The Hierophant is also known as The High Priest as it is the masculine counterpart to the High Priestess in the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It’s ruled by the zodiac archetype Taurus and is further recognized as Chiron, the Pope and the Shaman. This is because the Hierophant depicts a religious figure and is found within a formal spiritual environment that correlates with three tiers of existence or the three worlds. The power of three is reflected in the Hierophants dominion over three worlds with conscious and subconscious forces creating a balance. The artwork tends to also reflect initiation of others into an institution, organization or societal role.
The Magician had been a card representing raw energy manifesting into the material plane and The Hierophant channels that manifestation into society such as what is observed in religion and politics.
When The Hierophant is revealed in an upright position within a tarot reading, it indicates that the client possesses a desire to follow conventional processes or an orthodox approach. The Hierophant discourages rebellion and instead suggests adaptation to beliefs and systems already established in society and releasing innovative motives and ideals. It would be wise to conform and expectations to follow established system structures, traditions, cultural norms, values etc. and might even be advisable in a reading. This is due to discouragement of The Hierophant toward rebellion or challenge of the status quo.
It’s not uncommon for this card to appear when a client is dealing with a role in a religious agenda or is obligated to fulfill a duty associated with an established institution. It may suggest that the advice may be to seek out traditions or adopt them. It could also indicate the client should implement their own set of traditions depending upon the other cards present in the reading.
The Hierophant is not a liberal energy, and isn’t a force of innovation, free-spiritedness but is instead rather fixed. It might even be stifling in energy or oppressive to individual and creative expression. The presence of the Hierophant does indicate a trust into a system and obedience to a structure such as embracing a tradition. In a reading, it might also reflect the client is compelled to join an institution, group, or other organization that is established and possesses an orderly or religious theme to it. There is the presence of education and higher learning with the presence of this card and could be beneficial to the client through the course of gaining greater insight through tradition, field of study, or an institution in which they’re intending to enroll.
Further, the Hierophant could also represent a person that the client seeks counsel. This might be a priest, counselor or mentor of some sort whom they’re advised to confide in or to adhere to for advice. The prospect of nurturing spiritual awareness is also strong with the presence of this card.
Many righteous and sacred translations are also associated with the Hierophant and often in conjunction with supporting cards such as; marriage, alliance, captivity, servitude, mercy, internal and external conscious, etc. When the Hierophant is found in reverse, it often indicates rebellion, challenging the status quo and struggles with restrictions.
Crystal Life Coach 