The Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings
How do you feel about following tradition?
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The Hierophant Keywords
Upright Meanings: Tradition, authority, spiritual guidance, religion, orthodox thinking, mentorship, conformity, structure
Reversed Meanings: Rebellion, innovation, iconoclast, rejection of structure
The Hierophant Tarot Card Description
The Hierophant symbolizes tradition, spiritual authority, and guidance. He is ruled by Taurus and is in position five in the Major Arcana.
On the card, the Hierophant depicted as a religious figure and, like the High Priestess, sits between two pillars. On his card, the pillars represent law and freedom, with the high priest encouraging you to take the balanced Middle Path between them.
In the Rider-Waite deck, he holds a Papal staff in one hand. The three bars indicate he holds the office of the Pope as does the crown he wears. His right hand is in the gesture of blessing with two fingers pointed upwards, and two pointed downwards, reminding us As Above, So Below. The three nails in his crown relate to to Vau, the Hebrew letter meaning “nail or that which joins.” The Hierophant one of the connections in the deck between the spiritual and physical realms.
If you look closely, you’ll notice there are threes and triangles throughout the card. The Roman numeral V forms a triangle. The Hierophant’s head and those of the two tonsured priests form a triangle, there are three nails on his crown, three lines on his staff, and three crosses on his gown.
The roses on the monk’s gown on the left represent passion, heart, and the physical world. The lilies on the right monk’s gown represent the mind, purity, and the spiritual world. Their heads are shaved as a sign of humility.
The two keys at the bottom of the card symbolize the keys to spiritual knowledge or the sacred mysteries there for you to unlock.
The Hierophant Upright Meaning
The Hierophant tarot card is about tradition, spiritual guidance, and leaning into established systems of belief. If you get this card upright in a tarot reading, it is a reminder to respect the tried-and-true ways that have stood the test of time. It might also be encouraging you to reflect on your spiritual beliefs and how they fit into the larger world.
Unlike the more rebellious and free-spirited cards, the Hierophant is all about order, ritual, and the power of institutions (including marriage, so if you’re hoping for that outcome, this card may indicate that’s on the way). The high priest is the one who says, “There’s a reason things have been done this way for centuries.”
If you’ve been feeling lost or scattered, the Hierophant’s message is clear: it’s time to reconnect with your roots and find stability in tradition. And, if you’ve been finding yourself called towards a more orthodox, traditional approach, it’s a sign you’re going in the right direction.
Upright Hierophant in Love Reading
When the Hierophant appears upright in a love and relationship reading, it often points to a stable and committed partnership. It suggests that the relationship is built on a strong foundation, or it may be moving toward something more formal, such as engagement or marriage.
If you’re single and looking for a serious relationship or a deeper level of commitment in an existing one, this is a good sign.
The Hierophant also highlights the importance of shared values and beliefs, which can be helpful to keep in mind if you’re looking for a partner or wondering whether your partnership is the one you want for the long haul.
Depending on your situation, the Hierophant can also represent a traditional relationship structure or one that follows the relationship escalator (i.e. dating, getting married, moving in together, etc.). While this card doesn’t necessarily push for it, it might suggest more structure could be beneficial for the relationship.
Upright Hierophant Meaning for Career
The upright Hierophant tarot card encourages you to respect the rules, policies, or structures within your workplace or field. Rather than taking risks or breaking new ground, this card advises sticking to conventional approaches that have proven effective over time.
The Hierophant also hints at seeking guidance or mentorship in your professional life. Learning from someone with more experience or following a trusted authority can help you advance in your career. It’s a time for absorbing knowledge, aligning with company values, and working within the system to achieve your goals.
The Hierophant Reversed Meaning
The reversed Hierophant tarot card challenges tradition and established systems of belief. When this card appears, it suggests that you may be questioning the norms, rules, or societal expectations that have been imposed on you. You may find yourself in a phase of self-discovery, rejecting what you’ve been taught in favor of forming your own beliefs and values.
Instead of conforming to tradition, now is a good time to embrace individuality and resist rigid structures that no longer serve you.
Reversed Hierophant Meaning for Love
The reversed Hierophant tarot card suggests a challenge to traditional relationship structures or expectations. It may indicate a desire for unconventional dynamics, where partners question or reject societal norms, roles, or relationship structures. This card could also point to a relationship that feels restrictive or out of alignment with your personal values.
If you’re single, the reversed Hierophant might signal that you’re drawn to relationships that don’t fit conventional molds, or it’s urging you to break free from outdated beliefs about love. It’s a call for authenticity.
Reversed Hierophant Meaning for Career
When this card comes up in relation to your career, it suggests you may be resisting traditional work structures or questioning authority in your professional life. It points to a desire for more freedom and flexibility, encouraging you to break away from rigid corporate norms or outdated methods.
You might be drawn to non-traditional career paths or thinking about starting something on your own. If you’ve been wanting to innovate or break the mold, this is your green light.
