V. The Hierophant

[sweeneyish]

V. The Hierophant

 

 

One of my least favourite cards in the Tarot in general, and one I've happily replaced with Bacchus in the Trionfi della Luna. The Deviant Moon's portrayal is not so flattering, so I have a feeling Mr. Valenza may not like him so much either. The Hierophant sits gingerly on a very narrow pedestal, his knees locked together as if repressing his urges (or maybe he just has to pee). He holds his fingerless hands up in supplication and grimaces in discomfort and fear. His wings are hardened and useless, much like those of the High Priestess. In general, the image evokes impotence and fear. He wears sparse red robes, lined with gold, and a doll hangs out of his pocket. 

 

Much of the following is adapted from Mr. Valenza's description of the Hierophant from the big Deviant Moon book. The Hierophant is afraid to question his own faith, and his originally spiritual journey has turned into one of disillusionment and fear. He projects his fears on to the inhabitants of the city, holding their minds captive with his sermons of shame and guilt. The doll in his pocket represents the mindless masses, held under his thrall. 

 

To me, he represents the tradition and hierarchy of religion, especially one that has gone off course, rather than the spiritual essence of whatever path he and the inhabitants follow. His heart is hollow and he is totally enslaved by his worldly fears and desires. 

 

Keywords: Hierarchy, suppression, power, tradition, conservatism, control, religion, impotence 

 

Some questions for your consideration: 

 

1. What is the relationship between the High Priestess and the Hierophant? How do they represent their religion in different ways? 

 

2. What kind of religion does the Hierophant (and perhaps by extension, the official religion of the Deviant Moon region) practice? There aren't many clues in the cards, so we can probably imagine pretty widely here. 

 

3. Putting aside the official description, what does the doll in the pocket represent to you? 

 

4. How do the Emperor and the Hierophant share power? How are their priorities different? 

 

[Flaxen]

You’re right that Valenza seems to see this as a negative card based on the description in his book. I don’t have such a negative view of the card so it’s a little difficult for me to respond to. I’ve always seen the Hierophant as a keeper of tradition - this can be a positive role as well as a negative one. He is like a spiritual version of the Emperor in that rules, order and a hierarchy are important to his faith. This sense of tradition, familiar rules/order help to build the community of spiritual believers. They can recognise each other and speak a common language. This can then be used to include or exclude. 
 

1.What is the relationship between the High Priestess and the Hierophant? How do they represent their religion in different ways? 
I think the High Priestess is more guarded. The secrets she holds she reserves for special initiates - those already some way on the path. Her faith is also informed by direct revelation while his is more blind faith in the teachings given to him. In this deck, there is a hesitancy to him…like he is worried he may have chosen incorrectly - because he has relied on others rather than his own spiritual experiences.

 

2. What kind of religion does the Hierophant (and perhaps by extension, the official religion of the Deviant Moon region) practice? There aren't many clues in the cards, so we can probably imagine pretty widely here. 

This is such an interesting question! I think the inhabitants probably have a range of spiritual practices. His religion is one tied to the Emperor in that it is a way of controlling the populace and making them part of the Empire. It is political as much as it is religious. I can see him as having the same sort of function as existed in Rome at certain points - other gods/beliefs could be tolerated as long as ‘Jupiter Optimus Maximus’ was officially acknowledged. The clash will come when others do not give credence to the chief God/s of the Empire and threaten that system of control. 

 

3. Putting aside the official description, what does the doll in the pocket represent to you? 
Before reading your description from the book (I don’t have it myself), I always saw the doll as that small voice of Spirit within. The one that tries to reach us with spiritual truths but which we struggle to hear through all the dogma. 

 

4. How do the Emperor and the Hierophant share power? How are their priorities different? 
I’ve alluded to this already but I see them as two sides of the same coin. The Emperor wants to keep order and control in his Empire. One way to do that is to have an official faith - this gives the subjects a feeling of belonging and community which a collection of city states or diverse territories may not otherwise have. I think they will likely work quite closely together although the Emperor may be making a more cynical power play - he’s focussed on what will bring some stability and may not have an actual deep faith himself. It is politically expedient to encourage the populace to follow the prescribed faith as much as possible. 
 

