The Hierophant
The Hierophant symbolizes the wisdom of ancient teachings and the importance of broadening our minds through learning from others. Discover its deeper meanings and symbology below.
The Hierophant Tarot Card Description
“To learn one must be humble. But life is the great teacher”― James Joyce, Ulysses.
Of the Major Arcana tarot cards, the Hierophant is the most connected to intuition, structure, and a growth mindset. At first glance, you'll notice the Hierophant's rather regal appearance, decked out in his robes and three-tiered crown. Beautifully, the tiers collectively represent the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious mind.
Key Takeaways
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Learning from others is something to cherish and remain open to. The wisdom of tradition and the insight of mentors can guide us on our journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
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With its association with the planet Taurus and the element Earth, the Hierophant embodies qualities of stability, reliability, and groundedness.
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The Hierophant's temple, robes, and gesture of benediction symbolize the sacredness of spiritual teachings and the importance of passing down wisdom from one generation to the next.
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In love and relationships, the Hierophant encourages us to approach partnerships with an open heart and a willingness to learn from one another.
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When the Hierophant appears reversed, it invites us to challenge traditional norms and explore alternative paths.
Qualities
- Upright: Guidance, tradition, spiritual wisdom
- Reversed: Nonconformity, own rules, unconventional methods
Celestial Influence
- Planet/Zodiac: Taurus
- Card Number and Arcana: V (Major Arcana)
- Element: Earth
- Crystal: Smoky Quartz
Try meditating on the Hierophant card while holding Smoky quartz to provide clarity and openness to new experiences.
Symbology of The Hierophant Tarot Card
The Temple
The temple symbolizes the sacredness of spiritual teachings and the structure of our spiritual journey.
The Robes
The Hierophant's robes signify his role as a spiritual leader, draped in the wisdom of ancient traditions and the teachings passed down through generations.
Gesture of Benediction
Imagine the Hierophant offering a blessing or guidance. His teachings aren't limited to the spiritual realm - but can applied to any areas in which we hope to learn about, and develop.
The Upright Hierophant: Interpretations and Meanings
The Hierophant is all about tradition, knowledge, and higher wisdom. Upright, the Hierophant may have some sacred knowledge he wishes to share with you:
Love and Relationships
In matters of love, the Hierophant encourages us to approach relationships with an open heart and a willingness to learn from one another. He reminds us that true intimacy is born from mutual respect and understanding, and that love is a journey of growth and discovery.
While the Hierophant is more on the traditional side, whether or not you align with his values is entirely up to you. Sometimes, the Hierophant appears when it is time to reflect on what matters most to us in our relationships - we can often learn more about ourselves by learning from others' experiences and then seeing what aspects, if any, align with our own needs and beliefs.
Career and Finances
In career and financial readings, the Hierophant upright suggests you may be considering going back to school or furthering your education. This could be a full blown degree or a weekend pottery class. Learning is the theme here.
Alternatively, you might be considering a career in education - teaching may be something you are drawn to, and reaching out to mentors in the field may be a meaningful next step for you.
The Hierophant Reversed Meaning
Ah, the reversed Hierophant! This is a fun one to see in a reading. Particularly if you are someone who enjoys thinking unconventionally and living a less traditional lifestyle.
Love and Relationships
In the reversed position, the Hierophant encourages us to reflect on traditional relationship norms and be open to alternative ways of relating (if that better aligns with your values!). Perhaps it's a couple who, after years of conforming to societal expectations, choose to redefine their partnership on their own terms, honoring their unique desires and values.
If unconventional relationships aren't your thing, and you'd prefer a more traditional relationship, the Hierophant would support that, too!
In reverse, you and your partner might have different values when it comes to relationships, so checking in with one another and learning about each other's needs and preferences could be beneficial.
Career and Finances
Reversed, the Hierophant invites us to break free from conventional career paths and explore new avenues for success. In some cases, it might be leaving behind a high-paying job to pursue one's passion for social entrepreneurship to make a positive impact in the world.
It doesn't need to be that extreme though, it might even mean advocating for yourself more and proposing ideas that, while less conventional, could lead to some interesting outcomes at work!
Departing Wisdom from The Hierophant
Overall, the Hierophant encourages us to honor tradition while remaining open to new perspectives. He reminds us to seek guidance from those who have walked the path before us, while also trusting our intuition and inner wisdom to know what is best for ourselves.
Mantra: Learning from others is something to cherish and remain open to.
References
The Way of Tarot | Alejandro Jodorowsky, Archive.org
The Marseille Tarot Revealed A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods | Yoav Ben-Dov
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot | Arthur Edward Waite
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only. Take what resonates with you and leave behind anything that doesn't. Anahana is not liable for any interpretations, insights, or outcomes that may arise from using the information provided.
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