The Heirophant
This card has a lot of symbolism happening, and if one were not really looking deeply at the card little cues to the depth of this card could easily be overlooked. The main figure in this card is draped in what could easily be described as a luxurious heavy red cloak. The white trim, which would have been white fur at this time, also shows that this particular outfit is one of power, prestige, and wealth. Looking at the cloak one would notice that the white trim is "dotted" with crosses, this outfit can also be seen on the early Pope's of the Roman Catholic Church. This attire was very traditional, thus telling us that the power and prestige here is of a traditional structured nature.
Continuing with the theme of tradition and order, although at first glance it may not appear as such, are two bald monks bowing at the feet of the main figure. In this time, monks would shave their heads like this as a sign of humility. The bowing monks are very symbolic of one humbling themselves before the tradition of religious and spiritual order of things. Imagine if you will almost embracing and embodying the ideas of status quo.
At the feet of the main figure two keys can be seen overlapping. Remembering and understanding that Tarot was artistically designed by monks themselves, one looking at the meaning would recognize these keys to be symbolic of St. Peters keys, keys that grant one access to heaven itself. To have these keys St. Peter is not only humbling himself before god, but also his religion and faith; again reaffirming the ideas the monks symbolism.
The crown upon the main figures head is truly a beautiful and powerful symbolism of Christ as a man. Notice that the crown is not one layer of jewels, but three. Three being Christ's number and also very symbolic of the idea that Christ is father of kings.
Finally we have the two solid pillars in the background. The pillars placed in the background was not accidental at all, but purposefully done as these pillars represent Law and Liberty. At the time that these cards were artistically made, faith and religion presided over all, and so Law and Liberty would have bowed down to God in much the same manner of humility. Today's Law is a bit different than the Law of years past, but the idea is the same - heavy is the head that wears the crown and passes judgement.
The Hierophant, whose path represents the sacred rules and vows of society and tradition, is the spiritual teacher, shaman or medicine man who will help you through the most challenging times of your life; similar to what the Pope stands for in the Roman Catholic church. The Hierophant as Chiron*, the wounded healer, represents the area of life where you feel different, isolated, and unable to heal yourself because of a difficult experience. However, this difficult experience might become a beneficial gift, one that may help you heal others? The Hierophant is a healer of sorts, and represents the Shaman whose purpose is helping you to find the healing that you need during the most trying and challenging times of your life. This healer may be a counselor or another person similarly trained to help others.
If the Hierophant comes out as the first card of your reading, you might be in a hurry to get sound advice from a reliable person you can trust, or you might feel an inner calling to help someone. If the Hierophant comes out as the outcome card, in the positive position, you may meet a spiritual teacher, shaman, mentor, or counselor who will help you, or you may be asked to teach and help others. You might hear that "inner call from above" guiding and directing you to your true life's path. Your work will bring you abundance, growth and opportunity.
This card represents the vows that you take throughout your life, the connection to society, marriage, religion, work, and anything involving large groups. The Hierophant represents the rules of these organizations and is a teacher who enters your life to help you connect with your higher spiritual side. Every group has rules, and if you follow their rules as a member of the group, they will accept you. If you flout the group's rules, they will demand that you beg mercy for your transgression, and will shun you if you do not comply. (Almost the way some religions sects may feel at times) If you reject the rules of society and establish a personal code of conduct, your peers will brand you a rebel. Regardless, God gives you the choice to live as you see fit, and it cannot be denied that everyone who walks the Earth has been or will be a rebel at some point in their lives. (this is basically the ideas of free-will) This could be the time when you hear the inner call from above to work in a career to help others, or to work in a career of spirituality.
The Heirophant - Reversed
You are rebellious, inflexible, a rule-breaker, have fixed beliefs and you are shunned by society, and restricted because you want to live by your personal code and not the code of others. The groups you belong to are not flexible, and they require extreme conformance to all of their rules. Disagree, and you will be shunned and removed from that group.
Note: There are hidden prophecies related to Tarot cards that are enumerated five. These cards represent the time of an unknown, unexpected change being revealed; in truth its more prophetic in nature than on a timeline. The universe will redirect your path and change the direction you are headed, a sometimes painful experience. The Hierophant holds the keys to secret knowledge and the hidden prophecy.
The Story of Chiron, The Greek Hierophant
In Greek Mythology, you meet Chiron, the wounded healer. Saturn (immortal god) fell in love with a sea-nymph named Philyra (mortal woman). They had an affair and since Saturn was married, Philyra and Saturn turned themselves into horses to be incognito. Philyra became pregnant and delivered a bastard child named Chiron. She was so ashamed of Chiron because he was born a centaur (half horse-half man, half mortal-half immortal) that she abandoned him. Chiron grew up alone, in isolation.
Chiron did not become a savage as did most centaurs since Apollo (sun god) and Artemis (goddess of the moon) adopted and educated him, allowing him to reach his highest potential. He was smart, compassionate, and became a talented musician, healing physician, priest, archer, and tutored foster children. He was made king of the centaurs because of his great wisdom. Although he was a great healer, when Chiron was struck with a poison arrow he was unable to heal himself. Because he was half immortal he did not die, but his mortal side felt the pain of his wound. He made a deal with Zeus, planned his death, and Zeus made Chiron part of the constellation of Sagittarius.