The Hierophant

Card Information

major Arcana

Wikipedia Link

Upright Meaning

Marriage, alliance, captivity, servitude; by another account, mercy and goodness; inspiration; the man to whom the Querent has recourse.

Reversed Meaning

Society, good understanding, concord, overkindness, weakness.

In Yes or No Reading

The Hierophant is a card of leadership and tradition. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive The Hierophant, the answer is YES. Act in the best interests of your community and reputation.

Description

The Hierophant represents tradition, spiritual authority, and the pursuit of knowledge within structured belief systems. Often interpreted as a symbol of religious leadership, like the Pope, he embodies the external aspects of faith, guiding followers through established doctrines and rituals. Seated between two pillars, he signifies the balance between the known and the unknown, the esoteric and the exoteric. The crossed keys at his feet signify access to deeper truths, while his sceptre denotes his role as a mediator between the divine and humanity. This card encourages adherence to tradition and communal values, suggesting that wisdom often resides in the teachings of the past. However, it also warns against rigid dogma, reminding us to seek personal understanding within established frameworks.