The Hierophant - V
Keywords for The Hierophant
Tradition, Religion, Convention, Guru, Mysticism.
Divinatory Meaning of the Tarot Hierophant Card
Marriage, alliance, captivity, servitude; by another account, mercy and goodness; inspiration; the man to whom the Querent has recourse.
Spiritual structure. A situation that is compatible with the Seeker’s beliefs and values. This is a good card to get in a career question as it denotes the Seeker agrees with the values of the company he/she works for. In a relationship, Hierophant denotes marriage and sharing the same beliefs.
Other associations of The Hierophant
Element: Earth. Astrology: Taurus
As a Yes or No question: Unsure, no definite answer
Timing: April 20 – May 20
Archetype: Priest - spiritual authority.
The Tarot Hierophant card meaning in a nutshell:
The dependency on approval from an elevated dignity.
The Hierophant in a sentence
The Hierophant represents the deep importance of spirituality and religion in regards to the aspects of your life.
The Hierophant Tarot Card Description
The card depicts a religious figure that sits in a rather formal environment characteristic for a church. He is wearing three elaborate vestments which are designated to represent the three different worlds. His right hand is properly raised in an act of benediction, a sign of blessing – it’s the same hand that the Magician has raised. In his other hand, he carries a triple cross, which is associated traditionally with the pope. Each of the horizontal bars in the cross are thought to represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Beneath him, two acolytes are seated, representing the transfer of sacred knowledge within institutions. Through these acolytes, the card also comes to represent following the path to knowledge and education.
This card is also known as the High Priest in certain decks - as well as the Pope. He is acting as the masculine counterpart of another card which is known as the High Priestess. This card is ruled by Taurus.
The Hierophant Tarot Card
5. The High Priest or Hierophant, called also Spiritual Father, and more commonly and obviously the Pope. It seems even to have been named the Abbot, and then its correspondence, the High Priestess, was the Abbess or Mother of the Convent. Both are arbitrary names. The insignia of the figures are papal, and in such case the High Priestess is and can be only the Church, to whom Pope and priests are married by the spiritual rite of ordination. I think, however, that in its primitive form this card did not represent the Roman Pontiff.
Inner Symbolism of the Tarot Hierophant Card
He wears the triple crown and is seated between two pillars, but they are not those of the Temple which is guarded by the High Priestess. In his left hand he holds a sceptre terminating in the triple cross, and with his right hand he gives the well-known ecclesiastical sign which is called that of esotericism, distinguishing between the manifest and concealed part of doctrine.
It is noticeable in this connexion that the High Priestess makes no sign. At his feet are the crossed keys, and two priestly ministers in albs kneel before him.
He has been usually called the Pope, which is a particular application of the more general office that he symbolizes. He is the ruling power of external religion, as the High Priestess is the prevailing genius of the esoteric, withdrawn power.
The proper meanings of this card have suffered woeful admixture from nearly all hands. Grand Orient says truly that the Hierophant is the power of the keys, exoteric orthodox doctrine, and the outer side of the life which leads to the doctrine; but he is certainly not the prince of occult doctrine, as another commentator has suggested.
He is rather the summa totius theologiae, when it has passed into the utmost rigidity of expression; but he symbolizes also all things that are righteous and sacred on the manifest side.
As such, he is the channel of grace belonging to the world of institution as distinct from that of Nature, and he is the leader of salvation for the human race at large. He is the order and the head of the recognized hierarchy, which is the reflection of another and greater hierarchic order; but it may so happen that the pontiff forgets the significance of this his symbolic state and acts as if he contained within his proper measures all that his sign signifies or his symbol seeks to shew forth.
He is not, as it has been thought, philosophy-except on the theological side; he is not inspiration; and he is not religion, although he is a mode of its expression.
The Meaning and Symbology of The Hierophant
The Hierophant in the Rider-Waite deck is illustrated in a similar way to some other cards. Like The Emperor, he sits on a throne. Like The High Priestess, he sits between two pillars. The Hierophant has aspects of both of these; the traditional aspects of The Emperor and the forethought and intuition of The Empress. Further reinforcing the religious connotation is the ‘benediction’ posture in his right hand.
