Symbolic Representation

A holy priest is seated on his royal chair, enthroned between twin pillars. He carries in his one hand, a staff and the other hand is raised in blessing. Kneeling in front of him are two attendants.

Tarot Story

Having created a firm base to build his future on, a frightful thought suddenly strikes The Fool. He fears that everything which he has been working on, if is taken away from him, then what will he do? What if all that he has built gets stolen, vanishes or is damaged?

Frightened and worried, he comes to halt at a holy place where he finds the Hierophant. He is a wise tutor and saintly man.

The Fool vents out all his fears in front of the Hierophant, just to get some guidance on how to get free of them.

The Hierophant tells him wisely that he only has two ways. Either he can give up all that he fears to lose and get free of the burden, or think about he will he conquer, if his fears come to pass. Says the Hierophant, "After all, if you did lose all you'd built, you would still keep the skill and experience that you've gained up to this point."

This practical guidance frees the Fool from his fright and he is now prepared to move out of the refuge and build what he has planned, while facing all the challenges of the world.

Tarot Connotation

Associated with the zodiac sign Taurus, the bull, the Hierophant's intention is to bring the divine down to Earth as the Hierophant deals with earthly problems. As a true Taurean, he makes every effort to build harmony in the middle of a predicament.

When the Hierophant appears personified, at his best, he is generally a priest with progressive ideas, or someone who was constantly fun to be with or down to Earth offering rational advice. He is sensible and gentle.