Hi'·er·o·phant ~ A person, especially a priest in ancient Greece, who interprets sacred mysteries or esoteric principles. Specifically, the chief priest of the Eleusinian mysteries.

• Number: V, 5
• Hebrew Letter: Vav
• Color: Red Orange
• Element: Earth
• Zodiac Sign: Taurus
• Time Frame: (April 20 - May 20)
• Chakra: Root
• Humor: Black Bile 
• Temperament: Melancholic 
• Sense: Smell

Keywords

Traditionalism, conservatism, orthodox, belonging, insight, advice, counsel, teaching in a socially accepted manner, and, when reversed, dictatorial, fanaticism, or choosing an untraditional philosophy

The Lesson of the Tarot Hierophant is Morality

The Fool now learns about hierarchy, traditional values, and moral requirements.

Personality (Strengths & Weaknesses)

The Melancholic temperament is associated with the Red Aura Color Personality.

The Tarot Hierophant Traditional Meanings

Concern over your own feelings about an issue is at the crux of the matter. It may be time to heed conventional wisdom, perhaps by seeking professional advice by speaking to your minister, priest, shaman, or medicine woman (whomever is first in command) whose objective focus may offer beneficial answers concerning moral dilemmas. Surely, someone who has this type of authority could provide a suggestion or, perhaps, intercede on your behalf since the circumstances you find yourself likely concern moral development, as well as required obedience.

Since tradition is likely expected in this situation, it may be best to retain a more serious attitude. The consequences of behaving in an unorthodox manner may be rather severe.  In other words, don't be a rebel, as to do so may mean to call off any support you have had thus far. Don't act too abrupt, or worse, fanatically, lest you ruin all chances of your belonging at all.

NOTE: The hierophant is often construed as someone in authority in the Catholic or Christian religion, which isn't necessarily true. While we may not all believe in the same things, our faith in what we believe, leads us all to the same place (back to whence we came, the divine, the creator).

The Tarot Hierophant Biblical Meanings

The Tarot Hierophant represents God's everlasting grace. Reminiscent of ancient bards, he is a teacher and story teller. The Hierophant prays to God for understanding and compassion when listening to others. He prays that he is not overly critical or fanatic. He prays that his actions reveal tolerance and reflect the love God has for all of his children. He does this while defending his beliefs and freeing himself from anything that turns him away from the will of God. However, he may struggle from time to time with pride, which is often related to his traditional (old-school) viewpoints. The danger is in using those traditions to manipulate others for the sake of power over the flock.

The Tarot Hierophant in Health Readings

The Hierophant corresponds with Taurus and governs the lower teeth, cheek, neck, ears, throat, vocal cords, and thyroid gland. weight gain may be an issue because of the love of food. Diet and lifestyle indulgences can create stomach aches and muscle ache or sprain. This is especially true for those born under the sign of Taurus. However, wrong food choices or leaky gut can cause nutritional deficiencies. Poor posture is a common issue, which causes neck and shoulder tension.

There's a need to listen to traditional advice (traditional doctor or therapist) where your health is concerned when this card appears. Still, when this card is reversed, it may benefit you to seek an alternative therapist (a naturopath, massage therapist, chiropractor, herbalist, Reiki healer). All too often, while offering others sound advice, the Hierophant fails to have emotional support or adequate medical advice.

The Hierophant suggests you can benefit from individual brisk walking and jogging and team wrestling, judo, and dancing. 

Tarot Meditation

Who can you consult for support and guidance in your community?

Food Remedies

The Hierophant doesn't do well with spicy or processed foods. Stale, rancid or astringent foods, soy, too many nuts (especially peanuts) and beans, nightshades, especially tomatoes, and eggplant, will bother the Melancholic temperament. The Melancholic fairs better with diets containing meat.

Melancholic (Red): See Raising Red & Melancholic Temperament Energy Levels

Choosing Herb & Essential Oil Remedies

Basil, benzoin, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, red clover, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, holy basil, lavender, lemon, myrrh, oak moss, orange, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rose hips, rose absolute, rosemary, rose otto, rosewood, sage, sandalwood, turmeric, vanilla, vetiver, and violet leaf

Stones & Crystals

Red garnet, red ruby, red jasper, red-brown tiger's eye, red coral, hematite, black onyx, obsidian, bloodstone, smokey quartz, jet, or a plain black pebble