The Hierophant Tarot Card Meaning
This lecturing man is a high-ranking spiritual leader, with two followers in front of him, respectfully listening to his teachings. He is known as the Hierophant, who dominates the power of external religion, just as the High Priestess is the excellent innate power of the esoteric. The Hierophant is preaching, which is also an education, and it is the oldest form of propaganda. The whole picture also presents the initiation ceremony of the Masonic system, actually using the orthodox position of the Hierophant to imply the orthodoxy of the secret society. Therefore, there are many decorations and symbols on the Hierophant and in the background that are related to Freemasonry.
This Hierophant sits inside the temple, on the steps, wearing a Taoist robe, holding a staff, and raising his right hand with a divine gesture. His face is thin and clear, his eyes are focused, and his slightly raised gaze reveals his confident and authoritative gaze. This Hierophant has no beard, which represents that he is good at expressing, the communication is smooth, and it also represents that his male gender characteristics are not so obvious. Although he is not old, he has a lot of cultivation in the spiritual aspect.
The Hierophant is dressed in a noble and bright and simple way, representing the superficial religion, the leader under the religious system. The red robe, white vestments, shoes, and outer lining. The blue inner lining is exposed at the neck and lower part, and the blue color represents clear speech and clear thoughts. The red Taoist robe is a symbol of nobility, as well as enthusiasm and vitality.
The Hierophant wears a triple crown on his head, higher than the crown worn by the emperor, representing that the spiritual power of the Hierophant is more noble. However, wearing an overly high hat, it is inevitable to be overly self-inflated. The Hierophant has less practical action power and pays more attention to spiritual power. His power must also be exercised through the will of God. There are white earlaps and tassels on both sides of the hat, representing pure and flawless cleanliness, and also symbolizing the filtering of secular noise.
The Hierophant holds a triple cross staff in his left hand. Such a staff is the authority of God, the authority of religion or belief, and also the leadership and guidance of thought. The triple cross staff represents the unity of body, mind, and spirit, as well as the symbol of the Holy Infant, Holy Spirit, and Holy Father Trinity, and also the past, present, and future. This combination is also related to the secret society related to Freemasonry, symbolizing the basic initiation ceremony, and the three levels that must be experienced - apprentice, co-repair, and master. There are many images related to "three" on the Hierophant and around, and there are many symbols composed of three crosses, and there are three crosses embroidered on the vertical ribbon in the middle of the red robe, falling on different parts.
The Hierophant's right hand makes a gesture of the index finger and middle finger together upward, and the thumb holds the ring finger and little finger. This is a well-known church symbol. In many Western paintings, the Hierophant is dressed in this way and also holds this gesture. This gesture is used here to represent "esotericism", connecting the will of God and conveying it. This gesture reveals mysterious information and the difference between the doctrine represented by the Hierophant and the High Priestess. The names of the Hierophant and the High Priestess have no relativity, indicating that they belong to different doctrines. The Hierophant is a powerful spiritual force, not a subtle spiritual light. The Hierophant card integrates various religious and beliefs, while the High Priestess is attributed to the private spiritual side.
The podium is covered with a red carpet, and there are two black and white checkerboard patterns on the strip. The checkerboard pattern represents the struggle and integration of opposing forces. Close to the inner side of the two strip patterns, there are four circular cross marks, divided into two columns in front of the two feet, just representing the combination of the four elements, and also symbolizing the four wheels in the wheel of the Christian God. The arrangement of the circular plate in this way represents that spiritual beliefs can make people transcend and ignore the changes of fate. The two shoes of the Hierophant are exposed outside the robe, each with a cross, and the two feet are close together, located between the checkerboard ribbon and the circular cross.
There are two crossed keys in front of the Hierophant, hanging on the side of the steps facing the crowd. These two keys are used to open the spiritual realm, seek the truth, and are also tools to open and pass through various barriers or time and space fields, and also symbolize the key to understanding. The handle of the key has a circular cross, representing the spiritual realm of God. These two keys are all made of gold, representing the sun and the obvious, external world, and if they are made of silver, they represent the moon and the hidden, internal world. These two keys are just between the two monks in front of the Hierophant, indicating that they are related to the two followers, and can serve and enlighten the believers and seekers. The X shape of the keys just connects the two monks, connecting the red rose and the white lily, which is the mystery of the "Golden Dawn". This X shape has also appeared in other cards in various forms.
The two priests in front of the Hierophant are the representatives of the divine, dressed in the clothes of the holy office, facing the Hierophant on the left and right, listening to the sermon in a kneeling position. The robe of the one on the right hand of the Hierophant is light yellow with red roses and green branches, and the other is blue with white lilies. The picture of roses and lilies used in groups is mentioned in many pictures of the Waite Tarot. Here it is used to show the two aspects of the sanctity and secrecy of the Hierophant, the rose is the supernatural mystery, and the lily is the mystery of the heart and spirit.
