The Hierophant Tarot Meaning in Love, Career and Health

Learn everything you need to know about the Hierophant tarot meaning in this blog post. 

Today, let’s take a closer look at the fifth major arcana card: The Hierophant. It is filled with mysteries, deep insights, and symbols waiting to be decoded. As the masculine version of the high priestess card in tarot, this card offers spiritual wisdom that can shed light on various aspects of life, from love to career and health.

The Hierophant Tarot Card Description

In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the fifth card is pictured as a wise spiritual leader, seated between two pillars in what looks like an ancient temple.

He’s holding a staff with three crossbars in his right hand, a nod to the divine trinity. His left hand is raised in a blessing in priestly tradition, just like a pope. This gesture symbolizes how he connects heaven and earth, serving as a bridge between the divine and us.

At the Hierophant’s feet, two people are kneeling, seeking his guidance. Unlike the mysterious High Priestess, the Hierophant feels more down-to-earth than her male counterpart.

The scenery is mostly gray, but his striking red robe adds a strong contrast and stands for his higher power and spiritual beliefs.

The Hierophant tarot card is all about tradition and spiritual knowledge and social norms, urging us to seek enlightenment through them.

The History Behind the Hierophant Tarot Card

The concept of the Hierophant is rooted in many ancient rituals and embodies the typical shamanic archetype.

To me, he appears as a wise religious figure who bridges the gap between religious beliefs and personal beliefs, helping people tap into their wisdom and inner truths.

Even today, many seek spiritual guidance from the Pope in times of trouble or when searching for deeper meaning in life.

The Hierophant has a similar role, helping us through life’s mysteries and enlightening us to become better human beings and more spiritually connected.

Symbols of the Hierophant Tarot Card

It seems like this card is so rich in symbols — you could practically write a novel about it! But let’s keep things simple and dive into four key aspects of the Hierophant to make interpreting this tarot card a bit easier.

1.) The Papal Cross:

This triple cross on the staff represents not only the divine trinity but also the Hierophant’s spiritual enlightenment and his authority in matters of spirituality and religion.

2.) The Crossed Keys:

These keys on the Hierophant’s robe symbolize his role as the gatekeeper of all the deep mystical knowledge. Only he can unlock the secrets of the spiritual world. 

3.) The Pillars:

Think of those pillars next to the Hierophant as a symbol of keeping things grounded while reaching for the divine. It’s him showing that he is rooted in faith, and here to share his wisdom with a spiritual community.

4.) Hand of Benediction:

You’ve probably noticed this gesture in the Roman Catholic Church — it is a blessing sign. The Hand of Benediction wards off the evil eye and emphasizes the spiritual authority and wisdom of the Hierophant.

The Hierophant Tarot Meaning in General

The Hierophant Upright

When I pull the Hierophant tarot card in a reading for myself, I know it’s time to dive into matters of spirituality and traditional values. It’s a cue to seek wisdom from those who’ve walked the path before me like elders, mentors, and trusted guides.

Whether you call him the Hierophant or the Pope, this card embodies themes of holiness, traditional beliefs, and spiritual authority.

But you don’t need to be religious to get the message. It’s about exploring your values and traditions, questioning what serves you, and embracing what aligns with your truth and personal growth.

As the revealer of sacred mysteries, the Hierophant urges us to seek guidance and share our own wisdom with others, even if that wise teacher happens to be ourselves. 

The Hierophant Reversed

When the Hierophant appears reversed in a tarot reading, it’s a sign of inner conflict regarding your beliefs and spirituality. Now’s not the time to play the teacher if you haven’t fully absorbed the lessons yourself. You might feel a rebellious streak against the usual norms and beliefs.

Take a step back and reflect on what you truly believe in. It’s a time to dig deep and gain new perspectives. Maybe you can take some time to be alone, like a hermit, and look at your life from a different angle. You may find yourself shedding old beliefs and embracing new ones, craving more spiritual freedom.

In this situation, don’t be afraid to question authority and try different ways to grow spiritually. Trust your gut, even if it means going off the usual path. Sometimes, what we think is the right way to do things ends up being the very thing that holds us back from our spiritual path.

Keywords for The Hierophant (Upright Position): Religion, Authority Figure, Belief Systems, Family Traditions, Wisdom, Spiritual Journey, Traditional Institutions

Keywords for The Hierophant (Reversed Position): Rebellion, Resistance to Tradition, Breaking free from Norms, Spiritual Crisis, Questioning Beliefs

Ruling Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

The Hierophant Tarot Card Meanings in Love, Career and Health

The Hierophant Upright Meaning in Love

It’s a good thing when the Hierophant shows up in a love reading. It means you and your partner are spiritually connected and have a committed relationship.

You’re on the same page when it comes to values and beliefs, which can make things run smoother.

This card suggests that stability and security are important to you both, and you’re both hungry for some spiritual growth in romantic relationships. You’re all about setting up rules and following traditional structures in your relationship for that extra sense of security.

Just remember, it has to be a team effort — set those boundaries together and make sure you’re both on board when entering a new relationship.

The Hierophant in Love Reversed

Well, if the reversed Hierophant appears in a tarot love reading, it is quite the opposite.

The traditional way does not seem to be your vibe at all when it comes to your love life. You and your partner might argue over values, causing serious friction and instability.

Commitment might suddenly feel like a foreign concept in your current situation. It’s time for a serious conversation about what you both need from this relationship. Sure, it’s work, but it’s also about finding common ground and respecting each other’s needs.

Take a step back, reevaluate your core values, and stay open to new ways of connecting.

The Hierophant in Career Upright

When the Hierophant appears in a career reading it is always a good time to seek guidance and help from your boss or other mentors in your field. You’re all about following the established rules and sticking to tradition, because it gives you a sense of direction and stability.

Your work ethic is built on learning from the best, so don’t hesitate to seek guidance and soak up the knowledge from those who have been around for a while. It’s the key to leveling up in your career.

The Hierophant Tarot Meaning in Career Reversed

In a reversed position, the Hierophant in a career context can manifest as a strong aversion to authority and traditional career paths.

You’re itching for freedom and independence, feeling uneasy about following the rules set by others.

It might seem scary at first to go against the status quo, but there’s real strength in staying true to yourself and walking your own path. Trust your instincts and pursue a career path that feels right for you, even if it’s unconventional.

This could also mean seeking advice from some unlikely places. The Hierophant in reverse encourages you to listen to your intuition and carve out your own way out of your comfort zone.

Upright Hierophant in Health

If you’re dealing with illness and the Hierophant appears upright in a tarot reading, it suggests seeking guidance from traditional medical professionals.

Whether it’s through Western or Eastern methods of treatment, trust the expertise of your healthcare team and follow their prescribed plans.

It’s also a hint to dive into health knowledge and maybe explore some spiritual practices for overall well-being. And don’t forget to lean on your spiritual teachers for advice on staying healthy in body and mind.

Reversed Hierophant in Health

If you pull the Hierophant reversed in a health reading, it shows that you’re not really feeling the traditional medical advice.

The energy of this card shows that you’re leaning more towards alternative sources and spiritual values, which is fine, but don’t ignore the professionals.

It’s about finding a balance between the old-school and new-age approaches to wellness. Just take some time to figure out what works best for you in staying healthy, and how both traditional medicine and your alternative choices can play a role in that.

The Hierophant as a Spiritual Advisor

How did you find our exploration of the Hierophant tarot meaning? There’s always more to uncover in the world of tarot, but I hope this guide has helped you to understand how to approach it in tarot readings and make the most of its energy for your spiritual practice.