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The twenty-two Major Arcana cards in the Tarot deck are quite eloquent on the subject of our spiritual journey, and a particularly interesting aspect of these cards is the fact that duality is a recurrent theme throughout them. For example, the Magician and the High Priestess (cards 1 and 2 in the Major Arcana) form a dualistic pair, representing (among other things) activity and passivity, respectively. Consideration of these two cards in this light suggests some soulful insights, which we will explore here.

The Magician represents taking an active involvement in life. More than that, however, it indicates that when we allow ourselves to be a conduit for a higher power, we are able to connect with a divine source through our actions here in the material world. In this way, we can bring spiritual energy into our lives here on the Earthly plane.

Many of the world’s greatest artists have said that they do not “create” their art; they just “transcribe” what they have been inspired to write, paint, compose, or sculpt. The Magician assures us that this is possible for every one of us. When we act upon inspiration from a higher source, we become empowered by the Divine to manifest that inspiration on the physical plane, regardless of how mundane our efforts may seem. And whenever we intend for our actions to be a spiritual undertaking, we infuse a bit of the Sacred into their results. The question then becomes, how can we perceive divine inspiration and find our way along our spiritual path? The answer lies in the next Tarot card.

The High Priestess, as opposed to the Magician, represents receptivity and passivity. More specifically, she symbolizes a withdrawal from activity in order to hear the spiritual truths that come from deep within us. She shows us that intuitive reflection and contemplation can bring us a better understanding of the ineffable mysteries of the Universe and of the human soul. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The only tyrant I accept in this world is the still voice within,” and that is the voice that the High Priestess urges us to listen to. It speaks to us during quiet meditation and through our dreams. It speaks to us when we are receptive to it, when we have achieved the inner peace and harmony that the High Priestess exemplifies. But the understanding that the High Priestess represents cannot be expressed adequately in words, for spiritual truths are beyond conscious experience or rational expression. It can, however, be expressed through our actions, which leads us back to the Magician.

Thus, at first glance, these two cards seem to represent opposite qualities -- activity versus passivity -- but at a deeper level they are two sides of the coin of spiritual awareness, their essences inextricably linked. The Magician represents our ability to work miracles when we are open to the miraculous nature of the Universe, while the High Priestess tells us that the entire Universe is oracular, filled with omens that will guide us truly when we are open to seeing the sacred meaning of everything around us. The Magician urges us to act with soulful intent as we travel along our spiritual path, and the High Priestess teaches us to listen to the “still voice within” so that we may see our way along that path.

So we see that the messages of both cards are equally important, each depending on the other. It is through a proper balance of right action and sincere contemplation that we travel our spiritual path and achieve our soulful purpose here on Earth.

James Ricklef is a Los Angeles based Tarot reader, teacher, and freelance writer. His new book, "Tarot Tells the Tale," is published by Llewellyn, and it features sample readings for well-known historical, mythical, and fictional characters. To schedule a Tarot reading (either private readings or readings at parties) or to inquire about his Tarot classes, contact him at knighthawk111@hotmail.com. For more information about his work, see his website: http://home.att.net/~jwricklef