Tarot: The Hierophant

The Heart, Aspirations, A Natural Authority

Many a persecuted tarot reader has cringed at the sight of The Hierophant tarot card in a reading. It traditionally represents the Pope or Patriarch.

Thankfully, there’s a deeper significance to The Hierophant, as with all things.

A.E. Thierens tell us The Hierophant is in fact a ruler. But this metaphorical sovereign rules by the law of the heart, or practical intuition. Papus calls this “divine intelligence.”

The Hierophant “rules” the way the sun rules planet Earth. It’s similar to a portal for higher, concentrated energy Source to flow to its accompanying planets and give life to all inhabitants within its solar system – just like the function of the human heart sustains each of the body’s internal organs.

Put another way, our dynamic heart center is the point at which our spirit gives birth to our physical experiences – through every in and out breath. Sometimes we’re conscious of this beautiful and vital occurrence which manifests as aspirations. But many people take their intuitive inspirations for granted, or suppress them in order to fit in with the crowd.

Is The Hierophant a benevolent or malevolent ruler? Because he symbolizes the macrocosm of the human heart which provides life to the whole body, we can assume he’s benevolent indeed.

But the kind and loving provisions of The Hierophant must have a clear connection with his subjects in order for them to enjoy his benefits. In other words, the heart must be open.

Fear, insecurity and dishonesty can block the universal flow of beauty and goodness to our conscious reality. This doesn’t automatically indicate the human heart is evil. It only means we’ve got some clogged arteries.

The Hierophant by Paulina Tarot, Starchild Tarot, Starchild Tarot and Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn, intuitivefish.com
The Hierophant by Paulina Tarot, Starchild Tarot, Starchild Tarot and Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn, intuitivefish.com

When The Hierophant Shows Up In A Reading

Health and Body Image: Heart health is the first matter of importance that comes to mind when The Hierophant shows up in a health reading. An upright Hierophant card indicates you’re on the right track.

Occupation and Finances: Are you considering an occupation or studies in the esoteric arts? This card may be your sign to move forward into that occupational field, trusting your physical needs will be met. Just make sure to keep your intuitive practice authentic, natural and down to Earth – but not religious. This card may also be an indicator to involve more heart passion in your career without fear or hesitation.

Relationships: The Hierophant is an encouraging sign for a particular relationship that supports and inspires you to freely follow your personal aspirations. Seek to cultivate more love or intimacy with this person or being.

Hidden Meaning: When we follow the hidden inner callings of the heart, the universe automatically provides our physical needs.

The Hierophant from Stella's Tarot
The Hierophant from Stella’s Tarot

Reversed: A reversed Hierophant might indicate someone who’s overly generous or sacrificial. It refers to someone with unconventional ideas, teachings or attitudes who attempts to maintain peace and harmony with their contacts by blending in with society or a certain social structure or traditional system. This might appear wise, but it indicates a weakness to stand strong on one’s correct understanding, in order to avoid certain consequences. By compromising or blending your truths or principles, they’re devalued. Your standards might be competent, but your own lack of faith creates mistrust. It can also indicate accepting the spiritual teachings of another without question, as in a cult organization. The Hierophant reversed could also refer to an internal blockage. Something is keeping your inspirations from flowing, or perhaps there’s a circulatory blockage, creating biological heart issues.

Advice: Now is the time for a full charge into your heart aspirations. Don’t worry about what could go wrong. Refuse to focus on potential dangers. Refrain from getting hung up on what you think you should do. Trust your heart to lead the way to your best life via a clear path.

Astrological Association: Gemini, Sagittarius

Timing: Generally, the archetype of a major arcana card must be mastered before a favorable event can occur

Reversals: Generally, an obstacle must be overcome before a favorable event can occur

Yes or No: Yes or Maybe

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