Is the Hierophant a Dictator?

I just can't seem to get this thought out of my head.
Hierophant = dictator.
I have looked at this card for weeks now and yesterday it spoke to me as a dictator.
Now does this make sense, how could he be?
The deck I am looking at is the RWS.
And there is the Hierophant sitting there.
What is he doing?
What if you do not know what the keys are?
What if you find the traditional stifling?
Why does he sit above the two people and not at their level?
Does he think he is above them?
Could he be abusing his power?
What if he represents a boss (or another authority figure), he could be a dictator?

Dictator, it's quite a harsh word, in my eyes it seems harsh I should say.

From Merrium Webster online:

"Main Entry: dic·ta·tor
Pronunciation: 'dik-"tA-t&r, dik-'
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from dictare
1 a : a person granted absolute emergency power; especially : one appointed by the senate of ancient Rome b : one holding complete autocratic control c : one ruling absolutely and often oppressively."

Now I have just stumbled across this definition and one appointed by the senate of ancient Rome. Would this equate to The Pope, which could also be The Hierophant?

It gets more interesting this thought as I muse.....

Would anyone like to join in my ramblings?

I need to get to the bottom of this

Don't know if the Hierophant is a dictator but
I read somewhere that this person takes you from
one level to another.

This person dictates what's next to arrive in your life or
shares the next step with you. A spirit or person that
walks with you in the next places or events,
after the past you have lived.

If you are engaged, you get married
if you are pregnant, you give birth
if you do wrong, you go to jail.

Just rambling!

Hi, this card means the leader of the new Aeon, it is a dictator, in that respect. Look up in the golden dawn materials and you will see some interesting information concerning hierophant, there it represents horus in the east. Spiritual leader of magick. In the rituals of the golden dawn he is the leader during ritual.

Hope that helps some

Serpenta

SerpentaAzothi said:

Hi, this card means the leader of the new Aeon, it is a dictator, in that respect.

Click to expand...

Can you please clarify "the leader of the new Aeon" as I am not sure what that is?
Thanks

What I mean its an idealistic leader of the new aeon. Not a person par say, but an idea. Did that help?

Serpenta

ros said:

This person dictates what's next to arrive in your life or
shares the next step with you. A spirit or person that
walks with you in the next places or events,
after the past you have lived.

Click to expand...

Apologies ros, for some reason I missed your post
You have just given me a "clunk" moment!!
OMG, maybe that is what the message is for me???

I just don't trust The Hierophant, never have. He has done tricky things to people.
What I mean is I have seen him be a trickster or representing one in peoples readings.

I suppose it depends on whether we see a dictator being oppressive or not as well?

It's interesting that both my parents, sister and husband's Sould Cards is The Hierophant.

I will get to the bottom of this.

Maybe a meditation is in order....

Ros I love your theories. They are good and something I have never seen with the Hierophant...he is however a card I do struggle with and I do agree with you there TA.

My issue is that I think of the Emperor as the dictator sort but the hierophant I feel is a bit wishy washy...

but I really like the idea of him taking one to another level

thanks ros

When I think of dictator, I also think of the Emperor.

The Hierophant could be an oppressive force to you if you strongly resist the teachings of what the Hierophant represents and thus you might see it as a dictator. But I would think that would be more your reaction to the person rather than the person emanating those qualities. I see the Hierophant as strongly believing what they represent or teach but not really forcing others to also believe it (as a dictator might).

Not having studied symbolism.....There are 2 keys below him in the middle crossed.

Looking at it makes me think he holds the key(s) to your life,future,direction.etc..in his possession.......looking at it again and again feel more and more like it's-I have power/control/will over you/your thoughts.
Don't care much for this card but it does (briefly,lol) have a calming to it...

http://www.learntarot.com/bigjpgs/maj05.jpg

getting an education
pursuing knowledge
becoming informed
increasing understanding
studying and learning
seeking a deeper meaning
finding out more

having a belief system
sharing a cultural heritage
learning a religious tradition
honoring ritual and ceremony
identifying a world view
following a discipline
knowing where to put your faith

conforming
following the rules
taking an orthodox approach
staying within conventional bounds
adapting to the system
fitting in
going along with the program
doing what's expected
being part of the Establishment

identifying with a group
being committed to a cause
devoting energy to a group
joining an organization
working as part of a team
feeling loyal to others
being in an institutionalized setting

Free Flight: Yes, in RWS it does seem The Emporer is more of a dictator than The Hierophant or is he? Is that just to obvious (still musing).

http://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/tob/tob17.htm

The Marseilles Emporer faces to the side and looks more relaxed and not so dictator-ish as The Hierophant.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/tob/tob18.htm

http://tarotjourney.net/tarot-cards/major-arcana/5-the-hierophant/

If we compare the above two links images, it appears that the RWS Hierophant is sitting much higher than the two baldies. Almost looking more superior, dare I say?

There is something definately not trustworthy about him. Now I am thinking of a "guru" who abuses his power for his own self (and ego).

Great thoughts everyone, keep 'em coming