The Hierophant is the fifth card of the Major Arcana set. The Hierophant resembles a pope or religious leader (he is sometimes named ‘The Pope’ or ‘The High Priest’, mirroring ‘The High Priestess‘). Another masculine card after ‘The Emperor‘, The Hierophant has similar values of orthodoxy and stability, the same way that a King and a Pope are both important figures.
There's no doubt that the elevated figure on the Tarot Hierophant card is the pope. The word hierophant is Greek, meaning someone who shows the holy. The card is sometimes called The High Priest, which is just about the same: the one claiming to be closest to what's holy, thereby kind of holy himself, too. But that's far from certain.
The pope and other kinds of hierophants are heads of something symbolic, which is not the same as calling them symbolic heads. Usually, they have tremendous power and final say when it comes to what the divine may want. So, the divine seems mostly to want precisely what the hierophants want.
Temples are lavishly decorated, since they are to be the domains of gods. For the same reason, hierophants are lavishly dressed. Their appearances represent the splendor of what's holy, since they are supposed to be the closest links to it. That's why they can carry all that gold and jewels, without embarrassment. Some seem to indulge in it more than others, though. Above is a photo of the present pope, Benedict XVI, in a public appearance, below a portrait of Pope Paul III made by Titian in 1488.
In the Tarot deck, the Hierophant card is one that signals tremendous significance, but not necessarily as much substance. Whatever the hierophant might claim, we're all just as bewildered before god. The divine has no definite location, so there's no way anybody could be nearer to it than others. The Tarot Hierophant is the head of rituals, but the essence of any spiritual path is what each of us makes of it inside ourselves. That's a temple no hierophant can make his abode.
Upright Hierophant Meaning
To see the Hierophant in a reading is to embrace the conventional, for it suggests that you have a certain desire to actually follow a process which has been well established. It also suggests that you want to stay within certain conventional bounds of what could be considered an orthodox approach. So, instead of being innovative, you will be adapting to certain beliefs and systems which are already put in place and are existing.
The Hierophant card suggests that it’s better for you to follow social structures which are established and have their own traditions. You might be involved in certain ceremonies, rituals or other religious trappings, for instance. When it comes to tarot readings, this particular card is most commonly representative of institutions as well as their core values. This is a sign that shows that you need to conform to the already existing set of rules and situations which are fixed already.
The key focus of the Hierophant is making sure that you are doing the right thing in a traditional sense. You will want to make sure that you are listening to your inner voice about doing the right thing and not to others around you. You might find that you are in a situation where someone is trying to change the way that you view right and wrong. You will want to make sure that you listen to what your gut is telling you.
When it comes to your finances, the Hierophant means that you should use the traditional methods of money management. This might mean that you should talk to a money manager or a banker to help you find the best way to improve your finances. You will want to stay away from fast talkers and deals that seem to go to be true.
While there is a place in this world for all types of medicine, at this time you will want to stick with the traditional form of medicine. No matter how simple the health problem that might arise, go with the traditional means of healing for the moment.
The Hierophant Card as a Person
If the Tarot Hierophant card refers to a person, which is most often the case, it's someone very pompous indeed, whom it's of vital importance to treat with respect - whatever you might feel about it. You need that person's approval. At least, you can't afford offending him or her. Watch out, because the Tarot Hierophant is a person that is much more important to the final outcome than you might expect - definitely more than what seems reasonable.
The Hierophant Card as an Event
If the Tarot Hierophant card refers to an event, it's a moment of great symbolic significance, which can lead to triumph or to debasement. The importance of it must be respected, or things are unlikely to go your way. Still, your own influence is minimal. Things beyond your reach and ability are involved. There's not much more to do than hope for the best - and make sure not to offend anyone.
The Hierophant Card as You
If the Tarot Hierophant card has a position in the divination spread which refers to you, then you are in a position that others can't ignore. It is not exactly one of power to decide or spring into action. It's just that you can't be opposed and your preferences can't be ignored. You don't have to be modest about this strong influence, but you should. Tomorrow, in another situation, things may be very different. And people remember. To be respected is far from the same as being liked, or even admired.
The Hierophant in a time-based position
Past
The Hierophant in the past position could represent a past allegiance or membership of a group, club, or even a strong ethnic bond that has moulded how you think and feel. Perhaps you were brought up in a strongly religious family. It could still be affecting the way you think about certain topics. Remember that you’re an individual and you need to make your own mind up, rather than listen to dogma.
