The Hierophant Tarot Card Meaning

Card number 5 shows the Hierophant seated on a throne between the pillars of a temple. He wears priestly robes and a crown. One hand holds a scepter, a sign of authority and respect; the other is raised in blessing.

His students kneel respectfully at his feet. Keys lie there too, representing the hidden knowledge he's ready to share with his followers.

The upright Hierophant says certain rituals and rules will make your life more orderly, stable, and happy. Perhaps it's high time to make your relationship official, take a professional course, go for a promotion, or sign up for a fitness class. If this card has appeared, now's the time!

Learning and mentoring are another part of its message. You may find a wise, experienced person whose advice you value. Or you may become the person everyone else turns to for guidance.

The Hierophant also says money isn't your first priority. You're willing to work for a cause if you enjoy the work and find it meaningful.

Upright keywords

• Following accepted standards, an unbiased view, honesty, standing up for justice.
• Strengthening traditions, authority, respect, responsibility.
• A stable relationship, marriage, understanding, trust, moral values.
• Guidance, outside help, professional advice.
• Inspiration, a thirst for knowledge and truth, searching for life's meaning.

The reversed Hierophant says you're rebelling. You're breaking established rules, questioning someone's authority, or doubting traditional values. Circumstances have changed, or you've changed inside, and the old rules no longer fit.

This can be a turning point: traditions break down, laws change, or someone decides to divorce. But it needn't be so dramatic. Perhaps duty has worn you out and you've treated yourself to an unscheduled day off. Everyone deserves a break! The card can also point to obstacles getting in the way of an important occasion, such as a wedding or a job interview.

To get past this card's difficulties, find the middle ground in life and relationships. Don't become anyone's puppet, but don't dismiss everyone else's opinions and advice either. At the same time, the reversed Hierophant warns that someone could give you false information or involve you in dishonest dealings without your knowledge.

Reversed keywords

• Intolerance, narrow thinking, stubbornness, forcing your opinions on others.
• Compromises, failing to stand up for yourself, powerlessness, lack of respect, surrendering your freedom of belief.
• An unconventional approach, breaking rules, an original solution, independence, renouncing old beliefs.

The upright Hierophant brings complete trust and sincerity to a relationship. More than affection and passion unite you: shared plans, a common goal, and spiritual values hold you together. You may have reached a turning point where serious decisions are due.

The relationship is harmonious, with an emotional bond so close you can understand each other without words and share thoughts across a distance. You have every chance of building a marriage based on honesty, love, and mutual responsibility.

Reversed, the message changes: feelings cool on both sides, and only duty and habit keep the relationship going.

What are they like in love?

Upright, this person likes to do things by the book. Don't be surprised if they propose after your very first night together, or ask your parents for their blessing.

Reversed, they can be a little too traditional. Life with them is very predictable and doesn't always leave much room for freedom. On the plus side, it's dependable and comfortable.

In a work reading, the Hierophant means success and financial stability, provided you stick closely to the law, accepted practices, plans, and job requirements. Teaching, public service, law, and military work are especially favored.

The card promises steady rather than sudden income growth, along with positive career changes. Expect calm, solid, productive work, and good results to follow.

Reversed, it warns of financial losses caused by poorly considered steps, illegal actions, or relying too much on other people's opinions.

Upright, the Hierophant describes an intelligent, respected person who lives by clear rules, even if they sometimes itch to break them!

Reversed, this is a highly independent, creative person who prefers an unusual solution to following the rules, even if it means reinventing the wheel.

Upright, the card asks you to think about your image, status, and standing in the community. Where do you want to belong in life?

Reversed, it advises you to take discipline seriously and respect accepted rules. That will spare you a lot of trouble.

Upright, the outlook is favorable. You'll get what you want while strengthening your reputation, authority, and social standing.

Reversed, the outlook isn't so promising. Disregard for discipline and rules could get in your way.

Mercury working with Jupiter, and Jupiter in Pisces: full acceptance by society, respect, a successful partnership, and protection.

The Fool — Principles that aren't yet firm, immoral behavior, a stance against society.

The Magician — Being sure you're right, standing by your principles, an advantageous position.

The High Priestess — Further training, a spiritual bond, stronger faith.

The Empress — Religious devotion, established beliefs, a new addition to the family.

The Emperor — Ideology dominating life, the power of tradition, public disapproval.

The Lovers — An ethical dilemma, a secret affair, a religious wedding ceremony.

The Chariot — An unusual situation, a lifestyle change, a business trip.

Strength — Discipline, forceful methods of upbringing, a domineering admirer.

The Hermit — Turning inward, rethinking your goals, hidden fanaticism.

Wheel of Fortune — A profitable venture, a successful job change, revising your principles.

Justice — A marriage contract, a senior government position, faith in justice.

The Hanged Man — Conservatism in everything, rejecting anything new, sacrifices for your beliefs.

Death — Rebirth, a second chance, losing faith in yourself and loved ones.

