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The Hierophant, Rider-Waite-Smith
Major arcana

The Hierophant

The Hierophant passes on a method and a shared frame. He recalls that knowledge received from elsewhere can improve a decision made alone.

Rider-Waite-Smith Earth/Taurus See in Tarot de Marseille →

What the card shows

The Hierophant sits between two columns, crown on his head and crozier in one hand. In front of him, two figures face each other, and two crossed keys rest at his feet.

Its light

The experience of others saves time. Advice received at the right moment avoids a costly mistake when you translate it into your own situation instead of reciting it.

Its shadow

A recognised authority can replace your judgement. Following a method without examining it gives a convenient reason not to think, and obedience passes for truth.

Keywords

transmissionteachingmethodtraditionlandmarks

Notes on the symbolism

RWS. Arcana V. The Hierophant blesses with a gesture reserved for the initiated, and Waite gives him the power to bind and loose granted to Peter.

What this card invites you to do

Ask someone who has been through what you face. Listen without interrupting, compare with what you know, then keep what holds for you.

A card does not decide for you.
It shows you where to look.

Draw three cards and get a reading that starts from your question, not from a generic text. The card of the day is free every day.

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