The Hierophant
The Hierophant represents externalized, organized spirituality and serves as a benevolent figure of spiritual authority, guidance, and tradition. As a gatekeeper (symbolized by the keys), he points to structured outlets and institutions for shared spiritual expression, though engaging with them may require preparation and commitment. Reversed, the Hierophant warns of dogma, hypocrisy, or corrupt traditions that should be questioned and interrogated. The card prompts you to discern whether spiritual practices genuinely serve the greater good or are hollow displays of piety.
Keywords
Title
The Hierophant
Upright
While the High Priestess represents our internal spiritual workings, the Hierophant is a figure of benign externalized spirituality — a representative of spiritual authority, guidance, and tradition. The keys mark the Hierophant as a gatekeeper. Though there may be some preparation and commitment necessary, it may be worthwhile to seek an organized outlet for a shared expression of spirituality.
Reverse
The Hierophant in reverse is a dogmatic figure who must be questioned. The systems and traditions from which the Hierophant's authority is granted might be oppressive, bloated by corruption, or twisted with hypocrisy. Interrogate whether your expressions of spirituality are hollow displays of piety or truly meant to serve the greater good.
Visual Description
A robed, crowned figure with a long, flowing beard stands centered against a backdrop of concentric circles and stars. He raises his right hand in a blessing gesture while his left holds a ring of two keys; a red halo or disk glows behind his head. The top edge shows the Roman numeral V and the bottom margin bears the printed title "the hierophant".
Star Spinner tarot
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