The Hierophant
The Hierophant represents the bridge between inner values and outward actions, teaching how to live authentically. It points to formal or traditional structures—education, rites, or cultural and religious practices—that shape behavior and commitment to a value system. The card advises examining whether your actions reflect your deepest beliefs and aligning behavior accordingly. Reversed, it prompts questioning whether you live your own truth or one imposed by others, and whether rejection of tradition is rebellious or a thoughtful choice.
Keywords
Card Title
The Hierophant
Description
While the Empress and the Emperor teach about home and social life, the Hierophant's important job is being the bridge between values and actions. While this card has traditionally been associated with religion, given most people's (especially those interested in tarot) cynicism about religion, it is better to see the Hierophant as the one who teaches the Fool how to "walk his talk." That is, what are good ways to behave, ways that express inner values and beliefs? The Hierophant knows that as long as there is a gap between what you believe in your heart and the actions in your daily life, it is impossible to be at peace or to present an authentic face to the world.
Divinatory meaning
Formal (whether personal or institutional) training or education, traditional religious or cultural practices, rites, or beliefs, and commitment to a value system. Teaching, learning, practicing... these are at the core of this situation, although whether they are something you are pursuing or avoiding is something only you know.
Advice
Take a good, hard look at your most treasured beliefs and make sure your actions and behavior reflect them. If you don't know your beliefs, look at your actions and behavior. Based on those, how would someone else describe your beliefs?
Reversed
If reversed, ask yourself: Am I living my truth? Am I living someone else's truth? Am I rejecting tradition and practice out of rebellion or due to careful consideration of my heart and soul?
Visual Description
A robed figure sits on a throne between two classical columns, a radiant halo of light behind their head and a black circular emblem with the Roman numeral V above. They wear white garments with gold and green trim, hold a long ornate staff in one hand and make a gesture with the other while red ribbons swirl around them. Two kneeling acolytes or followers bow on either side at the foot of the throne, heads lowered and dressed in dark uniforms with white ties. Petals or small white fragments float through the scene and a banner at the bottom reads "The Hierophant."
Mystical Manga tarot
💜 Please support creators. Buy official decks.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
All card images and descriptions are taken from public sources. They are used for review purposes only. All rights to these images and descriptions belong to their creators. If you believe there is a copyright infringement, please contact us at [email protected].