Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings

Major Arcana Tarot

Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings

Upright Card Meaning

The Hierophant represents the power of established religion, in its worldly and spiritual forms. Like the societal rules represented by The Emperor, the religious establishment and doctrines of established Churches have a reputation for stifling creative practitioners in spiritual circles. However, there is much wisdom to be found in established religious traditions. You do not need to reinvent the metaphorical wheel in your spiritual practice. By drawing on the wisdom of the ancients that is transmitted through official doctrine, you help build the foundation of your own code of morality, ethics and spirituality.
The Hierophant invites you to go deeper in your learning journey when it comes to the dogmatic traditions you are interested in. Perhaps you achieve this through self-study, or The Hierophant represents a trusted mentor or teacher. A good spiritual guide can help you understand religious traditions and even go deeper in spiritual doctrines.
The Hierophant is a reminder to respect that which has come before you and to have humility on your spiritual journey. Do not throw the wisdom of thousands of years and thousands of devotees that came before you away because you think your discoveries alone will fuel you.

Major Arcana Tarot

Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings

Reversed Card Meaning

The Hierophant Reversed has no place in the well-trodden paths of established spiritual traditions. While there is wisdom to be found in traditional dogma, the forces that wield it often use it to suppress dissent and independent thought. Do not be afraid to challenge orthodoxy of thought. Your original ideas may cause you conflict with society, but it is worth it in order to stay true to yourself. If you cannot find a guide to lead you on your original path, you are worthy of being your own teacher.
However, The Hierophant Reversed warns you against becoming gullible in your quest for original ideas. This may seem counterintuitive, but think about conspiracy theorists. In their effort to challenge societal dogma, people fall on the first explanation they find that appeals to them for its difference from accepted wisdom—not because it has any inherent wisdom of its own! Do not chase cryptids and secret cabals instead of chasing the truth.
The Hierophant Reversed reminds us that all true, successful rebellions, whether they are private or mass mobilizing in nature, are driven by the quest for truth and a better life, not just anger against the establishment.