The Mystique Tarot  by Moon Masque
"To be successful, we absolutely, positively have to find people who have already paid the price to learn things that we need to learn to achieve our goals." ~Albert Schweitzer




THE HIEROPHANT



Conformity

Erudition

Belief Systems

Group Identification

Spiritual Authority

Behind the Lens
There's the church...
There's the steeple...
Open the doors...
And there's the people!

Does  anyone  else  remember  this childhood rhyme and its accompanying hand gestures? Or did I just date myself? (lol!)

The Card's Meaning
The  Hierophant (also  known as  the Pope or High Priest)  is  the  ruling  power  of  external religion and  higher learning. On a positive front, he can be depicted as the wise mentor who is  concerned with  spirituality, organized belief systems, education, and group identification. He  can  remind  us  what  it  means  to  be a good and beloved teacher or spiritual authority.

In  readings,  the  Hierophant  can  represent learning or teaching in official groups, such as churches, schools, clubs, teams, companies, and societies with structured laws  and  assigned roles. Emphasis  on beliefs, procedures, and  rituals in groups  can create a sense of cohesive group identity. This type of environment requires  conformity  to  rules  or  fixed  situations, which  can  provide  a  sense  of  security  or  oppression, depending upon the circumstances.

This  card  can  also  stand for opportunities to obtain valuable knowledge through experts or informed teachers -- those  who offer good,  practical advise or information of useful import- ance.  He  can also represent a spiritual guide or religious teacher bringing divine answers to Earth.

On the negative side, the  Hierophant can symbolize society / government / religious oppres- sion.    He  can   point   toward   a   struggle   with   forces   that   are   not  innovative,  free-spirited,  or   individual.   Sometimes  following  a  program  or  embracing  a  tradition   can enrich   our  lives;   other  times  we   need  to   follow  the    beat   of   our   own   drummer.
Home   The Fool   The Magician   The High Priestess   The Empress   The Emperor   The Hierophant  
The Lovers   The Chariot   Strength   The Hermit   The Wheel of Fortune   Justice   The Hanged Man   Death  
Temperance   The Devil   The Tower   The Star   The Moon   The Sun   Judgment   The World

Other Moon Masque Websites:

The Meaning Behind The Masque
Mystique Readings By Moon Masque
Simple Thoughts Of Complex Origin
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