The Tarot Hierophant
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
Spiritual teaching or guidance, traditionalism, conservatism, orthodox, rules, order, obedience to God, belonging, insight, advice, student, initiation (religious or otherwise), personal self-development, counsel, mentor, teaching in a socially accepted manner, and, when reversed, dictatorial, fanaticism, or choosing a nontraditional path or 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 Aura Color Personality.
The Tarot Hierophant Traditional Meanings
Your feelings about an issue are 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 with this kind of authority could offer a suggestion or, perhaps, intercede on your behalf, since the circumstances you find yourself in likely concern moral development and 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 doing so may mean calling off any support you have had thus far. Don't act too abruptly, or worse, fanatically, lest you ruin all chances of belonging.
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 the same things, our faith 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 as he listens to others. He prays that he is not overly critical or fanatic. He prays that his actions reveal tolerance and reflect the love that God has 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 is in using those traditions to manipulate others for the sake of power over the flock.
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, poor food choices or a leaky gut can cause nutritional deficiencies. Poor posture is a common issue that causes neck and shoulder tension.
When this card appears, you need to listen to traditional advice (from a conventional doctor or therapist) about your health. Still, when this card is reversed, it may be beneficial to seek an alternative therapist (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 speech can also help.
Note: Holistic alternatives for the conditions listed above can be found here.
Tarot Meditation
Who can you consult in your community for support and guidance?
Food Remedies
The Hierophant doesn't do well with spicy or processed foods. Stale, rancid, or astringent foods, soy, too many nuts (especially peanuts), beans, and 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
