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The Hierophant

The Translator, Philosopher and Guide

The Hierophant from the Rider Waite Tarot Deck


The fifth card in the major arcana, the Hierophant or Pope represents the Pope who is our guide to the mysteries of life. The Hierophant leads us beyond the stable number four arcanum or mystery that is stable and balanced. In the fourth Arcanum we met the Emperor where there is order and stability. Now the Hierophant takes us beyond that to the fifth arcanum where a powerful element is now present - the divine. The Hierophant helps us become acquainted with that mysterious element. The Hierophant is influential but not in the "material world" sense but in the spiritual word. He communicates his knowledge, wisdom, values and traditions of old and well established churches/religions/ministry.



Le Pape from the Jean Noblet Marseille Tarot

Other names used for this card:

The High Priest from the Spanish Tarot

  • High Priest

  • Hierophant

  • The Pope

  • Le Pape

  • Il Papa