The Hierophant — Tarot Card Meaning

Upright

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

Reversed

Society, good understanding, concord, overkindness, weakness.

Reflection

Light
Teaching or guiding others Searching for the truth Asking for guidance from a higher power Acknowledging the wisdom and experience of others Taking vows Engaging in heartfelt rituals Volunteering

Shadow
Using experience as a means of manipulating or misguiding others Being dogmatic Favoring tradition over what is expedient or necessary Going through the motions of empty rituals Concealing wisdom Restricting access to spiritual truths or the gods

Symbolism

He wears the triple crown and is seated between two pillars, but they are not those of the Temple which is guarded by the High Priestess. In his left hand he holds a sceptre terminating in the triple cross, and with his right hand he gives the well-known ecclesiastical sign which is called that of esotericism, distinguishing between the manifest and concealed part of doctrine. It is noticeable in this connexion that the High Priestess makes no sign. At his feet are the crossed keys, and two priestly ministers in albs kneel before him. He has been usually called the Pope, which is a particular application of the more general office that he symbolizes. He is the ruling power of external religion, as the High Priestess is the prevailing genius of the esoteric, withdrawn power. The proper meanings of this card have suffered woeful admixture from nearly all hands. Grand Orient says truly that the Hierophant is the power of the keys, exoteric orthodox doctrine, and the outer side of the life which leads to the doctrine; but he is certainly not the prince of occult doctrine, as another commentator has suggested.

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