[DanielJUK]

I wanted to add (hope it's okay) that I have noticed over the years that many people are really turned off by this card generally, maybe more than any other. If you take the old name of it representing The Pope, it does divide opinion. In discussions people always say they have trouble relating to it. I guess that Valenza has that view and it's quite a triggering card if you have had a negative experience in the past of organised religion. Personally I don't really link it in such a way in my head and don't see it in such a negative way. I think personally it challenges people about their religious experiences past and present and hierarchy, but it's interesting as this card reflects what I have seen in general opinions about the card

[AnomalyTempest]

1. What is the relationship between the High Priestess and the Hierophant? How do they represent their religion in different ways? 

  

   I think of the Heirophant as organized religion and the High Priestess as more of a Personal Spiritual Path. The Heirophant is also like a gateway drug. Most people are fine with organized religion. It fits neatly into their wold views and doesn't inconvenience them too much. The heavy lifting is done for them and they can just show up. I feel I'm struggling a little to find words that describe this well without sounding like there is something wrong with that path. It's just some people aren't that spiritual and that's fine.

The High Priestess is there waiting for the ones who want to dive in the deep end.  They are usually led to her by the Heirophant whether in getting more deeply involved in traditional spiritual studies or driven away by him to more solitary practices.  In the same way there are many who think they want what she has to offer but once up on high dive they realize maybe they like trust that Heirophant guy more. They both serve the same higher purpose but in slightly differing and yet the same roles.

 

2. What kind of religion does the Hierophant (and perhaps by extension, the official religion of the Deviant Moon region) practice? There aren't many clues in the cards, so we can probably imagine pretty widely here. 

   

    Ok let's let our imaginations run a little wild here.  This is the beginning of civilization. The inhabitants of this world are aren't quite tamed like we are today. They remember true freedom and are well acquainted with the risks. They have been in the wilds and they are freely choosing to show up in society because they recognize the benefits it brings. Some might still kind of resent the restrictions of the walls but they are still grudgingly accepting the safety offered. Instead of their wild Gods they worshiped under the Empress they are learning about the god Civilization. He is ordered, good, everything the Emperor wants his subjects to see him as. (Hrm, that fits into the final question as well.) I"m gonna stop here. I could keep going but I feel kinda rambly at this point

    Is it just me or does it seem like even in our history the oldest deities were female and the male gods took power with civilazition? Now I need to do research. This is why my books get derailed all the time. 😛

 

3. Putting aside the official description, what does the doll in the pocket represent to you? 

 

    I can't really put aside the official description because I saw it as keeping people in his pocket so I guess I picked up on Valencia's intentions. We often, even unknowingly, shove peoples dreams and potential into our pockets by being too vocal with what we hope for them.

 

4. How do the Emperor and the Hierophant share power? How are their priorities different? 

 

    This right here plays way into my initial feeling about this card. I grew up in a very authoritarian household that was also religious and I just see these too as backing each other up no matter how toxic the relationship. The RWS Heirophant especially because I think of Crusades and witch trials and it's all fear. I did not at all see that card a spiritual guide. Even now, years after being exposed to that aspect I struggle with both of these cards. I see them using each other to maintain their own power but also ready to throw each other under the bus. It's like they each fear their power could be taken away simultaneously. So they need each other but prioritize themselves. 

 

 

Now I was just beginning to see the Emperor as a not so bad guy. Same with the Heirophant at first but putting them together just did something. 🤣

 

[sweeneyish]

This is such a great discussion, everyone. Amazing insights all around. 

 

18 hours ago, Flaxen said:

 

You’re right that Valenza seems to see this as a negative card based on the description in his book. I don’t have such a negative view of the card so it’s a little difficult for me to respond to. I’ve always seen the Hierophant as a keeper of tradition - this can be a positive role as well as a negative one. He is like a spiritual version of the Emperor in that rules, order and a hierarchy are important to his faith. This sense of tradition, familiar rules/order help to build the community of spiritual believers. They can recognise each other and speak a common language. This can then be used to include or exclude. 
 

1.What is the relationship between the High Priestess and the Hierophant? How do they represent their religion in different ways? 
I think the High Priestess is more guarded. The secrets she holds she reserves for special initiates - those already some way on the path. Her faith is also informed by direct revelation while his is more blind faith in the teachings given to him. In this deck, there is a hesitancy to him…like he is worried he may have chosen incorrectly - because he has relied on others rather than his own spiritual experiences.

