The Hierophant is a static major arcana with a broad but precise meaning. The Hierophant in the right position is religion, group, social identification, conformity, tradition, and beliefs. Inverted, the card represents restriction, temptations withheld, and challenges to what is established the norms, and the status quo.
Letter correspondences:
- Kabbalistics associates this card with the element Air, the Hebrew letter Heth, and the number 5.
- Esotericism corresponds with Taurus, with the planet Jupiter, and the season of winter.
- In numerology it represents the number 5: It is the aspiration for knowledge, the path of wisdom, it is the sum of 2 + 3 (duality + harmony and balance of opposites).
Graphical description of the letter:
The Hierophant is a Major Arcana of great importance, also known as the High Priest, the Hierophant, Chiron, or Shaman, and is the male counterpart of the High Priestess.
The card is represented by a religious figure, seated within a formal church environment.
He wears three elaborate garments representing the three worlds. The crown he wears has three levels.
His right hand is raised in blessing, the same hand that the Magician raises, but while the Magician manifests on the material plane, the channel through which the Hierophant conducts that power is through society (as in the religions of the world).
The triple scepter is a symbol of his dominion over the three worlds. The crossed keys represent a balance between the conscious and subconscious mind and the power to unlock the mysteries of the unconscious.
Two Initiates kneel before him. The Hierophant’s task is to bring the two initiates to the church so that they can assume their designated roles. This symbolizes entry into all types of institutions in which there is a shared group identity, which could include schools, clubs, teams, companies, and societies.
The Hierophant to the right
General Meaning:
The High Priest is all about “doing what is right.” You may be struggling with a problem and are unsure about what is “right” to resolve the situation.
However what is correct depends to some extent on our own moral, social, and cultural values, which would mean that you always already know the answer you are looking for or it is within you.
There is a universal form of correctness and the appearance of this card would indicate that regardless of what you believe, you must follow this universal correct form.
The Hierophant is a letter of spiritual values that guides you to follow the already established norms, not to challenge the rules, and indicates that for the moment perhaps group support and a certain ritualization in what you do would be good for you.
Your rituals are something you now have to hold on to, whether it’s going to mass or getting together with your friends to watch a movie on Saturdays.
This card generally indicates a favorable result, and if it is negative, it will be final. While it shows a good result, it also points out that it will take great will and determination to achieve it.
The Hierophant may represent you or another person in a spread, but it certainly signals that the person’s values are high and elevated. There is wisdom and great balance, as well as a cultivated intellect. This person is qualified to teach and advise with his ideas, which are always moral and have deep intellectual support.
The Hierophant’s letter explaining a situation shows us that it is important, that it is serious, it shows us that the situation is stable and firm, and very positive if it involves couples or business partners.
This situation will always be evaluated putting the common good, the moral and social, and spiritual well-being before material well-being. This card can also portend the formation of a partnership, whether a business like a marriage, a wedding, or depending on the context, a birth.
Finally, the card indicates that you will always find a solution since by your means or with the help of others, you will find order even within the apparent chaos that exists.
It can also show us that what is developing or happening in your life is part of an already written destiny, it is something that had to happen even if you cannot yet understand the causes or reasons.
Job:
A teacher or mentor of some kind that you have been needing may appear in your life now… or you could be called to be that teacher or mentor for someone else.
This is a good time to get involved with groups, even if you don’t consider yourself a “group person”, you will find that you have a lot to learn from them in a very positive way.
Work should be having a very good time thanks to this attitude of group collaboration, the ability to organize and have results is powerful.
It is time to improve the way we deal with others, always appealing to reflection and balance, to obtain results through “unity is strength”, and always promoting a calm attitude that abides by the rules and regulations.
Dealing with bosses and co-workers, or junior staff, must be unique and individual, seeing the other as a person, as a complex universe in itself.
The card sponsors excellent achievements for everything that is a partnership or that depends on joint work.
Love:
Romance is also likely to go very well when The Hierophant appears, although in a fairly traditional way, i.e. these energies will work better for you if you can behave in the way that is expected.
It also means putting yourself in the other’s shoes. It is not the time to go against the flow and against what is established, so depending on the context it could indicate that it is not the time for a divorce, for example.
Or on the contrary indicate a new union, wedding or marriage, the birth or adoption of a child. It will always be about protective, paternal, or maternal love, depending on the case, and it could well indicate a relationship with an older, intellectual person, with a lot of acquired experience and a deep spiritual feeling.
Finance:
This is a time to play with the already established rules and keep your feet on the ground, guided by the normal and traditional ways to manage your money. Seek advice from specialists and those who manage money professionally.
This is a good time for investments, as long as they are conservative and stable, play it safe. This is not a good time to take risks with money or go into “unusual” stocks, bonds, etc.
This is a good time for investments, as long as they are conservative and stable, play it safe. This is not a good time to take risks with money or go into “unusual” stocks, bonds, etc.
Investments considered risky, which tend to be those that generate the most profits, should be avoided for the moment. There may be money coming in but it will always be in a traditional way, possibly the product of your work and effort.
Health:
If you have some health problems, discipline, order, and commitment will be essential to carry out healing.
It is necessary to consult or be treated by specialists, so as far as possible you should look for the best in the field, an eminent figure who will correctly diagnose and treat your ailment.
There may be problems with the cervical vertebrae, due to rigid postures, both physical and emotional.
Spirituality:
You are very concerned with spirituality now (even if you have nothing approaching a “traditional” religious belief).
Take regular time, even if you don’t attend a church or religious temple, to calm yourself and allow your spirit to have this regular pause for contemplation, meditation, or religious prayer.
You must find this oasis frequently to resolve your issues.
