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The Hierophant Meaning - Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

By Tina Gong

Published March 07

Hierophant Keywords

Upright Keywords	Reversed Keywords
tradition, social groups, conventionality, conformity, education, knowledge, beliefs	rebellion, unconventionality, non-conformity, new methods, ignorance
Skip to Upright Meaning	Skip to Reversed Meaning

The Hierophant Meaning - Original Rider Waite Tarot Depiction

The Hierophant Tarot Card Description

The card depicts a religious figure that sits in a rather formal environment characteristic for a church. He is wearing three elaborate vestments which are designated to represent the three different worlds. His right hand is properly raised in an act of benediction, a sign of blessing – it’s the same hand that the Magician has raised. In his other hand, he carries a triple cross, which is associated traditionally with the pope. Each of the horizontal bars in the cross are thought to represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Beneath him, two acolytes are seated, representing the transfer of sacred knowledge within institutions. Through these acolytes, the card also comes to represent following the path to knowledge and education.

This card is also known as the High Priest in certain decks - as well as the Pope. He is acting as the masculine counterpart of another card which is known as the High Priestess. This card is ruled by Taurus.

Upright Hierophant Meaning

To see the Hierophant in a reading is to embrace the conventional, for it suggests that you have a certain desire to actually follow a process which has been well established. It also suggests that you want to stay within certain conventional bounds of what could be considered an orthodox approach. So, instead of being innovative, you will be adapting to certain beliefs and systems which are already put in place and are existing.

The Hierophant card suggests that it’s better for you to follow social structures which are established and have their own traditions

The Hierophant card suggests that it’s better for you to follow social structures which are established and have their own traditions. You might be involved in certain ceremonies, rituals or other religious trappings, for instance. When it comes to tarot readings, this particular card is most commonly representative of institutions as well as their core values. This is a sign that shows that you need to conform to the already existing set of rules and situations which are fixed already.

Upright Love Meaning	Upright Career Meaning	Upright Finances Meaning
safe, traditional partners, avoiding taboo, spiritual love	success in work groups, education, teamwork, mentor	keeping your money safe, traditional financial institutions

Upright Hierophant Love Meaning

When it comes to relationship tarot readings, the Hierophant's upright love meaning can point to the effects of conventional religion on love and choosing partners. You could be drawn to partners that are safe, traditional, and respected by your community, and avoid partners that are considered "taboo". The Hierophant love meaning in tarot can also represent the more spiritual aspects of love, and a reminder that our partners should be treated morally, and lovingly. Sometimes, this card can also indicate marriage.

Relationships affected by the Hierophant card are usually traditional, conventional and socially approved. Partners are likely to share a system of beliefs.

Career Meaning - Upright Hierophant

With the Hierophant, you’ll find success from working with others right now. This can sometimes mean also choosing to not rock the boat, and staying on the tried and true path. With so many variables when it comes to work, it may be better to stay safe for now. This card can also signal that group cohesion rather than individuality can be more important at the moment. Sometimes, the Hierophant can also signify a more senior mentor that can be a helpful aid in you progressing through your career. The card is also representative of education, meaning that a time of learning, whether through a school or vocational training, can be helpful for you.

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Finances Meaning - Upright Hierophant

When it comes to your finances, the Hierophant can suggest that your money should remain safe in traditional, established institutions. Novel ways of making money, whether it’s a side hustle you don’t really understand, or new financial products, may cause problems for you; avoid gambling with your money.

Reversed Hierophant Meaning

When you see the Hierophant in reverse, it may mean that you are feeling particularly restricted and even constrained from too many structures and rules. As a result, you have lost quite a lot of control as well as flexibility in your life. You have a particularly strong will and desire to go ahead and regain control as well as to break free from the shackles of convention. You are tempted to try unorthodox approaches or to function in a way which defies social ties and norms.

The Hierophant reversal meaning is mostly about questioning certain traditions and making sure that whatever it is that you do is the right thing for you in this certain moment.

Reversed Love Meaning	Reversed Career Meaning	Reversed Finances Meaning
stale relationship, values not aligned, breaking taboo	bureaucracy, stifling, confined workplace, peer pressure	new financial institutions, taking risks with finances

Reversed Hierophant Love Meaning

A reversed Hierophant can indicate that your relationship may have become rather stale or boring. You may have entered the relationship since it seemed practical, but without injecting some extra excitement, it can feel dull. When it comes to shared values and creating a future together, the reversed Hierophant love meaning can indicate that your views may not align too well with your own. This doesn't have to be a dealbreaker, but may require some compromise.

Generally, this card also signals that not all the advice you may receive about your romantic relationships may be helpful for you at this time. You may be better off thinking for yourself what works, instead of relying on someone else to show you what is right for your love life.

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Career Meaning - Reversed Hierophant

Your creativity, achievement or freedom at your workplace can feel stifled by bureaucracy, processes, or rules right now. You may feel restricted and confined. If you had the options, you may have been able to solve many of your organization’s problems, but they may be stubborn to keep things done “their way”. Sometimes this can mean in order to get things done, you would have to engage in chumming up to your colleagues, or even your boss. There may be a lot of pressure to follow the organization’s decisions even when you have a differing opinion. Weigh the risks of going your own way; can you stay true to your own opinions where you are currently?

Finances Meaning - Reversed Hierophant

The advice of your peers when it comes to finances can feel stifling to you at the moment. You may have the itch to take risks and try new ways of earning your money, whether that means working on a side-project in your spare time, or learning about cryptocurrency. Remain responsible and realistic about what kinds of risks you’re willing to take, and what you’re willing to lose.

Hierophant Meaning Tarot Cheat Sheet

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