"Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire." - Gustav Mahler
The Hierophant
Religion, institution, teachings, wisdom, tradition, teachings, mentor.
Upright:
Bureaucracy, challenging tradition and authority , non-conformity.
The Hierophant represents the spiritual traditions that have been institutionalized. Before people take on their spiritual journal inwards they often find their first spiritual teachings from traditional institutions such as churches and monasteries. The Hierophant can often refer to a teacher or a mentor, someone who is guiding you through your spiritual journey. This can also be a formal study, entering into a spiritual tradition or class, following long standing guidelines of tradition from spiritual authority. Sometimes the Hierophant can represent spiritual family traditions and the exploration of traditions that family or ancestors used to practice, whether it be Christianity or witchcraft.
- Traditional spiritual institutions.
- Teachers and mentors of religion.
- Guidance of your spiritual journey.
- Learning and developing.
- Teachings.
- Wisdom
In love, the Hierophant often represents the spiritual commitment card of marriage. It is the notion of bringing a relationship into the spiritual institution and creating a solidified partnership. There is something really powerful about standing up in-front of all your friends and family and telling them that you will love and support your partner. Regardless if marriage is on the horizon or not, you are moving into a more committed milestone of the relationship. This is a relationship built on commitment, love and stability.
If you are single, the Hierophant can indicate that you should look for a lover who holds the same traditional or spiritual elements that you hold. Lots of growth and happiness can occur when a relationship is built on sold foundation of mutual value and respect for each others beliefs and traditions.
In a spiritual reading, the Hierophant can indicate taking part in ceremonies, spells, spiritual rituals and other social or old school forms of uniting through practice. This is a great time to get yourself into a social circle of people with the same beliefs as you, those that you can communicate openly with about your journey. If you are part of a religious group, the Hierophant can be a good sign that you're developing and growing within your spiritual group.
If your health has been struggling, the Hierophant is an indication that you should begin to seek out people who are suffering with the same symptoms or illness as you. For example, if you suffer from Crohns disease, you would reach out to groups and organizations for people who suffer with Crohns.
It's time to reach out to the community that shares your feelings and pain. This can be a great place to find people who share you pain and that you can relate to. It can also be a great place to find advice and support.
In a career reading, the Hierophant can indicate that now is a great time for you to work within an institution, join a group or organization that has the same beliefs and ambition as you. Working with likeminded individuals can be a catalyst for growth and development.
The Hierophant can also be a sign that working as a team should be prioritized rather than seeking our individuality at this time.
The Hierophant can also indicate that a mentor is coming into your life, someone who will aid you and help you develop the necessary skills and mindset you need to help you reach your goals.
This can also apply to you finances, there maybe a financial mentor or someone who is going to guide you to achieve more of your financial goals. It's a good idea to reach out to people who know the ropes, people who have more financial knowledge than you and can give your great advice on where to invest or how to spend. If you have been thinking of joining a financial institution or investment company, the Hierophant can be a good sign that this is a great approach.
The Hierophant reversed is about breaking traditions, challenging what is known to be true and right, rebelling against social norms, rules and conformity. Sometimes there's a reason to challenge this tradition. Not all establishments are built on solid or right foundations. This is why the Hierophant can typically suggest an unconventional way of doing things, whether you challenge the conventional way of monogamy by trying polyamorous relationships. Or challenge your traditional Catholic family by practicing witchcraft or Buddhism. Perhaps you want to change your lifestyle and begin living off the grid, you see the flaws in the 'norm". Challenging tradition can be enlightening and transcending. This will be an eye opening experience and you will gain lots of knowledge .
- Challenging authority.
- Unconventional ways of living.
- Unconventional relationships.
- Bureaucracy.
- Non- conformity.
- Rebellion against social norms.
In love, the Hierophant reversed can signify an unconventional relationship and challenging traditions. Either all partners or one partner wants to challenge traditions and norms, changing trajectory so the relationship can thrive unconventionally. If you're in a committed relationship, this could mean that you're wanting to commit to someone who maybe your family doesn't approve of, or you want to try a polymerous relationship, perhaps you want to be with someone who challenges who you are and your cultural or social norms. These relationships can be challenging but full of learning and development.
The Hierophant can also indicate that one partner desires to be more unconventional and perhaps another partner wants to stick more to the tradition, because of this there is potential disparity between parties. It's important to identify and understand what your partner wants from your relationship. Once both parties have communicated openly and honestly, see what compromises need to be made and how far outside your comfort zone you're willing to be in a relationship.
If you are single, perhaps you are challenging the typical single life or you're searching for an unconventional relationship. Perhaps your search for a partner is leading you to unconventional places or perhaps you don't want just one partner, perhaps you want multiple partners. Exploring unconventional places is fun and excited, but make sure you know where you boundaries are.
The Hierophant reversed can suggest that you need to form your own path of spirituality and let go of some of the beliefs that may be holding you back. You are your own teacher, and so much wisdom and guidance comes from within yourself. This may also mean going against spiritual traditions. If you feel that is is right in your heart to go against your religious or spiritual traditions, then trust your heart and begin to forge your own path. You don't need to follow others, you need to trust yourself and your journey as you make your way through life. Also, you potentially need to let go of seeking external approval from other people, especially when you are creating your own path and doing things outside the norm. It's essential that you don't carry the weight of other peoples opinions as it can hold you back and bring in self-doubt.
In a health reading, the Hierophant reversed indicates that its time to try some alternative ways of healing. Perhaps the traditional ways of healing that you've been subjecting yourself to aren't the answer or aren't enough, it's important to try different things, seek alternatives and open yourself up to new ways of healing.
In a "yes or no" spread, The Hierophant card typically leans towards a "yes" due to its association with tradition, guidance, and adherence to established principles.
