Known also as the Magus of the Eternal and ruled by Taurus, the Hierophant is aligned with
the number 5 and as such, represents instability and the rising of power over a previously stable situation. The Hierophant is called The Pope in some decks - he represents a bridge of power between the earthly and the divine, and so represents a pinnacle of authority. On a mundane level, this refers to tension between the needs of the flesh and the needs of the spirit. This card is one of many of the Major Arcana that is portrayed with two pillars - these always represent a gateway and a passage from one state to another, often its opposite. In the card od The Hierophant it can represent a gateway from being the student or novice to the professional or adept. It can refer to an institution and the authority bestowed by that institution. It can also refer to the blessing and attention of a mentor who prepares you for the next stage or maturity and integration into society. Such a person will come into your life for a short period of time but will have a profound effect on your entire future - it is like having a penny drop in your mind that sets you on the path of stability and responsibility. This is normally a very conventional card, and so the instability referred to above is representing resistance and even rebellion to societal structures - government, church, educational institutions for example. It requires some surrender to the structures in life that provide support and stability. A great time for spiritual development and a journey towards understanding yourself at the deepest levels. Image "The Hierophant" Cathy McClelland
