5. The Hierophant

THE HIEROPHANT

Hand: The Hierophant’s right hand held up in such a manner is a sign of benediction. This position (mudra) symbolizes a blessing of love and spiritual well-being. His position is also pointing heavenwards, which reinforces the spiritual blessing. As the people come to the Hierophant, this hand blessing is sought out by them – it is an assuring motion and grants the people assurance that all of their spiritual needs are met.

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Keys: What do keys do? They unlock doors. The keys of the Hierophant card symbolize the keys to spiritual knowledge, and wisdom. The ancient Greeks depicted keys as symbols for knowledge and life. This specific card symbol: A gold & silver key crossed is a papal emblem of authority and translates to mean the “keys to the kingdom of heaven.” As such, the Hierophant is seen to be an authority, and the holder of the kingdom keys – again, an intermediary figure or translator between God and man.

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Staff: This is the symbol of the triple cross and is one of the symbols used in the office of the Pope, who is the global head of the Roman Catholic Church. Each mark is symbolic level of devotion – meaning: 1) the Father, 2) the Son, and 3) the Holy Ghost. This staff is another sign of the Hierophant’s authority and his supreme status. This symbol reinforces the Hierophant’s responsibility of the spiritual well-being of the people. The staff, (as well as the keys, and the hand blessing) are all external signs that the Hierophant is more than qualified to extol spiritual advice and leadership to

The Hierophant represents getting an education, pursuing knowledge, becoming informed, increasing understanding studying and learning, seeking a deeper meaning, finding out more, having a belief system, sharing a cultural heritage, learning a religious tradition, honoring ritual and ceremony, identifying a world view, following a discipline, and knowing where to put your faith. The Hierophant also represents Conforming, following the rules, taking an orthodox approach staying within conventional bounds, adapting to the system, fitting in
going along with the program, doing what’s expected, being part of the Establishment, identifying with a group, being committed to a cause, devoting energy to a group, joining an organization, working as part of a team, feeling loyal to others, and being in an institutionalized setting.

Except in rare cases, every human grows and develops within a culture. We learn by living with others. The Hierophant represents such official learning, especially in groups. A Hierophant is someone who interprets secret knowledge. On Card 5 we see a religious figure in a formal church setting. He is wearing the elaborate vestments of his office. His task is to bring the two initiates into the church so they can take up their appointed roles.

Besides churches, there are schools, clubs, teams, companies, and societies. The Hierophant represents all of these because his realm is structured groups with rules and assigned roles. Such environments emphasize belief systems – facts, rules, procedures, and ritual. Members are rewarded for following conventions. They develop a group identity. The Hierophant is one of three cards that focus on the group (The 3 of Cups and the 3 of Pentacles are the others).

In readings, the Hierophant often represents learning with experts or knowledgeable teachers. This card also stands for institutions and their values. The Hierophant is a symbol of the need to conform to rules or fixed situations. His appearance in a reading can show that you are struggling with a force that is not innovative, free-spirited or individual. Groups can be enriching or stifling, depending on circumstances. Sometimes we need to follow a program or embrace tradition, other times, we need to trust ourselves.

Eventually, the Fool ventures out of his home into the wider world. He is exposed to the beliefs and traditions of his culture and begins his formal education. The Hierophant represents the organized belief systems that begin to surround and inform the growing child.  A Hierophant is someone who interprets arcane knowledge and mysteries. On Card 5 we see a religious figure blessing two acolytes. Perhaps he is inducting them into church membership. Although this image is religious, it is really a symbol for initiations of all kinds.  The child is trained in all the practices of his society and becomes part of a particular culture and worldview. He learns to identify with a group and discovers a sense of belonging. He enjoys learning the customs of his society and showing how well he can conform to them.

OPPOSING CARDS

• Fool – being “crazy” and unorthodox
• Lovers – personal beliefs
• Two of Wands – diverging from the crowd, being a pioneer
• Seven of Swords – being a lone wolf
• Two of Pentacles – being flexible, changing with the times

REINFORCING CARDS

• Emperor – following rules
• Three of Cups – focusing on the group
• Three of Pentacles – working in a team or group
• Eight of Pentacles – learning, studying
• Ten of Pentacles – conforming, following rules, conservative

Tree Number: 16

Ruled By: Taurus

Hebrew Letter: Vau

4. The Emperor

THE EMPEROR

Beard: As mentioned earlier, the Emperor has “been there, done that” and the beard is a symbol of his experience. As an archetype, we commonly see masculine figures of authority or father figures with long white beards. It reassures us that this man has acquired years of wisdom and experience – he is worthy of listening to because he’s seen first-hand the effects of his own actions. He offers us the gift of his own life example – a short-cut, because when we heed the advice of our elders we can often avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Staff: In this rendition, the cross is at the top of his staff. This is a symbol of balance, and each arm of the cross represents balance amongst the four directions, four winds, and/or the four elements. As a ruler, it is imperative to understand the interconnectedness of things, and to be able to balance the elements of nature appropriately. Other decks depict the Egyptian ankh upon the Emperor’s staff – this is a symbol of balance and life.

