The Hierophant

Key Words for the Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings

• Law
• Holy
• Respect
• Ceremony
• Knowledge
• Tradition
• Conformity
• Introduction to the Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings:

  The Hierophant can be a tricky card to interpret as there are many different layers of meanings being presented at once. Foremost, the Hierophant (link to the definition of hierophant) is a vehicle for religious knowledge. Historically, the Hierophant has spent his entire life (chosen as a child for religious purpose) studying the texts of many or a chosen branch of organized religion.

  Although he is a keeper of religious knowledge, he differs from theHigh Priestess. Where she is the holder of esoteric knowledge for the sake of holding - the Hierophant is the keeper of religious content for the sake of presentation. The Hierophant has an enormous responsibility because he stands as a religious icon to the people. Just as a priest or the Pope is the image of his religion, so too is the Hierophant.

  The Hierophant is certainly a master of esoteric wisdom - incredibly well-versed and educated in the ways of spirit. However, he is bound by tradition, ceremony, and committed to presenting himself in a manner that is suitable to the ideals of the people to which he preaches. The Hierophant is the leader of religious order - he guides the masses in instruction and serves as a liasion between man and God.

  As such, he weilds great power and is ever in-check not to abuse this power. He is consistently conscious of his responsibility to the people, and his mission to present the word of God in an honest, true, accurate manner to the people. He knows he must not mislead the people, for to do so would mislead himself, and all he has learned of God.

  When we pull the Hierophant Tarot card, our attention is focused on our convictions. The occurance of this card is a message for us to examine our belief systems, how we operate with these beliefs, and how they effect our lives.