HIEROPHANT DESCRIPTION
The Hierophant is the masculine counterpart to the High Priestess. He is also known as the Pope or the Teacher in other Tarot decks and is ruled by Taurus.
The Hierophant is a religious figure sitting between two pillars of a sacred temple – though this temple differs from the one in which the High Priestess sits. He wears three robes – red, blue and white – and a three-tiered crown, both representing the three worlds over which he rules (the conscious, sub-conscious and super-conscious). In his left hand, he holds the Papal Cross, a triple sceptre that signifies his religious status. He raises his right hand in a religious blessing, with two fingers pointing towards Heaven and two towards Earth.
Before him kneel two followers. The Hierophant’s task is to pass down his spiritual wisdom and initiate the two into the church so they can take up their appointed roles. This imagery speaks to a shared group identity and a rite of passage to enter the next level. The crossed keys at the Hierophant’s feet represent the balance between the conscious and subconscious minds and the unlocking of mysteries, which only he can teach.
NOTE: The Tarot card meaning description is based on the Rider Waite cards.
Hierophant Keywords
UPRIGHT: Spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition, institutions
Upright Hierophant
The Hierophant card represents an established set of spiritual values and beliefs and is often correlated with religion and other formal doctrines. Before you can discover your own belief systems and make your own choices (as associated with the next card, the Lovers), the Hierophant encourages you to learn the fundamental principles from a trusted source.
Work with a teacher, mentor, or guide to teach you about spiritual values and beliefs in a structured way. He may be an authority or a kind and generous mentor who nurtures your spiritual awareness and helps you access the Divine by understanding the traditions and core principles. You may also undertake a period of formal study as you delve into a subject that has been widely explored and documented.
If you have already mastered a particular field of study, you may be taking on the role of teacher and mentor to others. In this position, you honour and acknowledge your responsibility to share your knowledge in a structured way, one that respects the age-old traditions.
The Hierophant‘s arrival suggests you are following convention and staying within the bounds of a ‘tried and tested’ model. You are not yet willing to go out on a limb or offer any new and innovative ideas. Instead, you adhere to the key principles and rules that you know will lead to a successful result.
The Hierophant may call you to honour family traditions or sacred rituals that sit neglected. You are being asked to commit to spiritual practice in its most wholesome form – no customisation, no adaptation, no bending the rules. If you have been lacking ritual and tradition, create a regular practice such as daily prayer or saying grace before a meal. Consider exploring your spiritual or religious heritage.
The Hierophant Tarot card often speaks to group membership or being part of an institution. You may enjoy a deep sense of comfort being surrounded by people who have well-established belief systems and explicit values. Finding them may be as significant as exploring a new church or religious group, or as simple as joining a gym or online Tarot community. This card is about identifying with others and a way of thinking that will prompt further learning.
Upright Love Meaning:
Safe, traditional partners, avoiding taboo, spiritual love
When it comes to relationship tarot readings, the Hierophant's upright love meaning can point to the effects of conventional religion on love and choosing partners. You could be drawn to partners that are safe, traditional, and respected by your community, and avoid partners that are considered "taboo". The Hierophant love meaning in tarot can also represent the more spiritual aspects of love, and a reminder that our partners should be treated morally, and lovingly. Sometimes, this card can also indicate marriage.
Relationships affected by the Hierophant card are usually traditional, conventional and socially approved. Partners are likely to share a system of beliefs.
Upright Career Meaning:
Success in work groups, education, teamwork, mentor
With the Hierophant, you’ll find success from working with others right now. This can sometimes mean also choosing to not rock the boat, and staying on the tried and true path. With so many variables when it comes to work, it may be better to stay safe for now. This card can also signal that group cohesion rather than individuality can be more important at the moment. Sometimes, the Hierophant can also signify a more senior mentor that can be a helpful aid in you progressing through your career. The card is also representative of education, meaning that a time of learning, whether through a school or vocational training, can be helpful for you.
Upright Finances Meaning:
Keeping your money safe, traditional financial institutions
When it comes to your finances, the Hierophant can suggest that your money should remain safe in traditional, established institutions. Novel ways of making money, whether it’s a side hustle you don’t really understand, or new financial products, may cause problems for you; avoid gambling with your money.
Reversed Hierophant Keywords
REVERSED: Personal beliefs, freedom, challenging the status quo
Reversed Hierophant
In its most positive form, the reversed Hierophant reminds you that you are your own teacher. All the wisdom you seek comes from within – not from some external source or power. You are being guided to follow your own path and adopt your own spiritual belief systems rather than blindly following others’. It may feel unsettling at first as you make your own way, but over time, you will learn to trust yourself and tap into your inner knowledge. Others may question your motivations to go against tradition, but you know deep within that now is the time.
With the reversed Hierophant, you no longer need external approval to succeed. You are ready to go it alone and do it your way, even if that means going against convention. Give yourself permission to trust your inner guidance system as you create your own path forward.
The Hierophant reversed is also about challenging the status quo. You see alternative ways of viewing the world and are ready to test the very ideas and concepts you were taught were the ‘truth’. You no longer accept the rigid structures, tradition and dogma surrounding you; instead, you seek out opportunities to rebel and reclaim your personal power. If you feel restricted or constrained and have lost your sense of freedom and flexibility, now is the time to make your own rules.
The reversed Hierophant encourages you to examine ‘the way we do things around here’ and ask yourself whether it aligns with your values. You may have been running on autopilot so far and following the crowd, but now you see that changes need to be made. Taken further, the Hierophant reversed is like a rebellious teenager who begins to question society and take part in anti-institutional activities. There may be a run-in with authorities or conflict with a parent or authoritative figure.
Reversed Love Meaning:
Stale relationship, values not aligned, breaking taboo
A reversed Hierophant can indicate that your relationship may have become rather stale or boring. You may have entered the relationship since it seemed practical, but without injecting some extra excitement, it can feel dull. When it comes to shared values and creating a future together, the reversed Hierophant love meaning can indicate that your views may not align too well with your own. This doesn't have to be a deal breaker, but may require some compromise.
Generally, this card also signals that not all the advice you may receive about your romantic relationships may be helpful for you at this time. You may be better off thinking for yourself what works, instead of relying on someone else to show you what is right for your love life.
Reversed Career Meaning:
Bureaucracy, stifling, confined workplace, peer pressure
Your creativity, achievement or freedom at your workplace can feel stifled by bureaucracy, processes, or rules right now. You may feel restricted and confined. If you had the options, you may have been able to solve many of your organization’s problems, but they may be stubborn to keep things done “their way”. Sometimes this can mean in order to get things done, you would have to engage in chumming up to your colleagues, or even your boss. There may be a lot of pressure to follow the organization’s decisions even when you have a differing opinion. Weigh the risks of going your own way; can you stay true to your own opinions where you are currently?
Reversed Finances Meaning:
New financial institutions, taking risks with finances
The advice of your peers when it comes to finances can feel stifling to you at the moment. You may have the itch to take risks and try new ways of earning your money, whether that means working on a side-project in your spare time, or learning about cryptocurrency. Remain responsible and realistic about what kinds of risks you’re willing to take, and what you’re willing to lose.
Copyright 2013 Craft, Home and Garden Ideas. All rights reserved.