The Hierophant is represented by the number 5 and is ruled by Taurus. In Numerology the number 5 is linked to our communicative skills and our ability to adapt and change.
The Hierophant is often depicted as a religious figure or wise teacher who is well educated in spiritual matters. He is traditional and very aware of his responsibility in presenting spiritual wisdom in an honest and accurate way.
The Hierophant wears a three-tiered crown – representing the five senses, the seven chakras and the three states of consciousness – the conscious, the sub-conscious and the super-conscious. The background behind him is grey and represents wisdom and perfect balance; grey is a mixture of black and white in equal measures. In his left hand he holds a triple cross. His right hand is raised in a blessing with two fingers pointing towards the sky and the other two pointing downwards representing the bridge between Heaven and Earth.
At the Hierophant’s feet there are crossed keys that symbolise the super-conscious and the sub-conscious – the keys to heaven and earth. In front of him are two kneeling priests, one wearing a robe adorned with roses (desire) and the other lilies (purified desire). The Hierophant is teaching them his wisdom and initiating them into the church.
In a Tarot reading The Hierophant is about listening to our inner teacher and intuition. The Hierophant can represent a wise teacher who is traditional and ethical. It can also suggest working within established social structures or adapting/conforming to an existing set of beliefs.
Keywords : spiritual wisdom, tradition, adaptability, established beliefs
