UPRIGHT: Ceremonies, Institutions, Religion, Traditions
REVERSED: Alternative Views, Rebellious, Unorthodox
The Hierophant Tarot Card Description
The Hierophant is a religious figure stationed between two pillars of a sacred temple. However, this temple is not marked as the High Priestess's pillars were. These pillars are of no significant value to the Hierophant. In the High Priestess card, the reader is venturing into the temple, and as such, the temple's interior is the source of divine knowledge. The Hierophant's card is about information from the Pope figure, and he is the gateway to knowledge. The card's imagery shows two worshippers bowing at the Hierophant's feet, ready to receive his divine knowledge. This tarot card is the first to show additional persons in its imagery, and it's important because it relates to a shared group identity. The crossed keys at The Hierophant's feet represent the unlocking of life's mysteries.
In the traditional Raider Waite deck, the Hierophant wears red, blue, and white robes and a three-tiered crown, representing his connection to the conscious, sub-conscious, and transcendental states of consciousness. He holds a triple cross in his left hand (the receiving hand) that signifies his religious status. He raises his right hand in a benediction (spiritual gesture), with two fingers pointing toward Heaven and two toward Earth, establishing his role as a divine bridge between the two planes.
Originally called the Pope card, the more commonly encountered modern name "Hierophant" is due to an attempt to remove Christian influences from the standard French tarot pack by Antoine Court de Gébelin out of a mistaken belief of a pre-Christian origin. According to de Gébelin, "hierophant" was the title of the chief priest in the Eleusinian mysteries (an ancient Greek ritual). However, recent historical evidence proves that tarot cards were invented in Northern Italy in the first half of the 15th century and not in ancient Egypt, as some believed.
The Hierophant Upright
The Hierophant is the opposite of The High Priestess card in tarot. He is an exoteric figure, in contrast to the esoteric High Priestess. The Hierophant signifies stability, rule-following, conservative spending, and seeking higher knowledge. The Hierophant card is associated with the zodiac sign Taurus and the element of Earth, symbolizing spiritual wisdom, conformity, tradition, and the influence of established religious institutions.
The Hierophant embodies spiritual wisdom and guidance from trusted sources, including religious leaders, mentors, or spiritual texts. This card signifies unwavering loyalty and devotion to one's traditional values and beliefs, fostering stability and security in life's personal and interpersonal aspects.
When the Hierophant appears in a reading, it could be about a mentor or someone of authority offering support and spiritual guidance. It also portrays a sense of belonging in a spiritual community where learning occurs frequently. The Hierophant is also a pillar of established values, showing how spiritual practices can link the human and divine realms. Drawing this card could forecast a big ritual or rite of initiation, such as weddings, baptisms, graduations, or confirmations.
The Hierophant Reversed
Since the Hierophant is a card of knowledge from a teacher, we see the opposite when he is reversed. The reader must step away from already established teachings and look inward. Hierophant signifies breaking from conformity and questioning one's spiritual beliefs. In the workplace, the Hierophant's reversed polarity often symbolizes rejection of the rules, lack of guidance, or people in authority roles misusing their power through manipulation. Try looking for alternative ways to solve problems that go against the grain.
Reversed, the Hierophant can signify a spiritual crisis or doubt. His opposite polarity is the rejection of orthodox beliefs and encourages the reader to seek out and experiment with unconventional sources of spirituality. A spiritual journey can help the reader understand their true purpose and break out of stagnation. But you must be careful to balance conformity while challenging the status quo. Respect your values and beliefs without falling prey to dogmatism.
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