V Hierophant

V Hierophant

Except in rare cases, every human grows and develops within a culture. We learn by living with others. The Hierophant represents such official learning, especially in groups. A Hierophant is someone who interprets secret knowledge. On Card 5 we see a religious figure in a formal church setting. He is wearing the elaborate vestments of his office. His task is to bring the two initiates into the church so they can take up their appointed roles. 

Besides churches, there are schools, clubs, teams, companies, and societies. The Hierophant represents all of these because his realm is structured groups with rules and assigned roles. Such environments emphasize belief systems - facts, rules, procedures, and ritual. Members are rewarded for following conventions. They develop a group identity. The Hierophant is one of three cards that focuses on the group. (The 3 of Cups and the 3 of Pentacles are the others.

In readings, the Hierophant often represents learning with experts or knowledgeable teachers. This card also stands for institutions and their values. The Hierophant is a symbol of the need to conform to rules or fixed situations. His appearance in a reading can show that you are struggling with a force that is not innovative, free-spirited or individual. Groups can be enriching or stifling, depending on circumstances. Sometimes we need to follow a program or embrace tradition, other times, we need to trust ourselves. 

A link forged with higher perceptions. Potential knowledge. An external guide or helper. Help through inspiration.

Seek the guidance of another (a professional) who is more experienced in the situation.

Power behind the scenes.

Teachers or teachings entering one's life.

Formal education or belief systems, societal norms, traditions.

Triumph in legal matters.

Keywords: Adapting to the system, Belief systems, Committed to a cause, Conforming to rules or fixed situations, Conventional boundaries, Devoting energy to a group, Doing what's expected, Education, Embracing tradition, Finding out more, Fitting in, Following a discipline, Following convention, Following the rules, Getting an education, Going along with the program, Group identification, Increasing understanding, Informed, Institutionalized setting, Interpreting secret knowledge, Joining an organization, Knowing where to put your faith, Lack of free spiritedness, Lack of individuality, Lack of innovation, Learning a religious tradition, Legal matters, Loyalty to others, Official forms of learning, Part of the "Establishment", Pursuit of knowledge, Ritual & ceremony, Rules & regulations, Seeking a deeper meaning, Self trust, Sharing a cultural heritage, Stifled, Structured groups, Struggling with a stifling situation, Study & learning, Taking an orthodox approach, Teamwork, World view

Negative Dignities:
Fool - being "crazy" and unorthodox
Lovers - personal beliefs
Two of Wands - diverging from the crowd, being a pioneer
Seven of Swords - being a lone wolf

Positive Dignities:
Emperor - following rules
Three of Cups - focusing on the group
Three of Pentacles - working in a team or group
Eight of Pentacles - learning, studying
Ten of Pentacles - conforming, following rules, conservative