Symbolizing: The Hierophant

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 04 May 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Thirteen	04 May 2004
On we go with these threads (3 per week), examining the symbolism in the Majors. What you like and what you don't. What you feel ought to be there...or not. For this thread, the Hierophant/High Priest/Pope! Just answer one or more of the following: 1) What elements from any Hierophant card from any deck do you feel BEST symbolize the Hierophant? (Example: "I've always loved that funny pointed hat....") 2) What elements common to most Hierophant cards in most decks do you really feel are all WRONG for the Hierophant? (Example: "I've NEVER like that people are kneeling to him...") 3) What symbol have you always felt was right for the Hierophant Card, but you've yet to see it? (Example: "I'd like to see him walking among his flock...."). You don't have to answer all the above, but do offer some "why's?" as to what you answer. Why don't you/do you like that pointy hat? What does it mean that feels/doesn't feel like the Hierophant to you?

ncefafn	04 May 2004
I don't like the representation of the Heirophant as the Pope, even though this is the traditional representation. For me, it just has too much negative baggage, especially these days. I much prefer the Heirophant as represented in non-traditional decks, such as the Fairy Tarot and the Fey Tarot, where he is "The Wisest." It doesn't matter to me if he's the Pope represented positively or the Pope represented negatively. Both aspects drown out what to me is the underlying intention of this trump, and that is recognized spiritual authority without being either perfect or corrupt. The Heirophant helps you step through the outer mysteries, the HP through the inner mysteries. Anytime you attach religious baggage to either, they become weak. JMHO, of course. Kim

jmd	04 May 2004
1) What elements BEST symbolise this card? An older man sitting holding a staff in his left hand and giving the sign of benediction with his right, which also seems to point to his staff; two acolytes in front of him, in receiving or 'kneeling' position; two pillars forming part of the frame of his cathedral (seat), with the third 'pillar' his staff (he is thus seated within a 'sacred' triangle of pillars); a head-dress which symbolises divine authority.

The Symbolizing: The Hierophant thread was originally posted on 04 May 2004 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.