The Emperor represents fathering, establishing a family line, setting direction and tone
protecting and defending, guiding growth, bringing security and comfort offering explanations. The Emperor represents emphasizing structure, creating order out of chaos, categorizing, being systematic, providing shape and form, being organized
applying reason, coordinating, and sticking to a plan, exercising authority, taking a leadership role commanding, exerting control, representing the establishment, being in a position of strength, coming in contact with officials, and setting direction. The Emperor also represents regulating, establishing law and order, operating from sound principles, applying rules or guidelines, working within the legal system, setting standards of behaviour, following a regimen.

The figure of the Emperor says much about the essential qualities of this card. We see a stern, commanding figure seated on a stone-slab throne. His back is straight, and his eyes meet ours directly. He is confident of his complete authority to rule.

The Emperor represents structure, order and regulation – forces to balance the free-flowing, lavish abundance of the Empress. He advocates a four-square world where trains are on time, games are played by rules, and commanding officers are respected. In chaotic situations, the Emperor can indicate the need for organization. Loose ends should be tied up, and wayward elements, harnessed. In situations that are already over-controlled, he suggests the confining effect of those constraints.

The Emperor can represent an encounter with authority or the assumption of power and control. As the regulator, he is often associated with legal matters, disciplinary actions, and officialdom in all its forms. He can also stand for an individual father or archetypal Father in his role as guide, protector and provider.

If the Tarot is seen as a journey of the fool then the next person the Fool encounters is the father in the figure of the Emperor. He is the representative of structure and authority. As a baby leaves his mother’s arms, he learns that there are patterns to his world. Objects respond in predictable ways that can be explored. The child experiences a new kind of pleasure that comes from discovering order. The Fool also encounters rules. He learns that his will is not always paramount and there are certain behaviours necessary for his well-being. There are people in authority that will enforce such guidelines. These restrictions can be frustrating, but, through the patient direction of the Father, the Fool begins to understand their purpose.

OPPOSING CARDS

• Empress – mothering, free-flowing abundance
• Seven of Cups – dissipation, lack of order
• Five of Swords – bending the rules, breaking the law

REINFORCING CARDS

• Hierophant – conforming to rules
• Justice – concerns of justice and legality
• Two of Wands – having authority
• Three of Wands – assuming leadership
• Four of Pentacles – control, structure, order

Tree Number: 15

Ruled By: Aries

Hebrew Letter: Heh

3, The Empress

THE EMPRESS

Shield: The Empress abides by one motto: “From love I do come, from love I do go” and her shield is a testament to this creed. The Empress knows (as we all should) that when we enter all situations with the shield of love, we are always protected. When we envelope ourselves with a force-field of love, there is no need for fear. The shield is a paradox – we think of protection – yet the emblem of love (Venus, a heart) is pictured on the shield. The paradox is that where there is love there is instant protection, yet to love also requires our vulnerability.

The Empress represents mothering, giving birth, nourishing life, nurturing and caring for others, cherishing the world expressing tenderness, working with children. The Empress represents welcoming abundance, enjoying extravagance, receiving lavish reward, luxuriating in plenty having more than enough, feeling rich. The Empress represents experiencing the senses, giving and receiving pleasure, focusing on the body, appreciating beauty, feeling vibrantly healthy, being earthy, and doing physical activity. The Empress also represents responding to Nature, relating to plants and animals, embracing the natural, feeling connected to the Earth, going outdoors, harmonizing with natural rhythms.

