The Hierophant -
Tarot Card Meaning
Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.
Written by Made Musings
5. THE HIEROPHANT
At a glance:
The Hierophant encourages you to seek knowledge and uncover wisdom through your personal values and education.
Upright Keywords:
Learning something new, honoring traditions, defining a relationship
Reversed Keywords:
rigid beliefs, refusing knowledge, rejecting traditions
Numerology:
5 - adaptability, challenge, change, and a desire for new experiences
The Hierophant: Upright Meaning
The Hierophant is a figure of profound spiritual authority, interpreting sacred mysteries and the arcane. Adorned in religious robes and artifacts, he stands as a teacher, preaching to two followers at his feet. Unlike The High Priestess, who connects with the divine through intuition, The Hierophant relies on his studies. He highlights the value of pursuing knowledge in order to form your own personal values and principles.
He does not demand blind adherence to rules or traditions. Instead, he encourages you to seek knowledge and uncover the wisdom behind these practices. By applying reasoning and critical thinking, you can discern what truly resonates with you. Navigating life with this understanding allows you to become wiser, especially when you remain disciplined and adhere to your core principles. When in doubt, fall back on your pillars for guidance—there is wisdom in age-old traditions.
The Hierophant is connected to the number 5, which symbolizes adaptability, challenge, change, and a desire for new experiences. This number reflects the need for growth and learning, even when it involves overcoming obstacles or embracing new perspectives. In the context of The Hierophant, “five” emphasizes the importance of expanding your knowledge while staying grounded in traditional wisdom. It’s about finding balance between the old and the new, and using established principles to navigate change.
Love/Relationships
The Hierophant love meaning indicates a return to traditional roles and values. Perhaps you’re considering formal commitments, such as marriage, or simply seeking more stability and clarity. The Hierophant encourages you to honor traditions that resonate with you and your partner. If you’re feeling uncertain, look to established relationship norms for guidance and reassurance. Embrace the wisdom of past experiences to build a strong and lasting connection.
Money/Career
The Hierophant’s influence in your career suggests that you should stay updated with industry standards and continue your education. It is important to adhere to established protocols and methodologies in your professional life. You might find yourself in the role of a mentor, sharing your knowledge and experience with others, or you may seek out a mentor to guide you. It’s a reminder to respect the traditional pathways that have proven successful and to integrate this wisdom into your career strategies. If you're feeling uncertain, rely on tried-and-true methods and principles for direction.
Spiritual/Self
The Hierophant emphasizes the importance of structure and tradition in your personal growth. Set aside time to study spiritual texts, participate in self-care rituals, and honor age-old practices. By establishing these routines, you can gain a deeper connection to the divine and your higher self. If you’re feeling disconnected or lost, The Hierophant advises turning to traditional spiritual frameworks for guidance and support. Embrace the teachings and practices that have stood the test of time to enrich your spiritual journey.
“Unlike The High Priestess, who connects with the divine through intuition, The Hierophant relies on his studies. He highlights the value of pursuing knowledge in order to form your own personal values and principles. ”
Astrology
Astrologically, The Hierophant is linked to Taurus, the sign known for its adherence to tradition, structure, and a strong values system. Taurus emphasizes the importance of stability, reliability, and the preservation of established norms. This connection underlines The Hierophant’s role as a guardian of spiritual and moral values. Just as Taurus values consistency and security, The Hierophant encourages you to find strength and guidance in time-honored traditions. By aligning with Taurus’s energy, you can build a solid foundation rooted in wisdom and trust.
Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.
Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.
Reversed Meaning
When The Hierophant appears reversed, it suggests a resistance to learning or change. You might be questioning established traditions and challenging the status quo. Alternatively, you may need to reevaluate where you are too rigid or too dismissive of new ideas. Seek a middle ground where you can honor tradition while remaining open to new concepts.
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CARD SUMMARY
The Hierophant encourages you to find strength and guidance in time-honored traditions.
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