 

2. What kind of religion does the Hierophant (and perhaps by extension, the official religion of the Deviant Moon region) practice? There aren't many clues in the cards, so we can probably imagine pretty widely here. 

This is such an interesting question! I think the inhabitants probably have a range of spiritual practices. His religion is one tied to the Emperor in that it is a way of controlling the populace and making them part of the Empire. It is political as much as it is religious. I can see him as having the same sort of function as existed in Rome at certain points - other gods/beliefs could be tolerated as long as ‘Jupiter Optimus Maximus’ was officially acknowledged. The clash will come when others do not give credence to the chief God/s of the Empire and threaten that system of control. 

 

3. Putting aside the official description, what does the doll in the pocket represent to you? 
Before reading your description from the book (I don’t have it myself), I always saw the doll as that small voice of Spirit within. The one that tries to reach us with spiritual truths but which we struggle to hear through all the dogma. 

 

4. How do the Emperor and the Hierophant share power? How are their priorities different? 
I’ve alluded to this already but I see them as two sides of the same coin. The Emperor wants to keep order and control in his Empire. One way to do that is to have an official faith - this gives the subjects a feeling of belonging and community which a collection of city states or diverse territories may not otherwise have. I think they will likely work quite closely together although the Emperor may be making a more cynical power play - he’s focussed on what will bring some stability and may not have an actual deep faith himself. It is politically expedient to encourage the populace to follow the prescribed faith as much as possible. 
 

 

As always, you’ve brought so many more angles for me to think about this card. I really like your take on the doll - so much more positive and really interesting. 

 

I like your comparison of the High Priestess and the Hierophant. This goes along the lines I was thinking, especially in other decks - the High Priestess represents esoteric practice and knowledge, while the Hierophant represents the more exoteric practices. Inner and outer. We certainly see this in Tibetan Buddhism, where there are outer rituals and more inner, secret practices. 

17 hours ago, DanielJUK said:

I wanted to add (hope it's okay) that I have noticed over the years that many people are really turned off by this card generally, maybe more than any other. If you take the old name of it representing The Pope, it does divide opinion. In discussions people always say they have trouble relating to it. I guess that Valenza has that view and it's quite a triggering card if you have had a negative experience in the past of organised religion. Personally I don't really link it in such a way in my head and don't see it in such a negative way. I think personally it challenges people about their religious experiences past and present and hierarchy, but it's interesting as this card reflects what I have seen in general opinions about the card

 

Of course, you are welcome and your contribution is much appreciated! I totally agree with your view here. I think he has really brought that aspect of the Hierophant/Pope that many people find distasteful to the light. When I see the RWS Hierophant, I do feel this way - the coldness, the hierarchy, a lack of heart - that’s what I feel when I look at that card. On the other hand, a lot of modern decks show him as more of a guru - the connection between us and the spiritual realm, the door opener - That I can certainly relate to.

 

My sense with the Deviant Moon is that the overall theme is one of self-empowerment,

imagination, intuition, and the complete acceptance of all aspects of ourselves

- both shadow and light. With that in mind, I think characters like the Hierophant, who to Dan’s point seems heavily rooted in the traditional Pope, are kind of the villains of the deck. To me, he represents repression of the shadows, dogma and tradition over intuition, and blind faith instead of self-empowerment. But at the same time, I think he does have the potential to reconnect with his true self - As do all the inhabitants. 

 

14 hours ago, AnomalyTempest said:

1. What is the relationship between the High Priestess and the Hierophant? How do they represent their religion in different ways? 

  

   I think of the Heirophant as organized religion and the High Priestess as more of a Personal Spiritual Path. The Heirophant is also like a gateway drug. Most people are fine with organized religion. It fits neatly into their wold views and doesn't inconvenience them too much. The heavy lifting is done for them and they can just show up. I feel I'm struggling a little to find words that describe this well without sounding like there is something wrong with that path. It's just some people aren't that spiritual and that's fine.

The High Priestess is there waiting for the ones who want to dive in the deep end.  They are usually led to her by the Heirophant whether in getting more deeply involved in traditional spiritual studies or driven away by him to more solitary practices.  In the same way there are many who think they want what she has to offer but once up on high dive they realize maybe they like trust that Heirophant guy more. They both serve the same higher purpose but in slightly differing and yet the same roles.

