The Hierophant
The Hierophant is the fifth card in the first line of the Major Arcana. Traditionally associated with institutions, belief systems, and spiritual leadership, this card also asks us to examine the frameworks we’ve inherited—and to consider how we might internalize, challenge, or transcend them. In numerology, the number five represents dynamic force, a turning point that invites independence of mind and spirit. This tension—between inherited tradition and individual awakening—is at the heart of the Hierophant’s message.
The Hierophant, often depicted as a Pope-like figure, sits between two acolytes who symbolize students or seekers. These figures represent our early initiation into the teachings of culture, family, institutions, and faith traditions. The robes they wear are adorned with roses and lilies—symbols that harken back to the Magician’s garden. Like the Magician, they are driven by a youthful desire to grow and understand, though now within a structure.
The Hierophant embodies a complex blend of outer authority and inner receptivity. The white earflaps of his crown suggest a mastery of listening. Beneath his red and white robes—evocative of the Magician’s colors—peeks a blue vestment, the signature of the High Priestess. This subtle detail reminds us that true wisdom blends both outward action and inward knowing. The two golden keys at his feet suggest that he holds access to both realms: the visible, outer truth given by tradition, and the hidden, inner truth that must be discovered personally.
The trio on this card—Hierophant and two seekers—repeats in later cards like The Lovers and The Chariot, where oppositional forces seek integration. Here, the Hierophant mediates between opposites, attempting to hold them in balance through the use of tradition and doctrine.
There is an underlying cultural assumption that many people prefer to be told what to do or believe. In some ways, religious and social doctrines relieve us of the burden of moral inquiry. When a figure of authority speaks on behalf of God or morality, we may feel there is no need to question right or wrong. Yet the Hierophant is not only transmitting inherited knowledge—he also invites us to listen inwardly.
What parts of our cultural or familial teachings serve us? And which may need to be abandoned?
As a therapist, I often find myself meditating on this card. I’ve learned—through reflection and experience—that I have very little control over the behavior of others. My role is not to “fix” people’s problems, but to help them clarify their own truth. And yet, I sometimes fall into the trap of believing I have the answers, especially when clients look to me as a source of certainty. It’s tempting. It feels good to imagine that I hold the keys to something unknowable by others.
In our current culture, many are overwhelmed by disinformation, social division, and moral confusion. This has created, I think, a collective fatigue—an exhaustion of discernment. As a result, people may long for simple answers. We saw this dynamic during the height of “cancel culture,” where judgement came before investigation or historical or social context was offered. A kind of social doctrine emerged, quickly assigning labels of “good” or “bad” to people and institutions. In this context, many surrendered their critical faculties in favor of moral certainty. The contradictions of life were answered, but not truly resolved (Pollack, 2019, p. 57).
The Hierophant challenges us to develop an inner authority—a task far more difficult than simply being told what to do. As a therapist, it would be easier if I could simply hand my clients a set of instructions. But my hope, and I believe the hope of a healthy society, is that individuals not only make their own decisions but also understand why they make them.
Some may continue to accept the traditions of their religion, culture, or education without deeper inquiry. But the Hierophant asks:
“What do I believe is good or bad, right or wrong—and how did I come to believe it?” (Quinn, 2009, p. 62).
This is the real initiation—not into a rigid belief system, but into the practice of discernment.
The Hierophant teaches us that wisdom isn’t just about repeating inherited truths. It’s about learning to listen—both to the voices of tradition and to the voice within. We can draw from the teachings of culture and faith while still asking: Does this serve me? Is this true for me? It is in this balance—between outer guidance and inner clarity—that transformation begins.
References
Pollack, R. (1997). Seventy-eight degrees of wisdom: A book of tarot (2nd ed.). Weiser Books.
Quinn, P. (2009). Tarot for life: Reading the cards for everyday guidance and growth. Quest Books.