The Empress and the High Priestess are the two halves of the female archetype in the major arcana. The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of nature and the rhythms of the Earth. From her come all the pleasures and joys of the senses and the abundance of new life in all its forms. The Empress encourages you to strengthen your connections with the natural world which is the ground of our being. Too often false sophistications and pleasures take us far from our roots. Let the Empress remind you to keep your feet firmly planted in the Earth. In readings the Empress can refer to any aspect of Motherhood. She can be an individual mother, but as a major arcana card, she also goes beyond the specifics of mothering to its essence – the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention. The Empress can also represent lavish abundance of all kinds. She offers a cornucopia of delights, especially those of the senses – food, pleasure and beauty. She can suggest material reward, but only with the understanding that riches go with a generous and open spirit. The Empress asks you to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness. As he grows, the Fool becomes more and more aware of his surroundings. As with most babies, he first recognizes his Mother – the warm, loving woman who nourishes and cares for him. He also comes to know Mother Earth, who nurtures him in a larger sense. The Empress (3) represents the world of nature and sensation. A baby delights in exploring everything he touches, tastes and smells. He cannot get enough of the sights and sounds that enchant his senses. It is natural to delight in the abundant goodness of Mother Earth who surrounds us with her support.

OPPOSING CARDS

• Emperor – fathering, order and discipline, regularity
• Death – principle of death
• Four of Pentacles – miserly possessiveness
• Nine of Pentacles – refinement, sophistication

REINFORCING CARDS

• Lovers – sexual fulfilment, pleasure
• Star – generosity, free-flowing love
• Nine of Cups – enjoying the senses
• Seven of Pentacles – material reward
• Ten of Pentacles – affluence, luxury, physical comfort

Tree Number: 14

Ruled By: Venus

Hebrew Letter: Daleth

2. The High Priestess

THE HIGH PRIESTESS

Scroll: Everybody wants to know what is written in the scroll the High Priestess cradles closely to her womb, but only she knows, and it’s not likely that she’ll give up the information. The fact is the scroll contains information that she protects. It contains knowledge of esoteric, occult, philosophical revelations that if placed in the hands of one who has no understanding or respect for what he/she is holding – tremendous damage would be done. This is why she holds it so close to her – she knows that knowledge is both a killer and a savior. There are some theories that the scroll is the Akashic records which contain the records of all-that-has-ever-been for every soul in existence. Whatever the actual contents, be sure that the Priestess is forever on guard – keeping the secrets in tact until our minds are ripe for the opportunity to receive the knowledge she commands.

The High Priestess represents withdrawing from involvement, allowing events to proceed without intervention, being receptive to influence, becoming calm, being passive, and waiting patiently.  The High Priestess also represents accessing the unconscious, using your intuition, seeking guidance from within, trusting your inner voice, opening to dreams and the imagination, being aware of a larger reality. The High Priestess represents seeing the potential, understanding the possibilities, opening to what could be seeing your hidden talents, allowing development, letting what is there flower. The High Priestess represents sensing the mystery, looking beyond the obvious, approaching a closed off area, opening to the unknown, remembering something important, sensing the secret and hidden seeking what is concealed, acknowledging the Shadow.   The High Priestess is the guardian of the unconscious. She sits in front of the thin veil of unawareness which is all that separates us from our inner landscape. She contains within herself the secrets of these realms and offers us the silent invitation, “Be still and know that I am God.”

The High Priestess is the feminine principle that balances the masculine force of the Magician. The feminine archetype in the tarot is split between the High Priestess and the Empress. The High Priestess is the mysterious unknown that women often represent, especially in cultures that focus on the tangible and known. The Empress represents woman’s role as the crucible of life.

In readings, the High Priestess poses a challenge to you to go deeper – to look beyond the obvious, surface situation to what is hidden and obscure. She also asks you to recall the vastness of your potential and to remember the unlimited possibilities you hold within yourself. The High Priestess can represent a time of waiting and allowing. It is not always necessary to act to achieve your goals. Sometimes they can be realized through a stillness that gives desire a chance to flower within the fullness of time.

On setting out, the Fool immediately encounters the Magician (1) and the High Priestess (2) – the great balancing forces that make up the perceived world. It is a feature of the material universe that as soon as we name some aspect of experience, we automatically evoke its opposite. The Magician is the positive side. He represents the active, masculine power of creative impulse. He is also our conscious awareness. The Magician is the force that allows us to impact the world through a concentration of individual will and power. The High Priestess is the negative side. She is the mysterious unconscious. She provides the fertile ground in which creative events occur. The High Priestess is our unrealized potential waiting for an active principle to bring it to expression. The termspositive and negative do not imply “good” and “bad.” These are human distinctions that do not apply in the tarot. The Magician and the High Priestess are absolutely equal in value and importance. Each is necessary for balance. We may view the negative as our Shadow, but without shadows, we cannot see the light, and without a ground of potential, we cannot create.

