The Hierophant Tarot Card

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The Hierophant

The Hierophant Tarot card

Key words: Spirituality, religion, tradition.

Image: The Hierophant or pope is the holy leader. Two servants sit at his feet waiting for instructions. The crossed keys can represent the keys with which to open the door of opportunity.

In many modern packs, The Hierophant is represented with his right hand raised in what is known esoterically as the blessing or benediction, with two fingers pointing skyward and two pointing down, forming a bridge between Heaven and Earth. Thus, he is the builder of the bridge between deity and humanity. In his left hand he holds a triple cross. The Hierophant is typically male, he is known as “The Teacher of Wisdom.”

In most iconographic depictions, the Hierophant is seen seated on a throne between two pillars symbolising Law and Liberty or obedience and disobedience, according to different interpretations. He wears a triple crown, and the keys to Heaven are at his feet. Sometimes he is shown with worshippers, as he is regarded as a representation of the Jupiter. This card is also known as “The High Priest,” as a counterpart to “The High Priestess” (which itself is also sometimes known as “The Papess,” and counterpart to “The Pope”.

The Hierophant card often represents a new path and encourages us to be open to ideas and opinions that we may have previously dismissed. If you are someone who is not open-minded, this card asks that you try to be more flexible as you may miss out on an important opportunity. Although this card connects with spirituality, personal life events may be making you unsettled right now and reassurance is needed.

The urge to be part of something more satisfying than you are currently experiencing will feel necessary at this stage of your life. There is a sense of getting out there and showing the world who you are and what you can do.

If you have been raised within a religious structure, you might be questioning what you have known to date. A pull and desire to research more about other religions and cultures may feature prominently now. Your own psychic awareness is becoming stronger, and it is likely you are feeling the need to join a spiritual group or you are seeking a teacher to help develop your psychic gift.

You have reached a spiritual crossroads and will find that opportunities for personal development will come to you. It is important to trust your intuition and be connected with like-minded people to develop and learn. Groups, associations, workshops and classes may be of interest now.

The Hierophant may appear physically in your life as a wise friend or teacher. Regardless of how he manifests in your life, this is an important period for you.

A personal journey of learning, knowledge and wisdom; exploring the traditions of ancient crafts; meditating and finding peace within yourself – whatever is in store for you now, this will be one of the most significant periods in your life.

This is a card of wisdom, so listen to your teachers and those who are already on a spiritual path. Take from them what you need and leave alone what does not sit right with you. Your own intuition will guide you as to what is right and wrong.

Reversed: Judgemental, loss of faith, restriction.

Affirmation: ‘I balance my spiritual and physical needs by making time for myself.’

Reproduced by kind permission of Kim Arnold, Tarot Master and Founder of the UK Tarot Conference, editor of Tarot Masters and author of Tarot – Learn How to Read and Interpret the Cards published by Hay House. www.hayhouse.co.uk