Undomesticated Tarot: Bringing Back the Wild to a Domesticated World

Summary

E. Katherine Kottaras explores the symbolism of The High Priestess tarot card, drawing parallels between its attributes and the potential for personal insight and awareness in the modern world.

Abstract

In the article "Undomesticated Tarot: Bringing Back the Wild to a Domesticated World," E. Katherine Kottaras delves into the essence of The High Priestess, the second card of the Major Arcana in Tarot. Kottaras uses the metaphor of a heron's keen vision to illustrate the card's call for introspection and expansive perception. The High Priestess is depicted as a figure of wisdom and silence, urging individuals to embrace a dual gaze that encompasses both the external and internal worlds. The article emphasizes the importance of patience, mindfulness, and the ability to listen deeply to oneself and the environment. Kottaras, who is embarking on a journey to internalize and personalize the lessons of the Tarot, invites readers to recognize their own capacity for sacred knowledge and to integrate the ancient wisdom of the Tarot into their contemporary lives.

Opinions

The High Priestess card is seen as a symbol of silent wisdom and the ability to perceive life with a depth and clarity that transcends ordinary vision.
The author suggests that individuals have the power to develop a broader and more detailed field of vision, akin to the monocular vision of a heron, which allows for a focus on different aspects of life simultaneously.
Kottaras encourages a meditative approach to life, advocating for moments of stillness to reflect and listen to the world and oneself.
The article posits that sacred knowledge is not exclusive to the 'undomesticated' or the wild; it is accessible to everyone, including those living seemingly ordinary lives.
The project is approached with a blend of seriousness and playfulness, with the author's cat making a cameo in each card as a playful element.
Kottaras is open to learning and growth, inviting supportive feedback as she explores the intersection of centuries-old intuitive knowledge with modern life.
The author's background in English, Kinesiology, and her experiences as a yoga teacher and health coach inform her holistic and inclusive perspective on expression, healing, and personal development.

The Major Arcana: The High Priestess 2 🔮

in this hyperconnected /&/ disconnected world, the high priestess sits alone high on a perch, silent and wise.

the high priestess, like a heron hunting for fish, has eyes that seem to gaze ahead in a blank stare, but whose monocular vision with built-in zoom lens is three times more detailed than the vision of us human animals, whether we are of the domesticated or the wild sort.

monocular vision might sound more limiting, but it is, in fact, incredibly more expansive; it means, in simple but entirely amazing terms, that each eye can focus on different objects at the same moment.

the high priestess’s field of vision is also wider /&/ more profound, with only the smallest of blind spots behind them, and with both eyes on either on the past &/or the future &/or the present moment’s demand of both inner /&/ outer attention.

yes, the high priestess can see, all right.

so then, this card is inviting you to set your own sights high, to pause upon the high lines of wire, to calm your own warm animal body into stillness, to set your own expansive gaze backwards /&/ forwards, outwards /&/ inwards.

you do contain the power of sight; you also contain the potential of awareness; and you contain a silent channel of memory.

open your eyes — really open them.

and then close them — really close them.

listen — yes, really listen.

to the wind, to the waters, to the light change, to your own unique and vibrant voice.

sacred knowledge is not limited to those undomesticated souls — you, dear domesticated friend, contain a universe of wisdom, too.

invite to your body and to your mind the wild gift of patience.

when you are ready (— you’ll know that you are) — then you can launch, and you can take flight, held on your journey by your internal strength /&/ wild, inborn knowledge of grace.

About this project: I’ve been wanting to take the time to learn Tarot for a long while. I pull my cards regularly, but I have a hard time remembering the meanings. I am embarking on this project so that I can dive in deep, internalize, and personalize the lessons of the deck. I’m especially curious about how the poetry of centuries-old intuitive knowledge fits in with our modern lives.

Collage and words by me — Second in a series — Taking it seriously, but also trying to lean into play, a bit like a kitten — 🐈‍⬛ therefore there will be a cameo of my cat in every single card. Can you find her?Open to learning via supportive feedback —

E. Katherine Kottaras holds an M.A. in English and an M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus on Integrative Wellness, and she is a contemplative writer and holistic teacher, having worked at the middle, high school, and community college levels for over two decades. She is a yoga teacher, personal trainer, and health coach while also living with invisible illnesses and neurodivergence, and as such, she is passionate about mindfulness, bodily self-determination, and health equity. As the queer daughter of an immigrant, Katherine believes that holistic and inclusive approaches to expression, healing, and growth should be accessible to all.

Check out Katherine’s new series, Yoga with Eleonora on YouTube, which helps kids of all ages calm their minds and bodies so they can respond to and communicate their feelings in healthy ways.