 

2. What kind of religion does the Hierophant (and perhaps by extension, the official religion of the Deviant Moon region) practice? There aren't many clues in the cards, so we can probably imagine pretty widely here. 

   

    Ok let's let our imaginations run a little wild here.  This is the beginning of civilization. The inhabitants of this world are aren't quite tamed like we are today. They remember true freedom and are well acquainted with the risks. They have been in the wilds and they are freely choosing to show up in society because they recognize the benefits it brings. Some might still kind of resent the restrictions of the walls but they are still grudgingly accepting the safety offered. Instead of their wild Gods they worshiped under the Empress they are learning about the god Civilization. He is ordered, good, everything the Emperor wants his subjects to see him as. (Hrm, that fits into the final question as well.) I"m gonna stop here. I could keep going but I feel kinda rambly at this point

    Is it just me or does it seem like even in our history the oldest deities were female and the male gods took power with civilazition? Now I need to do research. This is why my books get derailed all the time. 😛

 

3. Putting aside the official description, what does the doll in the pocket represent to you? 

 

    I can't really put aside the official description because I saw it as keeping people in his pocket so I guess I picked up on Valencia's intentions. We often, even unknowingly, shove peoples dreams and potential into our pockets by being too vocal with what we hope for them.

 

4. How do the Emperor and the Hierophant share power? How are their priorities different? 

 

    This right here plays way into my initial feeling about this card. I grew up in a very authoritarian household that was also religious and I just see these too as backing each other up no matter how toxic the relationship. The RWS Heirophant especially because I think of Crusades and witch trials and it's all fear. I did not at all see that card a spiritual guide. Even now, years after being exposed to that aspect I struggle with both of these cards. I see them using each other to maintain their own power but also ready to throw each other under the bus. It's like they each fear their power could be taken away simultaneously. So they need each other but prioritize themselves. 

 

 

Now I was just beginning to see the Emperor as a not so bad guy. Same with the Heirophant at first but putting them together just did something. 🤣

 

 

I definitely resonate with your views here. I really like where you’re going with the civilized gods versus the wild ones. Also, I keep thinking how the Empress actually feels more connected to her spirituality than either the High Priestess or the Hierophant. This is my own bias, but she is wild, untamed, and natural, which seems closer to what her (our) true nature, whereas the Priestess and Hierophant are literally and spiritually heavily clothed. 

 

 

[sweeneyish]

Also, inspired by @Flaxen’s more positive take on the character, I did a little imagination exercise to break some of my preconceptions of the character. Maybe the intensity on his face is actually the force of the spiritual energy he is channeling. Perhaps the squeezed knees are an esoteric yogic pose, to help strengthen his energy. Maybe the doll is a kind of totem or relic he carries around with him. Now I’m picturing him walking around the streets of the city, muttering in an ancient language to his doll, occasionally holding it to the sky and shrieking out profound mantras. How fun! 

[Flaxen]

1 hour ago, sweeneyish said:

Also, inspired by @Flaxen’s more positive take on the character, I did a little imagination exercise to break some of my preconceptions of the character. Maybe the intensity on his face is actually the force of the spiritual energy he is channeling. Perhaps the squeezed knees are an esoteric yogic pose, to help strengthen his energy. Maybe the doll is a kind of totem or relic he carries around with him. Now I’m picturing him walking around the streets of the city, muttering in an ancient language to his doll, occasionally holding it to the sky and shrieking out profound mantras. How fun! 

I love this! I can really picture it. 
 

I agree that the Empress also seems to have more of a wild, natural spirituality compared to the HP and Hierophant. She feels more authentic in a way - free from the rules and dogma. I do wonder quite how much our responses to these cards are influenced by our own cultures. There has been a move away from those more rigid, traditional expressions of spirituality in many western countries and I think that being ‘free’ and our ‘true selves’ has become an important belief - it’s expressed in both secular and religious ways. I think there is a tendency now to push against anything which limits that freedom and that’s why these more rigid cards are unpopular. 

[sweeneyish]

Thanks again everyone for another fruitful discussion. This deck is just getting richer and richer for me thanks to all of this.

 

Here is our Hierophant spread, again inspired from Mr. Valenza's card meanings in the big book. 

