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The Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings

The Hierophant tarot card is the sixth card in the Major Arcana of the tarot, though it is number 5 (V). The Hierophant represents tradition, authority, and conventional ways of lifestyle or behavior. It’s the ultimate card for control and following the tried-and-true, doing things just because it’s how they’ve always been done, and looking to authority figures for instruction rather than going your own path. In this blog post, we will discuss all the different meanings of The Hierophant tarot card.

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The Hierophant Tarot Card Keywords

Tarot Card Meanings - The Hierophant (Major Arcana)

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Upright: Traditional institutions, traditional values, conventionality, conformity, marriage, commitment, religion, beliefs, and knowledge sharing are all examples of traditional institutions, values, and knowledge sharing

Reversed: Traditions that are being challenged, unconventional lifestyles, unconventional relationships, reversed roles, and nonconformity

 

The Hierophant Card Description

Tarot Card Meanings - The Hierophant (Major Arcana)

The Hierophant is a religious figure similar to the Pope, who sits between two pillars of a sacred temple.

He is the masculine counterpart to The High Priestess — she guards the intuitive, spiritual realm while the Hierophant guides us here on Earth.

The Hierophant wears three robes and a crown, holds a cross and a scepter in his left hand, while he raises his right hand with two fingers point to heaven and two to Earth.

Two followers kneel in front of him.

His duty is to pass spiritual wisdom to those who kneel at his fate to initiate them into the church and give his blessing.

This is the card of conformity, of doing what’s necessary to “belong” and to gain acceptance and approval.

 

The Hierophant as Feelings

Upright, The Hierophant can represent feelings of belonging, getting initiated into a new way of life, finding spiritual guidance, and being part of an established tradition. On the other hand, it can also mean feeling trapped in rules or stuck in someone else’s ideas about what you should do with your life. Reversed, The Hierophant can represent feeling out of place or not belonging, rejecting the status quo, and rebelling against authority. It can also represent being too comfortable with traditional values and not open to new ideas. In either position, you may find yourself questioning your decisions and beliefs. 

 

The Hierophant as How Someone Sees You

Upright, The Hierophant can represent how people see you as wise, respected, and knowledgeable. It can also mean that you are seen as trustworthy, which may come with a sense of responsibility to those around you. Reversed, The Hierophant could represent being seen as too stuck in the past or not open to change. People might think that you don’t understand current events or trends, making it difficult to connect with them.

 

The Hierophant as Your Goals

Upright, The Hierophant can represent a goal of finding a sense of belonging within a larger group and seeking acceptance from those around you. It could also mean wanting to be seen as someone who is respected for their wisdom and knowledge. Reversed, The Hierophant could represent a reluctance to accept others’ opinions and views, which may leave you feeling isolated or alone. You might also be striving for recognition and validation in places that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

 

The Hierophant as What Someone Wants From You

Upright, The Hierophant could represent someone wanting you to conform and fit in with their ideas or beliefs. They may be asking for respect from you, both from their position as well as your own feelings towards them. Reversed, The Hierophant might be indicating that someone wants you to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. This person is likely to push you towards originality and creativity, encouraging you to think for yourself.

 

The Hierophant as Advice

Upright, The Hierophant could be advising you to take on a more traditional approach and conform to society’s expectations. After all, there are certain rules and regulations that everyone has to abide by to maintain a peaceful and harmonious society. Reversed, The Hierophant could be advising you to push against the boundaries of what is considered acceptable and take risks in order to get ahead. It might mean that now is not the time for conformity or tradition, but instead taking a creative approach will lead to greater success. 

 

Upright Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings

In the Major Arcana, The Hierophant represents traditional values, authority figures, and institutions.

Additionally, this can represent a specific person such as a priest, preacher, rabbi, monk, or simply a counselor, mentor or teacher who can provide you with wisdom and guidance in your life.

When the Hierophant appears, rather than someone who is instructing you, it could signify someone who is stubborn, set in their ways, and unlikely to change their opinion or stance on an issue.

Furthermore, The Hierophant can represent societal structural programs, such as welfare, religious or educational institutions, government assistance arrangements.

The Hierophant generally appears when you are faced with a decision.

You can either choose your own path or follow conventional or traditional pathways.

You may also soon be called to participate in a traditional ceremony like a wedding, or you may feel the pull to create your own rituals in your life.

 

 Upright Hierophant Meaning For Love

If you’re in a relationship and wonder where it’s going, The Hierophant may signify the elevation of your relationship to the next level.

