THE HIEROPHANT

The Hierophant is the fifth key to the Major Arcana in Tarot.  The Element of the Hierophant is Earth and the zodiac affiliation is with Taurus.  

Qualities of the Hierophant are Wisdom, Teacher, and Inner Guide.  Alternate names for the Hierophant are The Initiator, The Pope, The Head Priest, The Grand Master, Jupiter, and Baccus.  Symbols are The Temple, Robes, Cross, and Gesture of Benediction. 

In German the Hierophant is called Der Papst, and Der Hohepriester.  In French, Le Pape, Jupiter Bacus, and Le Grand Pretre.  And in Italian, Il Papa.

SYMBOLOGY

The Hierophant wears an intricate robe of blue, white and red and a crown with three tiers.  His costume indicates the three different worlds in which he resides:  the conscious, subconscious, and super conscious.  Like the High Priestess, he sits within a sacred temple.  His right hand is raised in blessing and benediction, two fingers pointed towards the sky, two toward earth.  His other hand is most often shown holding a triple (or papal) cross, thought to represent the Christian symbology of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Certain decks also include an image of crossed keys at his feet, to indicate the unlocking of the great mysteries and the balance between the intellect and the inner mind.  

ATTRIBUTES

The Hierophant is teacher and seer, philosopher and poet.  He sees validity in knowledge and asks for intimate understanding of both the outer world and the meditative subconscious.  His is an orthodox approach -- his study, formal.  He symbolizes structure, institutions, and the core values of learning.  He adheres to doctrine and encourages decisive action only after deep thought, rational debate, and discussion with trusted mentors.  He points to the importance o passing down wisdom, demanding that all masters become mentors.  He insists that all knowledge gained, must be shared.  He represents sacred ritual, established religious dogma, and adherence to long-lasting tradition.  The Hierophant is sage, leader, and guru, providing clear and gentle guidance on the path to greater knowledge and deeper understanding.