This is the card which for many years I dreaded seeing in a reading for myself. Because I despised it, and everything it stood for. When reading for clients I'm able to set aside my personal prejudices and engage with the cards as an interpreter should- with knowledgeable neutrality. Like reading aloud a story not of my choosing nor for my benefit, but for someone else. When reading for myself, however, that professional detachment can be elusive.
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The most obvious and common interpretation for this card is, organized religion and it's values. Conformity to traditional beliefs, attitudes, and safe, tried-and-true ways of doing things. It can also represent the frustration of being constrained and shouted down by others, regarding our adherence (or lack of it) to what our religion, our society, and our families expect of us. Depending on the context, this card can signify helpful guidance from wise teachers, or guilt and shame inflicted by harshly intolerant authority figures.
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Most versions of this card that I have seen are heavy on the Christian imagery. But certainly not all of them.
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In matters of career and finances, the Hierophant represents doing things in a conventional, risk-averse manner. In the reversed position it signifies potentially risky investments and business ventures.
In matters of relationships, it signifies traditional, monogamous marriage in which adhering to traditional gender roles is of great importance. Reversed, the Hierophant indicates unconventional, even "taboo" relationships.
Regarding health this card signifies reliance on conventional Western medicine. Reversed, it can indicate healthcare/ wellness practices beyond the conventional- ayurvedic medicine, herbalism, energy work etc.
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When this card appears together with the Five of Pentacles it suggests the possibility of help from a charitable organization or community. With the Five of Swords, it warns of theft of your time, energy, and resources by a person or organization which is already wealthy and powerful. Together with the Four of Cups it can indicate spiritual boredom or burnout. With the Nine of Swords the Hierophant can indicate religious abuse and trauma, while the Nine of Wands indicates the need for healing from such pain. With the Four of Wands or Three of Cups it can indicate the fellowship of like-minded persons. With any of the Aces, it suggests taking what you have already learned about whatever your concern is, and begin thinking beyond that towards new ideas and possibilities.
Upright, the Hierophant is a teacher, a keeper of wisdom whose mission is to share their knowledge with others. A charismatic figure with the power to motivate others to work and grow, improving themselves and the world.
In the reversed position the Hierophant reveals a fraud hiding behind the appearance of respectability, a predator who uses their position of authority to do grievous harm.
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Thank you for reading. This is an open thread, all topics are welcome.
