Upright: Conventional, Institution, Tradition
Reversed: Rebel, Maverick, Confinement
Element: Earth
Zodiac: Taurus
Numerology: 5
Five symbolizes change, instability, and conflict. When you pull a card associated with the number 5, it means that you are in a power struggle or in a dynamic where the power is imbalanced. This can bring a feeling of loss of control where you will have to take the power back into your own hands. Numerology 5 brings change that is often uncomfortable, telling you to step outside of your comfort zone. However, it is a reminder that change is inevitable and that you must adapt to continue forward, even if it is challenging.
The Hierophant Tarot Card Description
The traditional Rider Waite depiction of the Hierophant card features a religious figure sitting on a throne with two pillars representing law and liberty. He is seated in an environment that looks to be a church or religious institution. He wears a triple crown with the keys of heaven at his feet. His right hand is raised in blessing, and in the other he holds a triple cross which is traditionally associated with the roman catholic pope. At the bottom two corners lie two religious servants, ready to assist and uphold the knowledge and education of this institution.
In the Mystic Monday’s Tarot deck, the Hierophant card is represented by a pyramid with an entry way at the bottom, entering at the lowest level of the structure to learn the foundation of the institution. There are stairs winding around the pyramid, able to get to the top and bottom. At the tip of the pyramid is an all seeing eye, filled with knowledge and wisdom of the known and unknown. You cannot see inside the pyramid because the education is secret and only known to members who are a part of this organization. The pyramid also represents higher learning and harkens to the ancient pyramids that hold the sacred knowledge of the Egyptians.
This card is written and illustrated by artist and author Grace Duong.
The Hierophant Tarot Card Upright Meanings
General The Hierophant Card Upright Meaning
Stay woke! The Hierophant calls on you to honor the traditions in your life. Whether large or small, honoring rituals can help you feel grounded. At this time, you are drawn towards joining a group, community, or organization that has certain rules you’d have to follow. By joining these groups, you will broaden your scope and expand your knowledge. Strength in numbers allows you to feel a sense of acceptance, unity, and identity. Look to your lineage of ancestors or religion to shine light on the wisdom of the past. The Hierophant guides you on your spiritual journey through unity in community, rituals with rules, and structure in societies. Be prepared to absorb as much information as you can! Higher learning leads to a better understanding of your higher self.
The Hierophant Upright Meaning in Career
In career, the Hierophant brings great success working with organizations and groups of people. However, in these organizations and groups, you’ll often be expected to follow their structures and rules. In this scenario, it’s most important to work together, rather than stand out for your individual achievements. The Hierophant also represents education, and so through your career you could be learning new skills, training, or even have your workplace support your pursuit of a master’s degree.
The Hierophant Upright Meaning in Finances
The Hierophant implies when it comes to finances, that it’s best to trust established financial institutions who have stood the test of time. It’s not the time to experiment with your finances and dive into high-risk, high-reward scenarios. Look into investments that are safe, calculated, and will give you a return over time. Make sure to do your due diligence and research these institutions before making your final decision!
The Hierophant Upright Meaning in Love
The Hierophant values tradition, and in love, the Hierophant can signify relationships that are conventional and safe. These people are typically involved and valued members of the community. Often, you’ll meet this person within the same community you’re both involved in! When it comes to relationships, a high value of both parties is integrity and acting with your morals intact, sharing a system of beliefs. The Hierophant can also indicate a traditional consummation like marriage, a melding of two partners into one partnership, and essentially becoming an institution in itself.
The Hierophant Upright Meaning in Health and Self-Care
The Hierophant can bring up your roots and the importance of tradition in your life. It can be soothing to give remembrance to a past tradition that you’ve taken part of, whether it be a special holiday meal, honoring your ancestors with your altar, or any other activity that reminds you of the traditions that you grew up with. Surrounding yourself within a community of like-minded souls can help you get centered and remind you of what’s important to you.
The Hierophant Tarot Card Reversed Meanings
General The Hierophant Reversed Meaning
Let that rebellion roar! You are breaking free from the norm and challenging the status quo. After feeling confined by all the rules that have been placed upon you, you are choosing to go your own way, whether the people around you like it or not! This is a time when you are questioning society’s rules and regulations, with a realization that all is not as it seems. Just because you were told how certain things were done a certain way, does not mean there are no other ways to do it. The Hierophant Reversed can also represent an authority figure in your life who has a very controlling way of asserting themselves. Be wary of this person, as they may force you to conform to rules you want to break, seeing your need of freedom as a threat. Choose your battles wisely.
The Hierophant Reversed Meaning in Career
In career, the Hierophant reversed can indicate a work environment that does not truly benefit your maverick and free-thinking spirit! You may feel stifled by outdated models and systems that do not allow you to take full advantage of the skills you bring to the table. The organization or group that you are working with can also be too traditional, in that they are very stubborn when it comes to following their rules. A part of you wants to break free from these rigid structures and move forward in a way that is uninhibited by models that no longer serve you. If there is room for change, there may be hope that your work environment can adapt. Notice if you are able to stay true to yourself or if you feel you need to conform to those around you.
The Hierophant Reversed Meaning in Finances
Tried and true methods are not attractive to you when it comes to finances right now. The Hierophant Reversed encourages you to explore new methods of financial management and look at how you can earn money in out-of-the-box ways. This could test your current skill set, or learn new skills to attract more abundance with a side hustle. This could even mean looking into newer forms of financial flow like cryptocurrency and how you can fit this financial model into your life. Either way, it’s a beneficial time to experiment, however always proceed with caution and care when it comes to taking risks.
The Hierophant Reversed Meaning in Love
In relationships, the Hierophant Reversed and signify a relationship that has become too safe, and eventually becoming boring. On paper, the relationship seems to make sense, but over time the spark of passion and excitement seems to be missing. This can also indicate that you’ve grown apart from your partner over time, and that you no longer share core values that attracted you to each other in the first place. It could also indicate that conventional relationships don’t work well for you, and it’s time to think outside the box when it comes to your significant other! Instead of listening to what society thinks, it’s time to tap in to what your heart desires.
The Hierophant Reversed Meaning in Health and Self-Care
With the Hierophant reversed when it comes to your self-care, it’s important to remind yourself of how you stand out as an individual against the crowd. Lately, you may have felt constricted having to conform to rules that you don’t necessarily agree with. Now is the time to honor your unique gifts and creativity - the spark that sets you apart. Make a list of what makes you special to remind yourself of your special gifts that you bring to the world. Express your unique self through an activity, like painting, journaling, and dancing.
The Hierophant - Tarot Card Meaning Cheat Sheet