 

[AnomalyTempest]

Have I mentioned how much I am enjoying these spreads? 😄 As usual you will be seeing the finished spread all at once while I turned the cards one at a time.

 

 

Significator: Heirophant As I began typing this I had wonder about who the Heirophant was signifying. I thought it was himself. Me asking him the questions but something about calling him a significator made me wonder what or who he was signifying.

 

1. What thoughts are limiting my freedom and happiness?

    Eight of Cups

    Here's that Eight of Cups from the High Priestess spread. This woman is turning away from her jumbled stack of cups and seems to be moving towards the Heirophant. Some of the cups are upside down. This is something I did not notice last time she showed up. She's maybe been trying to collect her hodge-podge of stuff/beliefs/emotions but maybe it's too much and she needs a guide. The Heirophant seems to be pleading with her to choose him.  I also notice that she built her little stack in a graveyard. She's surrounded by dead things. It's not working. I'm also noticing the moon on her dress for the first time. Is she rejecting the High Priestess? Is she an acolyte?

 

2. How can I challenge them and break through?

    Ace of Swords

    Another card from the High Priestess spread. MESSAGE! I obviously have some thinking to do. I need to get my thoughts straight. Perhaps take that sword to the stack of cups. maybe look at these spreads together or do a combined reading with the Heirophant and High Priestess.

 

3. What unique customs and practices can I create?

    4 of Swords

    Something relaxing and meditative. Being at ease with my own practices. She is resting above the Heirophant. Perhaps something that emphasizes being over doing.

 

It's curious that two of the cards are from the High Priestess but whereas she had her arms crossed in a way that says keep away, the Heirophant seems to be begging us to join him.  A more difficult solitary path versus a communal one? As always, there is a lot of food for thought in this for me.

 

 

[Flaxen]

Love your reading @AnomalyTempest - the arm positions in each card are so interesting! All different and add a layer of nuance. There is a whole layer there just in the body language.

 

I’m also going to have a go at the spreads in the next few days (this one and the previous ones). 

[sweeneyish]

3 hours ago, AnomalyTempest said:

Have I mentioned how much I am enjoying these spreads? 😄 As usual you will be seeing the finished spread all at once while I turned the cards one at a time.

 

 

Significator: Heirophant As I began typing this I had wonder about who the Heirophant was signifying. I thought it was himself. Me asking him the questions but something about calling him a significator made me wonder what or who he was signifying.

 

1. What thoughts are limiting my freedom and happiness?

    Eight of Cups

    Here's that Eight of Cups from the High Priestess spread. This woman is turning away from her jumbled stack of cups and seems to be moving towards the Heirophant. Some of the cups are upside down. This is something I did not notice last time she showed up. She's maybe been trying to collect her hodge-podge of stuff/beliefs/emotions but maybe it's too much and she needs a guide. The Heirophant seems to be pleading with her to choose him.  I also notice that she built her little stack in a graveyard. She's surrounded by dead things. It's not working. I'm also noticing the moon on her dress for the first time. Is she rejecting the High Priestess? Is she an acolyte?

 

2. How can I challenge them and break through?

    Ace of Swords

    Another card from the High Priestess spread. MESSAGE! I obviously have some thinking to do. I need to get my thoughts straight. Perhaps take that sword to the stack of cups. maybe look at these spreads together or do a combined reading with the Heirophant and High Priestess.

 

3. What unique customs and practices can I create?

    4 of Swords

    Something relaxing and meditative. Being at ease with my own practices. She is resting above the Heirophant. Perhaps something that emphasizes being over doing.

 

It's curious that two of the cards are from the High Priestess but whereas she had her arms crossed in a way that says keep away, the Heirophant seems to be begging us to join him.  A more difficult solitary path versus a communal one? As always, there is a lot of food for thought in this for me.

 

 

 

This is such a cool reading. So many interesting things happening. And especially interesting you drew two of the cards before, on the High Priestess! So cool. Some cool things I noticed visually - The lady on the VIII of Cups looks a lot like the girl in the ground - similar hair, moon is on the same side of the fact, etc. Also, interesting that the VIII of Cups is in a graveyard, and the IV of Swords has buried herself under the ground. Such a fun reading. 

 

Great note about the arm positions, @Flaxen! Yet another detail I'm going to start watching for in the deck. There's like a whole universe in this deck!