Hierophant, V

Hi'·er·o·phant ~ A person, especially a priest in ancient Greece, who interprets sacred mysteries or esoteric principles. Specifically, the chief priest of the Eleusinian mysteries.

• Number: V, 5
• Hebrew Letter: Vav
• Color: Red Orange
• Element/Planet: Earth
• Season: Spring
• Zodiac Sign: Taurus
• Time Frame: (April 20 - May 20)
• Chakra: Root
• Humor: Black Bile 
• Temperament: Melancholic 
• Sense: Smell
• System: Throat, Vocal Cords, Thyroid

Keywords

Traditionalism, conservatism, orthodox, rules, order, belonging, insight, advice, student, initiation (religious or otherwise), counsel, mentor, teaching in a socially accepted manner, and, when reversed, dictatorial, fanaticism, or choosing an untraditional philosophy

The Lesson of the Tarot Hierophant is Morality

The Fool now learns about hierarchy, traditional values, and moral requirements.

Personality (Strengths & Weaknesses)

The Melancholic temperament is associated with the Red HSV Personality.

The Tarot Hierophant Traditional Meanings

Concern about your own feelings regarding an issue is at the heart of the matter. It may be time to heed conventional wisdom, perhaps by seeking professional advice from a trusted individual, such as a minister, priest, shaman, or medicine woman (whoever holds a position of authority), whose objective focus may offer beneficial insights into moral dilemmas. Surely, someone who has this type of authority could provide a suggestion or, perhaps, intercede on your behalf since the circumstances you find yourself in likely concern moral development, as well as required obedience.

Since tradition is likely expected in this situation, it may be best to retain a more serious attitude. The consequences of behaving in an unorthodox manner may be rather severe. In other words, don't be a rebel, as to do so may mean to call off any support you have had thus far. Don't act too abruptly, or worse, fanatically, lest you ruin all chances of your belonging at all.

Note: The Hierophant is often construed as someone in authority in the Catholic or Christian religion, which isn't necessarily true. While we may not all believe in the same things, our faith in what we believe leads us all to the same place (back to whence we came, the divine, the creator).

The Tarot Hierophant Biblical Meanings

The Tarot Hierophant represents God's everlasting grace. Reminiscent of ancient bards, he is a teacher and storyteller. The Hierophant prays to God for understanding and compassion when listening to others. He prays that he is not overly critical or fanatic. He prays that his actions reveal tolerance and reflect God's love for all his children. He does this while defending his beliefs and freeing himself from anything that would turn him away from God's will. However, he may struggle from time to time with pride, often tied to his traditional (old-school) viewpoints. The danger lies in using those traditions to manipulate others for power over the flock.

Keywords: Spiritual teaching or guidance, traditionalism, conservatism, orthodox, obedience to God, belonging, insight, advice, counsel, or personal self-development, teaching or learning in a socially accepted manner, and, when reversed, dictatorial, fanaticism, or choosing a nontraditional path or philosophy.

Hebrews 13:7 – Remember your leaders.

The Tarot Hierophant in Health Readings

Rigid expectations, pressure to conform, and inflexibility cause stress, leading to heaviness, stubborn tension, throat tension, and stress eating.

The Hierophant corresponds with Taurus and governs the lower teeth, cheek, neck, ears, throat, vocal cords, and thyroid gland. Weight gain may be an issue because of a love of food. Diet and lifestyle indulgences can lead to stomachaches, muscle aches, or sprains. This is especially true for those born under the sign of Taurus. However, making poor food choices or having a leaky gut can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Poor posture is a common cause of neck and shoulder tension.

There's a need to listen to traditional advice (from a conventional doctor or therapist) about your health when this card appears. Still, when this card is reversed, it may be beneficial to seek an alternative therapist (such as a naturopath, massage therapist, chiropractor, herbalist, or Reiki healer). All too often, while offering others sound advice, the Hierophant lacks emotional support or adequate medical advice.

The Hierophant suggests that you can benefit from individual brisk walking and jogging, as well as team sports such as wrestling, judo, and dancing. Warm teas, honey, and mindful speaking can also be beneficial.

Note: Holistic alternatives for the conditions listed above are available here.

Tarot Meditation

Who can you consult for support and guidance in your community?

Food Remedies

The Hierophant doesn't do well with spicy or processed foods. Stale, rancid, or astringent foods, soy, too many nuts (especially peanuts) and beans, nightshades, especially tomatoes, and eggplant, will bother the Melancholic temperament. The Melancholic fares better on diets that include meat.

Melancholic (Red): See Raising Red/Melancholic Temperament Energy Levels

Choosing Herb & Essential Oil Remedies

Basil, benzoin, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, red clover, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, holy basil, lavender, lemon, myrrh, oak moss, orange, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rose hips, rose absolute, rosemary, rose otto, rosewood, sage, sandalwood, turmeric, vanilla, vetiver, and violet leaf.

Stones & Crystals

Red garnet, red ruby, red jasper, red-brown tiger's eye, red coral, hematite, black onyx, obsidian, bloodstone, smoky quartz, jet, or a plain black pebble

Artwork: Diogenes by John William Waterhouse, 1882