Think commitment, marriage, engagement, purchasing a home, or entering some other contract or agreement together.

If you are single and The Hierophant appears, it could mean that you are likely to manifest love in the near future.

The Hierophant signifies stability, structure, and security.

So if you are manifesting love and you do meet someone new, they are likely to be a good fit for you emotionally and spiritually.

You may not have sparks of excitement right away, but you should experience a safe, healthy, committed relationship that has no serious issues.

 

Upright Hierophant Meaning For Money

For career and money, the Hierophant upright means that you’re likely to manifest success if you play nice with others and do what is expected of you.

Avoid rocking the boat, going against conventional wisdom, or making suggestions that seem creative and unique but could make people suspicious of your intentions.

You would do exceptionally well to find a mentor or teacher who could guide you down your career or other financial path.

Or, if you are in a position to do so, you may be able to manifest money by mentoring, coaching, or providing guidance to others.

Anything you choose to do that involves an institution will be favorable now.

For example, if you are in college or are considering furthering your education, now is a good time for you to success in this area as well.

If you are applying for a job at a government institution or major corporation, you are likely to have success in the interview process.

Now is not the time to fall for any “get rich quick” money schemes, play the lottery, or expect big wins in Vegas.

Any financial success you manifest will come through traditional means.

Work hard consistently, provide value to others, think before you sign any contracts and you will come out on top.

 

 

Reversed Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings

When The Hierophant Tarot appears reversed, it is time to deviate from the norm.

Rigid rules, social norms, traditional structures, and conventional expectations need to be altered or abandoned completely for you to find happiness.

If you do what everyone else is doing or expects of you now, you will not thrive.

This can cause tension in your life because those around you may not understand or agree with your choices.

However, versing the road less traveled will be worth it, and in this moment you are given a chance to do something different.

If The Hierophant Card is reversed, you may not be happy with who has been coming into your life or what they require from you.

It will not necessarily be easy for you to stand up for yourself and choose the path less traveled, but you’ll have to weigh the consequences of doing what’s “right” versus doing what’s right for you.

Alternatively, when the Hierophant is in a reversed position, it may indicate that you are desperately clinging to old ways — to your detriment.

Or it may indicate that you are experiencing feelings of guilt and shame as a result of behaving in a way that contradicts the values you were raised with.

You’ll need to find a way to be authentic to yourself and live by the rules you set, while still navigating the world around you.

Lastly, the Hierophant can symbolize potential issues with authority.

You’ll want to do what’s right for you, but make sure you walk the fine line of standing up for yourself and getting yourself into trouble that you can’t easily get out of.

 

Reversed Hierophant Meaning For Love

the hierophant reversed

When The Hierophant appears reversed in a love tarot reading, this often represents an unconventional relationship or the desire for one.

If you are single, everyone may keep asking “when are you getting married and having children?”

Well, you may not want to ever marry or have children, and that is your right.

If you are married or partnered and you and your partner choose an unconventional relationship style, maybe like an open marriage or even something as simple as going against traditional gender roles, this could be something that works well for you.

It could even be something like everyone wants you to have a big wedding when all you want to do is go elope and have a great honeymoon together!

On a less pleasant note, the Hierophant reversed can also mean there is a disconnect between you and your partner when it comes to values and expectations.

Maybe one of you wants to get married before you move in together, then have children, while the other wants to move in right away.

Or your partner wants you to quit your job to stay home with the kids, cook and clean all day, when what you really want to do is be a high-powered business owner.

The only way to save the relationship if you choose to do so is to keep an open mind, engage in clear communication, and find ways to compromise so each person gets some of what they want.

 

Reversed Hierophant Meaning For Money

When the Hierophant appears reversed in a tarot reading about money, it usually represents a boss or someone in authority who is strict, rigid, and plays by the rules 100%.

This person is all about conformity, wielding their power, and can prevent you from excelling or progressing unless you get on their good side.

You’ll have to work with them and mostly make them happy if you want to succeed.

And you may find success in this environment, but you probably won’t be happy either way.

You have a choice to make — will you work with this energy and find a way to make it fit your needs, or will you try to move on down a different path?

Another meaning for the Hierophant reversed is that you may feel pressured to conform to what everyone else is thinking or doing even if you don’t agree.

It could also mean you have a teacher, mentor, or other leader who gives you advice that you do not wish to take.

Or, that you are embodying this energy for someone else and you need to consider if you will get the best result by being this way.

 

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