2 – Juno

This card is sometimes called The High Priestess, relating to the deities Isis or Athena. As The Priestess, she represents figures of hidden knowledge, inward authority, and the mysteries of the night. She is often veiled and holds a closed book, reflecting mysticism and occult knowledge. I gave a nod to this interpretation with a crown of Hathor, which was later adopted by Isis, and the two sacred guardian cats.

However, I prefer the alternative assignment of “Juno”—a more open interpretation. Juno’s symbolism emphasizes structure, legitimacy, and the conscious acceptance of responsibility rather than secrecy or withdrawal. As queen of the Roman gods, she governs marriage, oaths, and social bonds that are witnessed and upheld within the visible world. She occupies the space between night and dawn, when the sun begins to light the horizon and the celestial bodies in the night sky begin to fade, but are still visible.

Rather than withholding, she brings truth and accountability into the light of day. Writing can be seen on the scroll she holds loosely in her hand: It is meant to be read.

The peacock is central to the mythology of Juno, with the eyes of the peacock’s tail seeing all. This symbolism is the basis of the design I chose for her throne and for the color of her gown. The peacock reference is also repeated in the constellation Pavo, named for the peacock, visible in the top right corner of the card. 

In the interpretation I chose to base my card on, Juno sits between the twin pillars of Solomon’s Temple, symbols of divine strength and stability. Although there is no visual record of Solomon’s Temple, the columns are described as being constructed of metal, and decorated with lilies, pomegranates, lattice work and chains. I based my depiction on an architectural model designed by Thomas Newberry on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.