The Hierophant
tradition, guidance, learning
Also known as The Pope, this is the teacher and the guide. Traditions, values, institutions and learning. The things you know because someone taught them to you.
The image and its symbolism
The Hierophant, also called The Pope, is card number V. He sits between two gray pillars, wearing a red robe and a triple crown. His left hand holds a staff topped with a triple cross, and he raises his right in blessing, two fingers lifted.
At his feet lie two crossed keys and two kneeling figures with tonsured heads who are listening to him. One has roses on their robe and the other has lilies. The pillars stand for the temple and tradition, and the triple crown and triple cross for spiritual authority. The keys open the way to knowledge. The two figures are students learning from a teacher, and the blessing is the act of passing on what you know.
What The Hierophant means
Upright, The Hierophant is what you learn from other people. Traditions, values, institutions and the figure of the teacher or mentor. He appears when you start a course of study, join a group with its own rules, or could use advice from someone more experienced. You don't have to invent everything from scratch.
He's also about what you share with others: beliefs, family customs, rituals, ways of doing things. It could be a wedding, a christening, a family dinner, or simply following a proven method to reach a goal. Ask yourself what values guide your decisions and whether they're still yours. Tradition is useful when it helps you grow. When it doesn't, you can let it go.
The Hierophant in love
A formal commitment, a wedding or a relationship built on shared values. Sometimes it also brings family pressure on the couple.
If you're in a relationship
Formal commitment. Taking the next step, getting married or introducing the relationship to your families. This is a card of shared values. If there's family pressure, talk between the two of you about what you both actually want.
If you're single
Someone may come into your life through your circle, whether that's family, work or a group you belong to. Look for a person whose values are close to yours. Old-fashioned introductions still work.
If you're thinking about an ex
Stay true to your values. Ask yourself whether going back would be about what you want or about what's expected of you. Advice from someone who knows you well can help you see it clearly.
At work
Training, school, working for an institution, or a mentor who gives you a hand.
It favors training, formal education, licensing exams and jobs at large institutions. A mentor may appear to show you how things really work. Follow the procedures and learn from people who've been around longer.
Money
Play it safe, with savings, familiar products and decisions run past someone who knows the field. Save the financial experiments for another day. The classics, done well, will give you peace of mind.
Health and well-being
The usual habits work. Listen to people who know what they're talking about and lean on simple routines that give you peace of mind.
As feelings, as a person and as the future
As feelings
They respect you and their interest is serious. They want to do things right and may be thinking long term. They'll take it slow, but their intentions are sincere.
As a person
Someone traditional, with firm principles and a calling to teach. They like giving advice, value family and loyalty, and are often a role model for the people around them.
As the future
Learning, a commitment, or the arrival of someone to guide you is on the way. It could be a course, a formal agreement or the chance to become part of something bigger than yourself.
The Hierophant reversed
Breaking rules that no longer serve you, or following advice that isn't good for you.
Reversed, The Hierophant points to a wish to break rules that no longer work for you. That can be healthy rebellion, questioning what you were taught and finding your own way of doing things. It can also warn of self-serving advice, dogma that limits you, or an authority that doesn't deserve your trust. Think for yourself.
In love it can point to an unconventional relationship, family pressure, or differences in values that are hard to reconcile. Also to commitments made out of obligation. At work it may mean clashing with rigid rules, training that gives you nothing, or the urge to step outside the system and do things your way.
As a yes or no answer
Yes
Yes, the tried-and-true way. The Hierophant favors tradition and doing things properly. Before you decide, ask someone with experience for advice.
Do the readingCombined with other cards
By tradition, this card goes with Taurus. You can also read today's Taurus horoscope.
Ask someone who has already been through what you're going through.
The Hierophant FAQ
What zodiac sign is The Hierophant?
In the Golden Dawn system, The Hierophant corresponds to Taurus. It shares that sign's love of stability, consistency and things built with patience.
Is The Hierophant the same card as The Pope?
Yes, they're two names for the same card. In the Marseille tarot it's usually called The Pope, and in the Rider-Waite deck it's The Hierophant.
Does The Hierophant mean marriage?
It's one of the cards most connected to marriage and formal commitments. If you're asking about your partner, it can point to a wedding or making the relationship official.
Is The Hierophant a yes or no card?
It's a yes, especially if you stick with what's familiar and ask for advice. This card likes things done properly, without skipping steps.