Education, Spiritual guidance, Tradition, Conformity, Knowledge, Beliefs
Ruling Planet: Venus
Element: Earth
Hierophant
Number 5, The Hierophant
There is a lot of symbolism and meanings found in the Hierophant card. Here we see a Pixie reading a book, wearing a traditional garment and holding a marionette puppet. There are more books spread out on the floor and some lanterns with candles inside. The card as a whole represents guidance. The Hierophant, no matter what, always seeks to expand in their knowledge.
In the Upright position, the Hierophant is reading to further increase their understanding of the world. The puppet could be a symbol of practice. They could be practicing how they want to present themselves, or are rehearsing past traditions. Is there anything that you'd like to learn right now? It's never too late to learn something new. Being a life-long student can benefit us in ways we never thought possible. Take this card as a sign to take that class you've always wanted to do, or read that book you've been thinking about picking up.
We see that each lantern has a candle in different stages. Burned out, burned to the middle and full. These candles can represent change and new beliefs. Something we used to believe in may no longer be serving us the way it used to, thus causing it to burn out. It could also represent different stages in our spiritual journey.
Reverse:
Upright:
Rebellion, Poor counsel, non-conformality, New methods, Ignorance
Card in Reverse:
The Hierophant in reverse takes on a whole new meaning. You may be feeling restricted by so many rules and structures. Instead of conforming, you'd rather rebel. The marionette can be seen as a tool of manipulation and/or a loss of control in your life. You may have a particularly strong desire to break free from convention, so much so that you might make some rather questionable choices that defy social norms.
Wanting to break free from conformity doesn't always have to be a bad thing. This card can also be a symbol of wanting to express yourself in a way that may not be considered socially normal. Perhaps you want to wear clothes or jewelry that are considered "different." Take this card as a sign that it is okay to do so, as long as you are expressing your genuine self.
Upright:
Love
Safety, Spiritual love, Avoiding taboo
Reverse:
Values not being shared, Relationship going no-where
Career
Upright:
Education, Mentor, Teamwork
Reverse:
Peer pressure, Feeling restricted/confined
Upright: The Hierophant in love can suggest that you are drawn to partners that are safe and traditional. To be clear, "traditional" doesn't have to mean gender roles, or relate to religion. It could just mean that they value marriage and exclusivity.
If you are currently in a relationship, this card can suggest that maybe you're ready to move on to the next level with your partner - whatever that is for you.
It also says that you and your partner are spiritually connected and you share many of the same beliefs.
Reversed: In reverse, the Hierophant card can suggest that your relationship may have hit a wall. Your love life has become rather stale or boring. The excitement in your relationship is lacking or perhaps non-existent.
It can also suggest that your values may not align very well. None of these things have to be a deal breaker, but some compromise may be required. Perhaps it's time to talk with your partner on what needs to change in order to have a fulfilling relationship.
Upright: Things may be going well at work between you and your colleagues, and while things may be looking successful, instead of taking big risks, it may be safer to just play it safe for now. Stick to this path for a little while longer. Sometimes things aren't always worth the risk.
Alternatively, you may be coming across a new mentor that will help you move forward with work. Now is a good time to learn new things and educate yourself further on what interests you.
Reversed: You may be feeling a bit stifled at work right now. Feelings of being restricted are strong and uncomfortable, causing you to feel frustrated. Right now it feels like there isn't anything you can do. Are your values lining up with your work? Weigh the risks of staying with your job or leaving. Where is it you want to be?