THE PRIEST

Empathy – Ritual wisdom
Ego – Domination

In the image, a figure reminiscent of the Pope from the Marseille tarot is seated, wrapped in luxurious liturgical garments. In their hands they hold neither scepters nor crosses, but two rattles, almost toys, humble objects that become instruments of power not because of what they are, but because of how they are used. This is the crucial point: spiritual power does not reside in things, but in the relationship we establish with them.

The Priest represents the officiant, the mediator, the one who enters symbolic territory and brings it to life through word, gesture, and rhythm. They are a guardian of ritual wisdom, capable of generating empathy and fostering inner transformations. But they also carry the risk of domination: the ego disguised as guidance, deception that uses the sacred as a stage, manipulation that exploits the human need for meaning.

No one truly knows anything about the divine; that is the naked fact. But among us, human beings alone within the mystery of existence, ritual can be medicine, support, a tool. As long as the ego does not take control. And then yes: even two rattles can help.

So my dear one, if your subconscious has chosen this card, it may be trying to tell you that:

If the card speaks of you – Light

You are accessing a broader form of awareness and recognizing the real power of symbols. Your spiritual sensitivity is maturing and becoming a path of listening and authenticity. What you do with deep intention can transform into guidance for yourself and, if you wish, for others.

Questions for you
– Which personal ritual connects you to your most authentic and luminous self?
– What are you discovering in symbolic territory that can truly nourish your growth?
– In which moments do you feel you are acting as a channel of wisdom rather than ego?

If the card speaks of you – Shadow

You may feel tempted to use spirituality as an instrument of control or as a narcissistic refuge. You might be giving too much power to objects, words, or rites emptied of their meaning. Or perhaps you are seeking authority instead of truth, and this is distancing you from yourself.

Questions for you
– Are you seeking a spiritual path, or a position of power disguised as inner searching?
– Which symbol, ritual, or belief are you following without having verified it within yourself?
– Where is your ego interfering with your spiritual authenticity?

If the card speaks of the world – Light

Around you there may be a community, an environment, or a group using rituals, knowledge, or symbolic practices as tools for connection and healing. The world may now show you sincere forms of embodied, lived, and concrete spirituality.

Questions for you
– Who in your surroundings is revealing themselves as a true bridge toward a broader sense of meaning?
– Where do you perceive a collective ritual gesture that strengthens rather than dominates?
– Which external spiritual experience is resonating with a deep need of yours?

If the card speaks of the world – Shadow

The sacred can be manipulated. Someone may be using symbols, words of power, or rituals to obtain obedience, fascination, or control. Spiritual seduction is subtle and mimetic, and it can turn into domination disguised as guidance.

Questions for you
– Which figure or system is using spirituality as a tool of manipulation?
– Where do you perceive sacred power that wants to rule rather than illuminate?
– Who is wearing the garments of the priest or guru to conceal a less pure intention?