Only the back of these two monks can be seen in the picture, and there is a yellow Y-shaped ribbon on the back of the clothes of both, which is like a shackle. It is like a collar and chain worn on the body, representing that they are herded by God, that is, they are the servants of God. They also have a ring hairstyle with the top of the head shaved and the hair around, and many ancient clergy have similar attire.
The Hierophant sits upright on a stone chair, with the back of the chair exposed on the shoulders, and the two stone pillars on both sides are gray. The entire building is almost gray and colorless. The only color is the blue pattern on the top of the two pillars, which is on both sides of the Hierophant's head, resembling the pattern of oak or pine cones, and also resembling the uterus of a woman. This pattern indicates that the Hierophant protects the female secrets of the High Priestess. And these two symbols are also the two cups in the Temperance card and the two bottles in the Star card. This pair of marks also represents the transfer device, which is the symbol of the intersection of the sun and the moon, and the harmony of Yin and Yang. The Hierophant's hands have different movements and functions, but they all point to these two symbols, the fingers of the right hand, the staff of the left hand, pointing outward to these two places. What is pointed to is the place of mystery, and this kind of two-way mystery is even represented by many action lines in the entire picture.
The gray stone pillars and the colorful clothes of the Hierophant present the contradictions of religious life. The brilliance of the surface also represents that the preaching of the Hierophant pays great attention to performance and image, and the Hierophant will pay great attention to the image, which is very inconsistent with the actual situation. The bright color and the gray is a strong contrast, and the two inconsistent levels are inconsistent with the profound spiritual level that religion should have. This building is the dwelling of God, and the glory of God is in it. Behind the back of the chair and between the two pillars is a deep blank. There are many levels in the temple that we need to explore and discover, especially behind the Hierophant, what is hidden, but it is unknown.
Papal Cross
The Hierophant holds a triple cross, which symbolizes his religious status and authority. It also represents the trinity and spiritual unity.
Two Acolytes
Beside the Hierophant are two monks, signifying the dual nature of the card – the balance between conscious and subconscious, seen and unseen. They also represent the followers of doctrine and established spiritual teachings.
Raised Hand
The Hierophant’s right hand is raised in a specific manner, with two fingers pointing skyward and two pointing down, representing the bridge between heaven and earth, as well as spiritual and material realms.
Keys
At the Hierophant’s feet lie two crossed keys. They symbolize the keys to heaven or the keys to spiritual knowledge. The cross of the keys denotes the balance between the conscious and subconscious minds.
Rich Papal Garb
The clothing of the Hierophant, rich in texture and appearance, represents religious authority, tradition, and established order.
Crown
The Hierophant’s crown has three levels, which again relate to the trinity and also signify his high position in the spiritual world.
Throne
The Hierophant sits on a grand throne, indicating his spiritual and worldly authority.
This card, in essence, speaks to religious doctrine, conventional wisdom, and traditional beliefs. It calls attention to established institutions and their teachings, and to the desire to conform and belong, to be accepted in the society and to the need for approval in the community.
Keywords
Tradition, Spiritual guidance, Orthodoxy, Religious beliefs, Conformity, Institution, Moral integrity.
General Overview
The Hierophant represents traditional values and the search for deeper meaning in our lives. He is the bridge between heaven and earth, guiding the spiritual seeker towards enlightenment. This card often implies a reverence for established institutions and orthodox beliefs, suggesting a structured approach to spirituality. It can also indicate seeking knowledge or guidance from a respected teacher, mentor, or institution.
In many tarot decks, The Hierophant is depicted as a religious figure, emphasizing the card’s association with religious and philosophical beliefs. However, beyond religion, this card speaks to traditions, conventional methods, and structured belief systems. When The Hierophant appears in a reading, it often encourages the querent to either adhere to tradition or seek guidance from a trusted source.
Yet, one must also be wary. While traditions and established methods offer tried and true wisdom, they can also lead to dogma and closed-mindedness. The Hierophant asks you to understand the foundations of your beliefs but also to recognize when it might be time to evolve or adapt them.
Character
Personality of the Individual
This individual values spiritual growth, often has devout religious beliefs or a spiritual anchor, which cultivates a compassionate heart and a habit of being helpful to others.
Work Philosophy
They value the significance of work over monetary income, have a strong sense of responsibility, can integrate well into organizational culture, and place great importance on interpersonal relationships with colleagues.
Emotional Outlook
They place great importance on the feelings of their partner, proactively offer assistance and protection, often approach relationships with the premise of marriage, and are both serious and conservative about love.
