Pythia

The Pythia was a name as much as a title of the matriarchal leaders of the planet Gallifrey prior to Rassilon. They possessed powerful psychic powers, and had the power of precognition. The Pythia ruled a Gallifrey which was governed by mystery and superstition. The 389th Pythia was given a jeweled periapt by the legendary hero Ao.

Biography
Near the end of her reign as Pythia, the last Pythia was unable to see into the future. In an attempt to see further she recruited Vael, a Gallifreyan skilled with psychic powers, to work with her and spy upon Rassilon. When her plans failed she sent her followers to the planet Karn, then cursed Gallifrey with sterility and threw herself into an abyss below her temple. Pythia's followers would eventually adopt the title of the Sisterhood of Karn. (NA: Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible)

As a result of the curse, Gallifreyans (and Time Lords) could no longer reproduce naturally, so they created the Looms. During the Doctor's seventh incarnation, the curse was lifted, so that the human Leela and Andred could conceive a child together. (NA: Lungbarrow)

(The sisterhood of Karn and Lady Peinforte possess the leftovers of the Pythia's power)