V. The Hierophant
Correspondences
Taurus
Keywords
The principle of teaching and learning, the pontifex (bridge-builder) between the human and the divine, culture, belief systems, instruction, revelation, a sudden spiritual insight, knowledge beyond science and rational explanation, listening to one’s conscience
Meaning
The Hierophant card represents the belief of the group rather than personal beliefs, and it stands for the socialization of an individual into a group. Therefore the Hierophant is often the figure of a teacher or a mentor, who helps the individual fit into the group or into society, by teaching them skills and knowledge, but also appropriate behaviors, norms and ethics. When you draw it, it may mean that you have to examine your beliefs with respect to what others around you believe, that perhaps you should seek the guidance of a teacher or that you may be called on to mentor and help others.
Exploring the Card
The composition is actually fairly close to the traditional image of the hierophant, who is generally depicted as an older man (often in priest-like garments, because in very old decks he is actually the Pope) who is blessing or instructing smaller figures arranged in front of him. To use Dumbledore for this card was the obvious choice, because he is a guardian, guide and mentor to so many, he inspires loyalty and is a figure of respect, he leads at Hogwarts, where young witches and wizards first learn what it means to become a responsible and knowledgeable member of their society, and he truly represents all that is good and honorable in the wizarding world.
Bộ bài Harry Potter Tarot – Eleonore Pieper
