La Papesse, the High Priestess, of the Tarot deck, has inspired this most unusual piece for my shop. There is a great deal of symbolism related to the High Priestess represented in this necklace. I will detail the elements of this lovely, feminine piece.
"The High Priestess tarot cards originally called 'La Papesse' or the 'Popess'. Some of the cards directly linked the woman on the card to the papacy by showing the woman wearing a triregnum or Papal tiara. The High Priestess is identified with the Shekhinah, the female indwelling presence of the divine. She wears plain blue robes and she sits with her hands in her lap. She has a lunar crescent at her feet and wears a diadem on her head. She is a card of mystery, stillness and passivity. This card suggests that it is time to retreat and reflect upon the situation and trust your inner instincts guide you. Things around you are not what they appear to be right now." Wikipedia
Some of the symbolism on this necklace:
Pic. 4
- pomegranate: a symbol of life and fertility due to their many seeds but also a symbol of power (Imperial orb), blood and death. Pomegranates already symbolized fertility, beauty and eternal life, in Greek and Persian mythology
- a religious medal of Mary, the iconic mother muse, a High Priestess in her own right
- her hand holding keys, necessary to enter the temple
Pic. 5
- the keys
- The High Priestess herself
- her hand holding a book representing divine law and the memory we carry with us about the past, present and future She must read this to enter the Temple.
Pic. 6
- the book
- crescent moon antique button. The moon symbolizes feminine energy, mystery and psychic abilities, and the never-ending cycle of birth, life, death, and re-birth.
- the rose, symbolizes purity and is a reminder to cleanse the mind.
Behind the central image of the High Priestess, (picture 8) i have placed a piece of eggshell to symbolize fertility.
The Coro necklace, an articulated silver, white enamel and aurora borealis studded piece, is a gorgeous gift from the mid-1900's. It is 15-16" long.