Tarot At The Core: Tarot's The Hierophant

Tarot’s The Hierophant

The Hierophant is a very spiritual card.   In different tarots, he is like The Priestess, but with organized religion.  His is the 5^th place in the Major Arcana.  In numerology the number 5, indicates a challenge or change.  They also tell you of material prosperity, but spiritual poverty without a balance.  Some even believe that The Hierophant is both male and female or perhaps a hermaphrodite with both gender defining qualities.  So he becomes a neutral balance of the two sides shown by The Empress and The Emperor.

He is also known as The Pope or The Hermaphrodite.

Tarot’s Meaning of the Card

When The Hierophant pops up in a reading he usually indicates that you are a part of something larger.  Perhaps you are currently taking pleasure in joining a group or association.  Or you meet with a group on a regular basis, such as becoming more involved in your local church or joining a fraternity. 

You may be in a time of abundance, but became so focused on the material side that you forgot about your spiritual nature.  This card is now reminding you to take a little time to focus on your spiritual side.  You could actually be feeling a desire to join a group, find comfort in the companionship of others with similar interests. 

The Hierophant can also indicate marriage, as you could be joining with your partner in something larger than yourself, the institution of marriage.

This card can also indicate conformity.  Whether conforming becomes good or bad is shown on the way you do it and your own choices. 

Description of the Card

Many of tarot’s images show symbols that help you to interpret the meaning of the card.  The Hierophant is no different.  He is usually shown in a seated position.  He, like The Priestess, knows of both the light and dark forces of the universe too.  So you will usually find two pillars representing positive and negative polarities.  He may be seated between them as he strives to find a balance between the two.

There are often two keys shown somewhere in the card image.  He holds the keys to marriage and organized religion.  In addition, you may also see two monks kneeling before him to show that The Hierophant’s dominion is the realm of orthodox religion.

Special Advice: You could be feeling a need to join a group or are already part of one.  Use this as a chance to explore and nurture your spiritual side as you may be too focused on the material world.  Meditate, take Yoga classes or go to church to find that inner balance.