Financial Perspective
They have a more go-with-the-flow attitude towards money, neither ruthlessly pursuing wealth nor spending it carelessly, and will strive to donate if they can use money to help others.
How to Deal with the Individual
These individuals have high moral standards; if you cannot agree with their values, avoid discussing faith or morality to prevent conflicts.
Representative Figures
Monks, priests, temple keepers, social workers, benevolent people, spiritual mentors.
Work
Work Situation
You have many benefactors in your work, so even if you still have shortcomings, you will receive a lot of support, which is where you can shine.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
When faced with problems you can't solve, seek higher-level individuals for decisions or follow established order and rules; being conservative is not a mistake.
Workplace Relationships
Ethics in the workplace are crucial; everything has its order and hierarchy. As long as you adhere to these rules, your interpersonal relationships will naturally be good.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Your superiors are willing to help you. When you don't understand something, ask them for guidance; learning from them is a benefit to you.
Job Prospects
This job has great prospects for the future and is a place where many people will help you. It's advantageous to get to know people and stay in this environment.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
Elders may introduce you to jobs; finding a job on your own might be difficult at this time. Spread the word that you are looking for work.
Love
Love Situation
Religious or spiritual factors greatly influence this relationship, sometimes indicating that the couple is married or moving towards marriage.
Possibility of New Romance
New romantic interests may appear, most likely through matchmaking or introductions by elders, so consider attending more singles mixers during this time.
View on This Relationship
Considering this relationship with marriage in mind is very serious, and you also hope to receive everyone's blessings, which is a conservative and stable perspective.
Sexual Attraction
There is a natural sexual attraction in this relationship, but it is not the most important aspect, and sometimes the couple avoids discussing it as if it were taboo.
How to Resolve Arguments
If the two of you remain at an impasse, consider seeking an elder whom both of you trust to mediate.
Possibility of a Breakup
Besides proposing the breakup directly to your partner, it's important to make it known publicly so that everyone is aware that you have broken up, allowing for a clean break.
Possibility of Reconciliation
If this relationship could be reconciled, it would definitely involve good friends playing matchmaker, as it would not be easy to reconcile based on the feelings of the two individuals alone.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
Your interpersonal relationships are currently stable; you might make many close friends through shared religious beliefs or spiritual growth interests, so cherish these connections.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
You should be more tolerant towards your friends, forgive them from the heart, and if they are unwilling to forgive you, seek a trusted friend to mediate.
Family
Family Situation
Your family maintains good order and harmonious relationships due to shared family traditions or religious beliefs, and is a model family that values ethics and morals.
Relationship with Elders
Elders take special care of you and often help solve various problems for you, but sometimes you might overuse their affection, causing them trouble.
Relationship with Peers
You often stay in touch with others and help each other, so your relationships are particularly close, and you seem to hold a special core position among them.
Relationship with Juniors
You take good care of juniors but do not neglect discipline; you place special emphasis on their moral education, sometimes giving them a more serious impression.
Academics
Academic Situation
What you are learning now is very important to you; you should spend time studying diligently. Both classmates and teachers will help you, but you must also work hard.
Learning Methods
You should learn patiently, identify your own issues, and then seek advice from classmates or teachers. With perseverance, you will eventually overcome difficulties.
Relationship with Teachers
Teachers can help you solve many problems, but you should not rely on them too much. As long as you follow the rules and behave well, being a good student will naturally win the teacher's favor.
Relationship with Classmates
Your interpersonal relationships with classmates will affect your studies; having more good friends will also be very helpful to your learning, so maintain good relationships with everyone.
Finance
Financial Situation
Your financial situation looks good because of other support, but it is not very independent and robust, and there is room for growth.
Investment Situation
If a friend you know asks for help, you can invest a little, but other investment targets should be carefully considered. At this time, only small, long-term investments are advisable.
Purchasing Strategy
It's best to choose chain stores or reputable large suppliers; even if they are more expensive, they are more secure. Remember to keep receipts and documents for your purchases.
Keywords
Rebellion, Unorthodoxy, Non-conformity, Breaking traditions, Freedom from constraints, Challenging established systems.
General Overview
In its reversed position, The Hierophant suggests a break from tradition and established beliefs. This card implies a desire for freedom from societal norms, religious constraints, or cultural expectations. One might be feeling confined by traditions that no longer resonate or may be seeking a more personal, less conventional path to enlightenment.
The reversed Hierophant often heralds a period of questioning. It asks the querent to challenge established norms, to step outside of the conventional and explore new realms of thought. It can also signify a period of spiritual rebellion, where the individual seeks a path less trodden, perhaps delving into alternative beliefs or practices.
However, this divergence from the normative is not always easy. It can lead to feelings of isolation or misunderstanding from peers and family who might not comprehend the desire to break free from tradition. Yet, it is often through such challenges that profound self-discovery and growth occur.
