5: The Hierophant

The hierophant is number 5 in the major arcana but is technically the 6th card. The hierophant is an interesting character as most people aren’t familiar with what a hierophant is. Let’s take a look!

 The hierophant is the name of the Ancient Greek priests who were privy to and guardians of the Elysian mysteries. The Elysian mysteries were sacred rites that celebrated Demeter, a Goddess worship cult, if you will, who’s beliefs, rites, and rituals were closely guarded secrets. They did such a good job guarding said secrets that we actually know very little about it. That being said, the hierophant in the tarot represents some sort of mentor, someone who is there to lead by example or through sharing closely guarded knowledge. His robes are red representing his authority on the material plane and the white in his robes represents his spiritual divinity which supports said authority. His left hand is holding a staff with 3 crosses and his triple crown both represent the papacy and the position of supreme spiritual authority on earth. His right hand is raised in a blessing, and it is a sign of something to be bestowed upon the querent. It is wise to look at which card is to the left of the hierophant in a reading because it could show what he is blessing.

Receiving the hierophant in a reading is traditionally associated with marriage, but it can also be a sign of a mentor coming into, or leaving, your life. It can also signify you moving into a place of authority in your life, and of being in a place to receive blessings and help from the universe.