V The High Priest
Guidance, Dogmatism
Essential Meanings
Keywords
Religion, Faith, Education, Instruction, Mentor, Conformity, teaching, Knowledge, Institution, Belief Systems, Tradition, Blessing, Mediator, Brdige, Guide, Saintliness, Communication, Ideal, Wisdom, Discipline, Inspiration, Advice, Forgiveness, Ritual, Peace, Help, Mercy, Hierachy, Spiritual Truth
Element
Earth
Yes/No/Maybe
Neutral/Maybe
What the Card Says
This is what the Hierophant would communicate to you if he were able to express himself in words:
'I am the gateway to spiritual and material knowledge. All information about the outside world rests within me. I offer you an objective point of view and will help you to learn. In return, I ask you to do the same for others. I am your mentor, director, friend and benefactor. Ask me anything, experiment how you like and I will encourage you. Be aware that my answers will often come in the form of questions.'
Description
As a symbol of the highest spiritual authority on Earth, the Hierophant has historically been depicted sitting on a papal throne, symbolising his power in this realm. He is usually shown wearing the three-tiered crown and cloak, while his right-hand forms the sign of blessing.
Visconti-Sforza The four arms of the Pope's Greek cross represent a state of harmony between the four elements.
Marseille This card - as with the Radiant Wise SPirit deck - shows a pair of clerics kneeling before the Hierophant, appealing to him as the ultimate spiritual power.
Pictorial Key Crossed keys appear below the Hierophant's feet, signifying his ability to unlock religious knowledge, while two tonsured clerics kneel in deference to him.
These qualities can seem rather stiff, giving the Hierophant a sense of rigidity and intolerance - but they are softened by his goodness, kindness adn extraordinary ability to understand others. The Hierophant represents the religious vocation, as a life choice or career. He also symbolises the necessity to temper severity with clemency. More than anything, though, he represents the gateway to learned knowledge.
Also known as the Pope, the Hierophant is a spiritual guide, a point of contact between the human and divine. He acts as mediator and translator. While the High Priestess jeaously guards the secret knowledge that she possess, the Hierophant brings life's mysteries to the people. In every day life, the Pope (as the Hierophant is known in some decks) is a guide, teacher or mentor, a person whi provides a moral reference. Transmitting knowledge, wisdom and counsel, he is guardian and guarantor of the dogmas of tradition, conventions and habits.
Golden Art Nouveau
Radiant Wise Spirit
Symbols
Columns
These represent rigour and mercy, as well as the two pillars of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.
Three-Tiered Crown
This signifies the ability to direct one's thought un the material, intellectual and spiritual worlds.
Three-Tiered Cross
A symbol of the three theological virtues: Faith (dogma), Hope (prayer) and Charity (benevolent actions).
Papal Coat
This displays the Hierophant's authority in spiritual matters.
Clerics
The figures kneeling before the Hierophant symbolise addressing spiritual authority via prayer and earnest request.
Keys
These symbolise the Hierophant's ability to guide others, as well as his possession of the keys to knowledge and wisdom.
Thelema Affirmation
Be blessed. Be still. It is time to learn the truth behind why you are here. Take the blessings am about to give you.
Lesson
The Arcanum of the Hierophant will teach me to lead by example and become a guide for others through the positive example of my actions.
Alternative Names
The Pope, High Priest, Shaman, Medicine Man, Pontiff, Holy Father, Wise One.
Marseille Keywords
Guidance, meditation, teaching, tradition
Pre-Raphaelite
Only put your trust in the guide that will lead you to supreme knowledge.
Master, spiritual mediator, faith, high ideals.
Harmonious Teachings
Right balance, wisdom, inner life, knowledge, protection, good advice.
Card Reversals
Meanings differ depending on whether the card is upright or upside-down.
Upright
Rules, regulations and ethics, Mentor and student, Knowledge, Ceremony, pomp and circumstance. Widom, advice, attention to detail.
Reversed
Ignoring advice, unwilling to learn and not fitting in. Disrespect for elders. Disillusionment with religion and tradition.
Further Exploration
Studying the subjects listed will help you to gain a greater understanding of the Arcana:-
Read up on the Papacy, Religious Leaders, Spiritual Advisors, Gurus, Confession, Clerics, Patriarch, Philosopher, and Saviour.
ViceVersa (Back)
The rigidity of the front of the card has given way to freedom of thought and possibility. You have gone beyond merely questioning the precepts of religion - now you are ready to challenge or rebel against them. If this is not a situation in which religious teachings are relevant, think of another context in which you are being held back by 'thou shalt' and reconsider your actions.
Universal Celtic
A druid with a golden sickle cuts sacred mistletoe from an oak and hands it to an initiate holding a white cloth. A sign of goodwill, mistletoe is born when the gods visit the tree.
Illuminati
ViceVersa (Front)
Sometimes a yearning for spirituality can be satisfied through religion, which offers a path that has been trodden by many people before you. The precepts of religion can be learned without the need for analysis or inner searching. If you are drawn to such a path - or already upon it - consider how you would feel if you questioned some of those precepts. Can you see the true face of the people whose authority you accept?
John Bauer
Two children stand before a stone creature. They seek to learn what the Earth can teach them. Recieving knowledge from your surroundings, understanding and learning from other sources.
Arcanum
Visconti Keywords
Need for understanding, attention, diplomacy.
Fairy
Egyptian
Before
White Cats
Draconis
Angels
78 Doors
After
Silver Witchcraft
Manga
Medieval
Pagan
Thoth
New Vision
Runic
Elves
Liber T
Thematic Meanings
There are greater depths and advanced meanings to discover when you read the Hierophant card in conjuction with the theme of the subject you are exploring - find them given below.
Personal Life
Love: Don't be tempted to make a solemn promise when you are uncertain about your feelings.
Work: The best job is one to which you feel you have been called, but it may be while working that you discover what your vocation is.
Money: Apply maximum effort and intention to what you've established. Continue to manage your resources.
Divination
Answer: The truth is equidistant from opposite ideas. The truth hangs not among them, but above them.
Tip: It is possible to resolve a dispute but addressing moral authority rather than through justice in legal, earthly terms.
Timing: The time required for a project depends on decisions made by a higher authority.
Psyche and Soul
Self-Esteem: Strive to judge yourself by the same standards that you apply to others.
Meditation: No single rule can fit every situation. Instead, the wisest choice is to learn to adapt.
Spirituality: Each path in life is different, but you can still discover which way is right for you by standing still.
Updated
1 January 2025 at 15:29:37