Literature Clues: V the Hierophant

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 18 May 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Two of Wands	18 May 2003
To which card then might I refer? "Though the charcacter of the profession will not, in every instance, prevail over the personal character, yet it is sure to always predominate with the greater number. For as chemists observe, that spirits, when raised to a certain height, are all the same, from whatever materials they be extracted; so these men, being elevated above humanity, aquire a uniform character, which is entirely their own." David Hume (writing essays on Human Nature during the 18th Century)

jmd	18 May 2003
XX - Judgement ?

Two of Wands	18 May 2003
What a completely stupid suggestion! ... But then who am I to judge? ;) No, sorry it's not that.

jlbvt	18 May 2003
Hmmm, Chemists, uniform character... Temperance?

jmd	18 May 2003
XIIII - Temperance ?

jlbvt	18 May 2003
Ha ha, JMD! Too late!

Two of Wands	18 May 2003
Niether is it Temperance I'm afraid. Though if you read it back I know that both of you can guess this!

Moongold	18 May 2003
Justice?

jlbvt	18 May 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Two of Wands "Though the charcacter of the profession will not, in every instance, prevail over the personal character, yet it is sure to always predominate with the greater number David Hume (writing essays on Human Nature during the 18th Century) The Devil?

allibee	18 May 2003
Magician?

Two of Wands	18 May 2003
Hi JMD, JLVBT, Moongold and Allibee! It seems that everyone's here right now, how cool. Honestly, I had no idea that this one was going to cause so much confusion. Here's a clue that I think should help: Read the first line carefully. In this essay Hume is identifying a characteristic that he believes people of a particular PROFESSION tend to sucom to because of its very nature.

jlbvt	18 May 2003
What is the profession? This is really a good one! Lawyers turning into liars? Actors becoming another persona and losing their own personalities?

Two of Wands	18 May 2003
Well Jlvbt, I draw your attention to the line: "so these men, being elevated above humanity"

jlbvt	18 May 2003
HEIROPHANT

Two of Wands	18 May 2003
Welcome back Jlbvt, you are once again the WINNER on your own thread! The full quote is as follows: "It is trite, but not altogether a false maxim, that priests of all religions are the same; and though the character of the profession will not, in every instance, prevail over the personal character, yet it is sure to always predominate with the greater number. For as chemists observe, that spirits, when raised to a certain height, are all the same, from whatever materials they be extracted; so these men, being elevated above humanity, acquire a uniform character, which is entirely their own." The essay is entitled: 'Of National Characters', and there is much to fault within it, quite possibly this quote included! But as with all Hume's essays it is quite lively and throws up some interesting suggestions. What he is identifying here is that when men are raised in stature, because of the nature of their work, i.e. the Priesthood, there is a tendency for them to develop hierarchical, authoritarian and possibly judgmental characteristics. This reminded me of the possible negative aspects of The Hierophant card. Perhaps a warning against what a good teacher can become if they secom to the stereotypical characteristics of their profession, and the perceived power that it brings, rather than just being themselves! ____ Over to you Jlbvt, and thanks for this thread, it's been great fun. Allowing me not only to browse through my decks with purpose but also my bookshelves as well! Not to mention the fun in guessing other people's literary posts!

Dark Eyes	19 May 2003
The Emperopr :TEMPR ?

Two of Wands	19 May 2003
:) no it's still The Hierophant! Scroll back, Jlvbt got it!

Dark Eyes	19 May 2003
Thanks for telling me t o w ! Somehow my computer took me to the wromg spot, or something. I don't know what happened, but I am on track now. ta heaps !!

jlbvt	19 May 2003
YEAH! Sorry I had to go last night, I waited as long as I could! I will be back with the next clue momentarily...

The Literature Clues: V the Hierophant thread was originally posted on 18 May 2003 in the Tarot Games & Fun board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Games & Fun, or read more archived threads.