Ra, Session 91
Modern keywords
for the high priestess:
Knowingness – Love – Relationships
Wisdom – Sound judgment – Serenity
Common sense – Intuition
Mystical vision – introspection –
otherworldliness
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