Imagery: A spiritual leader sits between pillars, offering blessings to two followers.
General Themes: Tradition, spiritual guidance, institutions, belief systems, learning from established wisdom.
The Hierophant Upright
I’ll admit, this is a tough card for me. If the Queen of Wands is an infinity card, or one that speaks deeply to me, the Hierophant is her opposite, as the card I have the least in common with and the one I have only ever drawn a handful of times in all the years I’ve been studying tarot. I think it’s because he represents a more traditional religious figure, and I can’t really do religion without bursting into flames (see also: that witch life). Still, this card has taught me just as much as the Queen of Wands, in its own way.
The Hierophant has made me redefine what is sacred to me, and that’s exactly what it is inviting you to do, too. Reclaim your natural divinity. You don’t need an external belief system or structure to know that you are sacred. Spiritual wisdom is found within.
The Hierophant Reversed
Much like its upright form, the Hierophant reversed invites you to remember that you are sacred. It can come when you are feeling less-than or are experiencing pressure from external forces to make your spirit small or otherwise shrink your soul to make others comfortable.
Reclaim your spiritual autonomy. You don’t need to shrink yourself in order to be part of things. In fact, the natural world, the universe both want you to be bold and vibrant and expansive—and if you are true to your inherent vitality, you will eventually meet like-minded souls.
So rebel against the status quo. There’s nothing for you there.
The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.
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