Present
The Hierophant in the present position could represent a new belief system taking hold, or a new cause to fight for. Right now, you might feel a bit lost or aimless, but don’t act irrationally. It’s not a time to jump in and act without planning. Looking at established material in the field you’re interested in will help you hone and perfect yourself. Know yourself.
Future
You don’t really need to plan. Just letting the paths of the future wind act as they want will be enough. Eventually, it will work out, but not in regards to mundane matters, something great is coming.
The Hierophant in regards to life issues
Work / Education
The Hierophant in regards to work suggests a possible culmination or transfer to a new area. A new job isn’t off the cards, and working with new people is likely.
Romance
The Hierophant in regards to romance means good things. Someone you already know may be interested in you. It’s likely someone you’ve known for a while. If you’re in a relationship now, expect things to continue as they have done recently.
Friends
The Hierophant suggests that not much is going to change in regards to friendship. Keep up your commitments to maintain your friends, starting a new group activity together is a good bet if you’re stuck for something to do.
Money
The Hierophant in regards to finances reminds you to do make dangerous purchases or investments. Stay risk-free for a while and ask for advice from people ‘in the know’ if you’re looking to get a discount. If in doubt, shop around.
Health
Don’t worry about your health, but look for ways to eat better and exercise more. Stick to that routine you said you’d keep to. Fad diets do more damage to your body so just stick to it. You can do it and you will do it. It is a shame to not be able to see your own body at its potential high.
Nutritional deficiencies, lack of emotional support, inadequate medical advice. On a positive note, this card denotes a strong immune system that resists illnesses.
Spirituality and Mentality
The Hierophant, as his religious appearance suggests, is tied to spirituality. The traditional aspect plays through. If you’re looking for inspiration, spirituality and religion may interest you. If you are religious, look closer at your religion and try to apply some of the core aspects into your daily life. The golden rule, as ever, is worth including everywhere.
Card combinations: Hierophant upright +:
Hierophant next to High Priestess mean an even deeper sense of meaning and purpose, and it often involves empowering the individual.
Hierophant next to Temperance often means an ancient culture and spiritual rituals.
Hierophant next to Star can mean the Seeker has a sudden awakening that creates shock waves in their lives.
Hierophant next to the Sun means security and success on a long term basis.
Hierophant next to World can mean the Seeker travels overseas to teach
Reversed Hierophant Meaning
Reversed: Society, good understanding, concord, overkindness, weakness.
Lack of compatibility in belief system between the Seeker and the situation; it can be in personal relationships or in the workplace depending on the question. Hierophant reversed indicates the Seeker feels insecure at the core and might be subconsciously attracted to a corrupt and false institution where they will be vulnerable to abuse.
When you see the Hierophant in reverse, it may mean that you are feeling particularly restricted and even constrained from too many structures and rules. As a result, you have lost quite a lot of control as well as flexibility in your life. You have a particularly strong will and desire to go ahead and regain control as well as to break free from the shackles of convention. You are tempted to try unorthodox approaches or to function in a way which defies social ties and norms.
The Hierophant reversal meaning is mostly about questioning certain traditions and making sure that whatever it is that you do is the right thing for you in this certain moment.
In reverse, The Hierophant can represent a lack of spirituality in your life. This won’t exactly reflect in lack of religion, but you may be feeling an exact lack of purpose or drive to get going. What gets you up in the morning? What do you want to achieve? Are you fully in control of your life? Look for the areas of your life that are not under your control and take the reins yourself. You cannot let others control you.
Card combinations: Hierophant Reversed +:
Hierophant reversed next to Fool can mean a learning institution lacking guidance and structure. There is no real substance, and the teachers are lacking motivation. Hierophant reversed next to Magician can mean a relationship being on the rocks. Hierophant reversed next to Justice can mean an investigation into an organisation revealing scandals and illegal activity.
Hierophant reversed next to Tower can mean the Seeker is spiritually broken, and abandonment of spiritual faith. What the Seeker is believing and what is the truth are out of alignment. The Seeker might be accusing innocent people of wrong doing. Hierophant reversed and the Moon indicates fear driven beliefs and consequently fear-driven actions. This card combination can also represent a mental institution where the patients are not getting the correct treatment