Tarot 101

Welcome back to our series exploring the entirety of the classic Rider Waite Tarot Deck. Today we are moving onto the Hierophant...

The Hierophant (5)

The Hierophant is the masculine counterpart to the High Priestess and is often referred to as the teacher of the tarot. It is ruled by the sign of Taurus and sits between The Emperor (4) and The Lovers (6).

Sitting between two pillars, The Hierophant sits in a sacred temple, slightly different to that of the High Priestess.

He wears three robes, one red, one blue and one white, as well as a three tiered crown, all representing the three worlds over which he rules: the conscious, subconscious and super-conscious.

In his left hand, he holds the Papal Cross, a sceptre with again, three sections, representing his religious connection and status.

He makes a gesture with his right hand, pointing two fingers towards heaven and two fingers towards Earth.

The 2 men kneeling below him represent his followers. As the teacher, it is the Hierophant task to pass down spiritual wisdom to his followers and initiate them into his church. The different levels they sit on represent the rite of passage of moving from one level to the next.

The crosses keys at the Hierophants feet represent the balance between the conscious and subconscious minds, and the unlocking of mysteries, which only he himself can pass on as the spiritually enlightened teacher.

The Hierophant in a Reading

The Hierophant represents an established set of spiritual doctrines and hierarchy. This card encourages you to learn from what is already instated before forming your own philosophy.

Learn the fundamental principles from a trusted source before shaping your own personal worldview, for there is insight to be learned.

Formal study, following conventions, mentoring and guidance fall under this card.

It may suggest you are about to receive or you are in need of some guidance from someone who is more knowledgeable on the situation at hand. This card can also signify you yourself becoming the mentor to someone less knowledgeable.

End of thread!

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