The hierophant tarot is a significant card in the Major Arcana of the deck. With multiple meanings, this is a card with many faces that is always welcome in a reading. Typically, its meaning tends to point to spiritual enlightenment or spiritual changes. But, to truly understand the meaning of a hierophant tarot, it’s important to analyze its artwork and know whether it’s upright or reversed.
Hierophant Tarot Art
A key part to any tarot reading is interpreting the entirety of the card, and that includes its art. Believe it or not, analyzing the art of your cards can tell you more than the definition ever will. With that said, let’s look at a few key characteristics seen on the hierophant.
- The hierophant tarot card often appears as a religious person in red, white, blue, and gold.
- The hierophant is sitting between two pillars of a temple.
- He wears a crown with 3 points.
- He is holding a scepter with 3 lines across it, also known as a ‘Papal Cross.’
- His right hand is raised with two fingers pointed up.
- There are two keys that are crossed at his waist with two people near on each side.
Upon first glance, this card is very busy and mystical, but it has deep meaning. Some of the symbolism we might pull from it is:
- His crown with 3 points could be a representation of the physical, spiritual, and subconscious.
- The scepter could be a representation of strong religious beliefs.
- His raised hand could be in prayer or as a blessing to the people below him.
- The two people bowing could signify that the hierophant is a leader that many look up to.
- The crossed keys at his waist could symbolize balance, perhaps between the conscious mind and subconscious mind, making him the ultimate spiritual symbol.
Of course, there are always more meanings to pull from your tarot cards, so studying them is the best way to find the meaning that you are meant to perceive.
For other major arcana tarot card meanings such as this, you can also check out our article “Temperance Tarot Overview” for more information.
Hierophant Upright Meaning
If you receive the upright hierophant, it typically has to do with religious beliefs or spiritual wisdom. With that said, this may mean that you need to start following your own personal beliefs and align with someone to help guide you. This person could be a mentor or leader of some kind. However, if you are already a master in this field, you may instead be guided to be the mentor for someone else in your life.
On the other hand, the upright hierophant may also mean it’s time to turn towards spiritual traditions as well as ancestral traditions. This could also include small acts, such as daily prayer, saying grace, or giving thanks. Either way, you are being called to connect to yourself and create your own rituals and traditions, so do not wait to act on it.
For more about the hierophant tarot card meaning, check out “The Hierophant Card Meaning” by thetarotguide.com.
Hierophant Reversed Meaning
If you receive the reversed hierophant in reading, it is a reminder that you hold within you all the wisdom you need. With that said, do not let the beliefs of others alter your path. This is a card about raising yourself above the opinions of others and staying true to yourself. This is a time where people may question you and judge you, but it is important to keep your focus on what is true to you. And honestly, the best way to better connect with and understand this wisdom is to try your hand with meditative practices.
Above all else, this is a card that reminds you to not follow the path others have created but instead create your path. And honestly, what better way to find yourself than to take an adventure alone?
In conclusion, the hierophant is a powerful card to receive and truly never has a bad meaning. Above all else, it is a card of awakening, enlightenment, and spiritual growth, which is a very beautiful thing. So if the hierophant shows up in your reading, consider yourself very lucky, as it means a beautiful awakening is coming.
Interested in learning more about popular tarot card meanings? Check out our article “The Moon Tarot Overview” for more insight.
