Hierophant - a deeper description and history

It is a bit frustrating that this blog has such a limited space. I would love to give you, my dear readers, much more thorough description of each  of the Tarot cards. The information on this blog is sufficient for readings, especially in the beginning, but I know that many of you want to study further, learn more about the history of the cards and the symbols represented on the cards. I will be representing a broader explanation of the cards, one at the time, on these posts here for the readers that are willing to learn more.

The first one I want to introduce is Hierophant, or the Pope, depending on.....
 which deck you are using.

The Hierophant is not the easiest card to interpret. This card presents several meanings at once. In most readings, I find this card to represent a vehicle for religious understanding – whether it is religious or spiritual study of some type. The historical meaning of the word Hierophant, well, it suggests a person who spends his whole lifetime studying the texts of his religion. I interpret the references to religion to be what ever higher power the person I am reading to has a connection to. God has many names.

Anyhow, this card refers to a person who is knowledgeable either spriritually, or of a religion, a member of a religious organization, or a student of the teachings of such. The Hierophant is interpreted as the keeper of religious texts or teachings for the sake of teaching others. He is the master of religious wisdom. He guides and teaches his followers, or the followers of his religion. He is the link between the human and God. His duty is to represent God’s word to people honestly, truthfully, and accurately.

When this card is drawn in a reading, the focus is on our  certainty and sincerity. This card tells us to look inside – to examine what we believe in, how our beliefs affect us as persons, and how we operate related to our beliefs.

When we look at the picture on this card, we see that the Hierophant holds his right hand up as if blessing his followers. The position of the hand is also somewhat upwards, towards heaven, which further gives the impression of heavenly blessing. People come to the Hierophant to be blessed. His job is to assure that their spiritual needs are met.

In the picture the Hierophant holds a set of keys in his hand. These are often interpreted as the keys to spiritual or religious knowledge and wisdom. For the ancient Greeks, keys symbolized knowledge and life. The keys are crossed as a symbol: The keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. The Hierophant is holding the keys – the picture can only be interpreted to mean that the Hierophant is an authority figure who possesses the ability to lead his followers to the Kingdom of Heaven.

When I draw this card in a reading, I read it to suggest that a person examine his religious beliefs: Take a good look in the inner self - to see what his relationship is with religion or spirituality. Is it satisfactory, is it working for him? Does he have a calling for religious work? Are his beliefs helping or restricting him? What is his relation to different religious organizations? Is he  disciplined and committed enough for spiritual growth? Do people look at him as their leader or advisor in religious matters? If so, does he meet their needs?

These kinds of questions are inevitable when the Hierophant is drawn, and this card is often interpreted to suggest the need of a religious or spiritual teacher, guide or a mentor. Another common interpretation is that you should pay attention to acting in an ethical manner towards other people and in your business dealings.