The Hierophant.

Meaning in a Tarot reading :
Invitations
Inner wisdom
Spritual awakening
Harmony
Mind, body, spirit
Study
Integrity
Ceremony
Caution
Patience

Appearance :
The Hierophant, like the High Priestess, is seated between two pillars. The Hierophant is depicted as either a man or a woman but always represents the spiritual side of masculinity. The pillars represent masculine & feminine, day & night, balance between opposing forces or elements. The Hierophant is pure of spirit. The triple tiered crown symbolises three states of existence, body, mind & spirit or physical, emotional & mental
responses, the sceptre, likewise, is crossed three times. The temple he represents is of organised religion whereas the High Priestess symbolises the esoteric. The crossed keys show the Hierophant has control over the material & phsical world. The right hand points to the heavens & shows that what is to be found in heaven is also reflected on earth if you are receptive to it. As above, so below.

Interpretation :
The Hierophant in a divinatory reading shows a thirst for spiritual knowledge. The physical foundation of the spiritual quest, not related to any specific doctrine. The Hierophant is not religion but a physical representation of it. The triple crown & triple sceptre lead you through the physical, emotional & mental worlds towards the power of redemption.
When this card appears you are seeking a release from the mundane strugle for material success. You may even seek the advice of a teacher, spiritual advisor or even psychologist to help you understand or explore your future purpose. The Hierophant has the power to transform your potential in to spiritual energy. He relies on ceremony to connect you to your higher consciousness. He can represent marriage, artistic endeavours & a voracious thirst for knowledge through organised teaching.

Correspondences

Tree of Life Path : 6
Trump : 5-Hierophant

Hebrew Letter : vau

Element Planet Zodiac : Taurus

Deities : Apis, Venus
Animal : Bull
Plant : Mallow

My Relationship with The Hierophant

When the Hierophant appears to me in a reading I know that I need to focus on the balance between the physical, mental & emotional aspects of my life. It is easy to fall in to the trap of chasing material security whilst neglecting spiritual & emotional concerns.
The Hierophant represents spiritual development through organised religion, but of no specific creed. Anyone who knows me will tell you that my home is a testament to the fact that I have embraced many different doctrines. It is full of Buddhas, Catholic Icons, Indian & Oriental deities & books on every conceivable path. As far as I can tell it is the physical, spiritual, emotional balance that is expounded by all of these beliefs. In fact in Sanskrit the word for a union between spritual, emotional & physical states is ‘yoga’ & the times that I have applied myself to regular yoga classes have been some of my most balanced periods. Of course these good intentions are always pushed aside by work or socialising. Time to get the yoga mat out again I fear ... The challenge is that the ego & thirst for material stability stubbornly refuse to accept the developing need for internal truths.