The Hierophant
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V_The_Hierophant.jpg
The Hierophant (V) is a Major Arcana Tarot card.
Often referred to in older decks as The pope, and occasionally as "Jupiter". The more commonly encountered modern name was the title of a chief priest in the Eleusinian mysteries, and is usually regarded as the spiritual counterpart of the temporal Emperor card.
The card stands for religion and orthodox theology, as well as representing traditional education and conventional moral standards, the "Man of high social standing". These interpretations merely sratch the surface of the card, however. The Pope card also represents the Biblical story of God's creation of man and woman.
In many modern packs, the Hierophant raises his right hand in what is known as the Esoterical Blessing, with two fingers pointing skyward and two pointing down, thus forming a bridge between heaven and earth reminiscent of that formed by the body of The Hanged Man. The Pope is thus a true "pontiff", in that he is the builder of the bridge between God and humans.
Some interpretations also suggest a link between the card and the myth of Isis and Osiris. The card corresponds to the astrological sign of Taurus.
In most designs, the Hierophant is seen seated on a throne between two pillars symbolising law and liberty or obedience and disobedience, according to different interpretations.
The interpretation of the card in readings, as with all Tarot cards, must be done in conjunction with whatever cards lie around it. However, in many contexts, the Hierophant represents assistance, friendship, good advice, alliances (including marriages), and religious interests. reversed, it often refers to bad advice, lies, and persecution.
Links and references
- A. E. Waite's 1910 Pictorial Key to the Tarot
- The History of the Hierophant (Pope) Card (http://www.tarothermit.com/pope.htm) from The Hermitage.