Temperance — A fruitful conversation, meeting a good man, renewed energy.

The Devil — A false guru, a selfish act, a crime boss or criminal group.

The Tower — An official divorce, giving up property, a bitter truth.

The Star — Divine inspiration, a special mission, a chance to fulfill your potential.

The Moon — Fear of an authority figure, joining a cult, mistaken beliefs.

The Sun — An ideal family, teaching and raising others, having influence.

Judgment — The spiritual strength of your family line, deep faith, making peace with the past.

The World — Broadening your horizons, tolerance, a long pilgrimage.

Ace of Wands — Going to church, inspired work, an energetic leader.

Two of Wands — Conflicting feelings within, a wish for change, disagreements over beliefs.

Three of Wands — Moving forward, an open chance to grow, wise changes.

Four of Wands — A wedding celebration, agreement with your partner, family ties.

Five of Wands — Strained relations with parents, disagreements at work, clashing beliefs.

Six of Wands — Missionary work, charitable activity, promoting your beliefs.

Seven of Wands — An unfriendly crowd, a rash act, someone taking an opposing stance.

Eight of Wands — A test of your morals, unexpected feelings, first love.

Nine of Wands — Someone who keeps others at arm's length, choosing principles over comfort, a strict upbringing.

Ten of Wands — Misconduct in office, an inability to trust, compromising information.

Page of Wands — New currents of thought, a lively acquaintance, necessary changes.

Knight of Wands — Harsh measures, a dangerous person, trying to hide an ugly truth.

Queen of Wands — A wise, enterprising wife, life experience, help from parents.

King of Wands — A strict boss, team spirit, a winning idea.

Ace of Swords — Receiving an award, an official reception, honor and respect.

Two of Swords — A crisis of faith, no motivation, stalled progress.

Three of Swords — A canceled wedding, a serious argument, disappointment in love.

Four of Swords — Attending a funeral, powerlessness, needing to step aside.

Five of Swords — Being humiliated, losing an argument, being seriously mistaken.

Six of Swords — A work trip, a difficult mission, a forced move, possibly because of a divorce.

Seven of Swords — Stealing someone's idea, outmaneuvering a competitor, profiting from a high position.

Eight of Swords — Not having the facts, the risk of losing authority, a precarious position.

Nine of Swords — Wrongful dismissal, emotional suffering, a decision you have no choice but to make.

Ten of Swords — Defending a thesis, the end of a chapter, restrictive moral rules.

Page of Swords — A serious rival, major disagreements in a marriage, a poor decision.

Knight of Swords — An old feud, hatred, wanting to defend your position.

Queen of Swords — Spouses with different interests, emotional deprivation, deep insecurities.

King of Swords — An austere lifestyle, a notorious figure, a great speaker who attracts followers.

Ace of Cups — Souls united, lives intertwined, a harmonious marriage.

Two of Cups — A karmic connection, a long-term partnership, a bond of trust.

Three of Cups — Remembering your youth, lifted spirits, a second wind.

Four of Cups — Encountering sanctimony, public condemnation, hypocrisy.

Five of Cups — Seeing things as they are, realizing you've taken the wrong path, disillusionment with religion.

Six of Cups — Meeting an old love, a childhood attachment, nostalgia.

Seven of Cups — Lost in illusions, a lively imagination, high hopes.

Eight of Cups — Breaking with a mistress, emotional exhaustion, beating yourself up.

Nine of Cups — Successfully defending yourself, clearing your name, an emotional speech.

Ten of Cups — The birth of a child, virtue, decency.

Page of Cups — Winning a contest, outdoing someone, giving people something to gossip about.

Knight of Cups — Testing your abilities, a useful acquaintance, looking for a mentor.

Queen of Cups — A virtuous woman, a later marriage, a mother's guidance.

King of Cups — Someone who shares your views, a successful partnership, a skilled psychologist.

Ace of Pentacles — Self-sufficiency, alternative values, a righteous path.

Two of Pentacles — An intimate note, a little keepsake, turning away from material things.

Three of Pentacles — A new hobby, another activity, getting involved in community work.

Four of Pentacles — A solitary existence, familiar routines, a lack of money.

Five of Pentacles — An on-and-off romance or workplace affair, an impoverished fanatic, a bore.

Six of Pentacles — Giving or receiving advice, confession, an important realization.

Seven of Pentacles — Having students, developing a philosophy, a method of your own.

Eight of Pentacles — Working on yourself, a government post, taking on a trainee.

Nine of Pentacles — A consensual secret romance, a stable budget, a strong position.

Ten of Pentacles — Loyal people who share your beliefs, an obedient heir, a devout family.

Page of Pentacles — A famous admirer, a wealthy man's son, an unequal relationship.

Knight of Pentacles — A substantial win, successful planning, pulling off a good deal.

Queen of Pentacles — Marrying for money, a wealthy heiress, a company merger.

King of Pentacles — Successful business, a reliable partner, a reputable firm, state support.