Honestly, this card gets a bad rap. Usually when people see The Hierophant, they think of someone imposing rules or regulations on them. Someone stern and traditional — maybe even religious — who says things like, “There’s a right and a wrong way to do things.” So naturally, a lot of folks get subconsciously claustrophobic when The Hierophant appears.
But there’s so much more to this card.
The Hierophant is the key to higher knowledge and understanding that exists outside of yourself. How else are we supposed to learn anything without tapping into the knowledge of our community and environment?
If you want to study something, your textbook acts as a key to higher understanding. Yes, it’s regulated and regimented and fact-checked, because that’s how the knowledge gets passed down with responsibility.
Let’s say you want to run a marathon. Sure, you could put on your sneakers and run on your own, but if you join a running club you’ll have access to higher knowledge through the collective experience. That’s when someone might approach you and let you know the shoes you’re wearing are too tight. And so the tradition gets passed down onto you!
So when we see The Hierophant, it’s a meditation on the wisdom we’ve received and the traditions we’ve inherited over time.
Who passed a tradition down to you?
Does it contribute meaningfully to your life?
Would you want to pass it down to someone in the future?
Some things to consider.
And as always, if you’re ready to learn tarot, then I invite you to enroll in Tarot Academy. It’s an online, digital course I created for folks just like you.
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Until next time,
Patrick (& Rosie 🐕)
Tarot Academy
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