Character
Personality of the Individual
A person with a particularly soft heart, accustomed to helping others regardless of their own situation, and often victimized by others due to a lack of firm willpower.
Work Philosophy
Lacks proactive ideas at work, just follows the rules to do what is supposed to be done. Although not proactive in innovation and problem-solving, they have a high level of compliance.
Emotional Outlook
Has a conservative attitude towards relationships, and may even consider remaining unmarried. Often perceives themselves as victims in relationships and is unable to express their opinions.
Financial Perspective
Does not place much importance on money, sometimes impulsively spends a lot, often donates to charity, or wants to use money to help friends and relatives.
How to Deal with the Individual
Essentially, this person responds better to a gentle approach. If you can display a pitiful demeanor and plead humbly, most issues can be forgiven.
Representative Figures
Good Samaritans, generous individuals, believers, people who have lost their way, those with soft ears.
Work
Work Situation
The work is filled with various complex rules, including some unwritten ones. One must be careful not to break taboos and it takes a lot of time to get accustomed to the situation.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
Problems at work are difficult to solve alone, so it is best to collaborate with colleagues, utilizing everyone's different experiences and abilities to brainstorm solutions.
Workplace Relationships
Interpersonal relationships in this job have a significant impact. If one cannot get along well with others and faces severe ostracism, it may even become impossible to continue working.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
The superior has soft ears and is easily influenced by various rumors. Different people have influence over them, so be careful of rumors that may be detrimental to you.
Job Prospects
The prospects for this job are not bad, but be cautious of the impact of interpersonal relationships, especially the influence of colleagues, and try to maintain peaceful relations with everyone.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
It is not easy to find a new job at the moment, which is a good time to rest. When your situation improves, it will be easier to find a job.
Love
Love Situation
One party is giving more in the relationship, and the relationship is not equal. If one is willing to give wholeheartedly, it can be considered a stable developing relationship.
Possibility of New Romance
There is a possibility of new romances occurring now, but they are introduced through peers, so it is advisable to participate more in social activities with friends.
View on This Relationship
Feels like they have given a lot but received much less in return, which may lead to feelings of imbalance, while also wanting to protect and take care of the other party.
Sexual Attraction
Both parties are somewhat afraid of sexual relationships, so even if there is a strong attraction, it cannot have a positive impact on the relationship; it can be considered as having the desire but not the courage.
How to Resolve Arguments
If the two are still in a stalemate, seeking help from peer friends to mediate can help resolve arguments quickly.
Possibility of a Breakup
Formally propose a breakup with the other party, indicating that this relationship is completely over. You can even write down your thoughts first to organize your thoughts.
Possibility of Reconciliation
This relationship actually has no possibility of reconciliation. It is best not to think in that direction, take a rest first, and wait for a better opportunity to start over.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
Your popularity is good, but you are too easily influenced by others, losing your own subjectivity, and sometimes you may suffer harm in order to help friends.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
Clarify your position and do not let friends feel that you should always give in to them. If you can speak reasonably, you can regain your friend's trust.
Family
Family Situation
Family members have good relationships with each other and are enthusiastic about helping each other, but may also pay a heavy price to help family members.
Relationship with Elders
You are a good assistant to the elders in the family, often helping them solve various problems, so the elders will value your opinions and follow your advice.
Relationship with Peers
Your relationship with peers is particularly good, but this may also lead to covering up each other's mistakes and glossing over faults, sometimes losing the function of mutual supervision and encouragement.
Relationship with Juniors
You are too indulgent with juniors, often causing a lot of trouble, and if you do not change this attitude, you will end up having to clean up the mess yourself.
Academics
Academic Situation
Now the study has entered a critical stage. If you can pass this hurdle, it will be much easier going forward, but if you get stuck here, you will have to put in much more effort in the future to break through.
Learning Methods
Once the core concepts are clear, most of the rest can be easily understood. Therefore, it is important to find the knack of learning and focus on key areas.
Relationship with Teachers
Teachers value rules and mostly handle issues according to regulations, so by carefully observing their actions, you can grasp the proper behavior.
Relationship with Classmates
Sometimes having a good relationship with classmates can lead to many tasks being pushed onto you, so in addition to maintaining good relationships, you also need to have your own principles.
Finance
Financial Situation
If you are not pragmatic about money, your financial situation will be difficult to improve. Remember that the rules of the material world are very realistic; effort must be made to achieve results.
Investment Situation
This is not a suitable time for investment, especially investments based on rumors are particularly dangerous. It is best to be conservative and pragmatic, and maintain the status quo.
Purchasing Strategy
It is not advisable to make significant purchases now. Spending a lot of money is definitely unwise for you. If purchases must be made, they should be considered based on durability and quality.