The Hierophant

The Hierophant represents all that is true and good about traditions.  This card is very methodical and sturdy.  Rocking the boat would be very much the polar opposite of what The Hierophant indicates.  Institutions such as schools, religions and hospitals are strongly associated with this card.  The Hierophant very much embodies the mantra, “This is how it has always been done and so this is how we are going to do it!”  The process of becoming educated or better informed, and thus being enlightened is the core of what is symbolized by The Hierophant.

Upright:  The Hierophant represents conformity.  This card is teaching us a common way to deal with philosophical and religious issues.  The need for social approval is represented as we are learning to conform to expectations.  Authority exists for a very good, and powerful, reason.  Doing as we are told is often best, whether we like it or not!  Social approval and acceptance are symbolic of what The Hierophant teaches.  We have only to listen and heed the advice given for it will garner us much respect within society.  Marriage, public education and traditional medicine are all ruled by The Hierophant.  We do many things in order to be accepted by others and so we all learn to be conventional at different times in our lives.

Reversed:  The Hierophant now indicates nonconformity.  A powerful and driving need to question things and discover the truth is represented here.  Those who are individualists are often indicated by this card when reversed.  Nontraditional circumstances are signified when this card is reversed as well as doing things in unconventional ways.  Different does not mean less or inferior; in fact, this method might be more effective and productive for us than the one proposed by society at large.  The Hierophant reversed signifies being interested in the homeschooling of youth, metaphysical studies, holistic medicine or alternative marriages or partnerships. The phrase, “marching to the beat of a different drum” can be used to associate with The Hierophant reversed.  Taking personal ownership of our knowledge base is central to this card when it appears reversed.