The Hierophant is the sixth card in the major arcana and represents tradition, commitment, higher wisdom, conventional institutions, spiritual guidance and structured organizations. The Hierophant is represented by the number five as it’s connected to energies of spiritual wisdom, insight and a higher power or authority. The number five represents change, freedom, challenge and broadening your horizons.
The Hierophant is connected to the element of earth and the zodiac sign Taurus, as it’s associated with traditional, structured commitments and institutions such as the church, court systems and things of this nature. This card can also represent a holy person, spiritual guide, mentor or guru who is guiding you through the many different twists and turns throughout life.
This card is also connected to the planet Venus which represents values, love, abundance and creativity. Because of this the Hierophant can also be connected to things like a higher level of commitment when it comes to love, legally binding contracts and taking things to the next level when it comes to your higher-minded endeavors and goals.
The Hierophant Meaning
This card represents a higher spiritual power, authority and philosophy which stems from a long-established traditional system. The image on the card shows a person of spiritual authority sitting on a throne in an elevated position while two disciples kneel in sacred honor and reverence.
In the card, the Hierophant is dressed in spiritual garb and has their hands up as if imparting wisdom upon those kneeling before them. So the Hierophant can symbolize someone who’s acting as a spiritual mentor, or the wise old sage, who is imparting their spiritual wisdom and philosophy upon you.
Therefore, when the Hierophant comes up in a reading it can show that you’re being guided by a higher power and wisdom at this time, or that you may need to refer to a spiritual mentor or guru at this time. Alternatively, the Hierophant can also represent traditional belief systems, connecting with your higher-self and a period of spiritual study. Always look to the cards around it for clarification or to get a deeper meaning.
Upright
Traditions, higher level of commitment, religious belief system, spiritual wisdom, spiritual teacher or guru, mentor, following the tried and true method.
Reversed
Forging your own path based on your inner wisdom, going against traditional norms, rejecting authority, questioning your beliefs and perspectives, rebelliousness.
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THE AWAKENED SAGE 