OPPOSING CARDS

• Magician      – acting consciously, thinking, the known and obvious
• Two  of Wands – acting boldly
• Seven of Wands – being aggressive
• Eight of Wands – putting plans into action

REINFORCING CARDS

• Hermit - looking inward, withdrawing, seeking guidance
• Hanged  Man – suspending activity, waiting
• Four of Swords – resting quietly, contemplating

Tree Number: 13

Ruled By: The Moon

Hebrew Letter: Gimel

1. The Magician

THE MAGICIAN

Uroboros: The belt is a serpent swallowing its own tail is symbolic of cycles, and is another message of the infinite nature of energy. The Magician tarot card meaning here is that energy is endless, and our ability to manipulate energy is key. The Uroboros further signifies the concept of rebirth and regeneration. The Magician understands that rebirth occurs in each moment – hence another source of his power. Most importantly, it is a symbol that stands for the maxim “one is all” which is the highest philosophy for the Magician

All the elements on the table: The Magician is keenly aware that we are all born perfectly prepared to live our lives. We each have all the tools and resources within us to use at our whim. This is indicated by all the symbols of the suit shown within the Magicians grasp. The Magician realizes that he is the master of these tools, they are not his master. The Magician reminds us that everything we need to live our best life is available to us as long as we master the gifts of potential, and not become slaves to our circumstances.

The Magician takes action, doing what needs to be done, realizing potential, making what’s possible real, practicing what you preach, carrying out plans, producing magical results, and using his talents.   The Magician represents acting consciously, knowing what you are doing and why, acknowledging your motivations understanding your intentions, examining the known situation.   The Magician represents concentrating, having singleness of purpose, being totally committed, applying the force of your will, feeling centered, setting aside distractions, focusing on a goal.  The Magician represents experiencing power, making a strong impact, having vitality, creating miracles, becoming energized, feeling vigorous, being creative

The Magician is the archetype of the active, masculine principle – the ultimate achiever. He symbolizes the power to tap universal forces and use them for creative purposes. Note his stance in the picture. He acts as a lightening rod – one arm extended up into the Divine for inspiration, the other pointing toward Earth to ground this potent energy. His abilities appear magical at times because his will helps him achieve what seem to be miracles.

What makes the Magician so powerful? First, he is not afraid to act. He believes in himself and is willing to put that belief on the line. He also knows what he intends to do and why. He doesn’t hesitate because he understands his situation exactly. The Magician can focus with single-minded determination. As long as he remembers the divine source of his power, the Magician remains the perfect conduit for miracles.

In a reading, the Magician implies that the primal forces of creativity are yours if you can claim your power and act with awareness and concentration. This card is a signal to act and act now, provided you understand exactly what you want and are committed to getting it.

OPPOSING CARDS

• High Priestess – no action, intuition, accessing the unconscious
• Hanged Man – suspending action, not doing
• Seven of Cups – lacking focus and commitment
• Four of Swords – resting quietly, storing energy
• Eight of Swords – confused and uncertain, powerless

REINFORCING CARDS

• Chariot – focusing, concentrating, being forceful
• Two of Wands – personal power, wielding a strong force
• Eight of Wands – quick action, making your move
• Eight of Pentacles – focus and concentration

Tree Number: 12

Ruled By: Mercury

Hebrew Letter: Beth

0. The Fool

THE FOOL

                       

The Dog: Dogs typically represent loyalty and faithfulness. In this case, the dog symbolizes our reward when we express true faith on our path. As we continue to step out in faith, and blindly follow our bliss we shall gain the loyalty and recognition from people, places and events in our lives. Other Tarot decks depict the dog loyalty tugging at the Fools robes, preventing his fall into the chasm below. Yet another confirmation that when the Fool continues on his mission of passion, protection is available and the details miraculously fall into place.

Knap Sack: How long do you think the contents of the little knap are going to sustain our hearty fool? Exactly, here again, the Fool is taking little time to consider the practical matters of his journey. However, what if the knap sack contains something far greater than consumables. Look closely at the image. Some say it resembles testicles, and these represent the seed of the Fool’s philosophical offspring. This depiction is a reminder of personal responsibility. We all carry the seed of consequence upon our own journey.

The Fool is about beginnings, entering a new phase, striking out on a new path, expanding horizons, starting something new adventure, going on a journey, heading into the unknown.

The fool is spontaneous, living in the moment, letting go of expectations, doing the unexpected, acting on impulse, feeling uninhibited, surprising someone, and feeling carefree.  The fool is about having faith , trusting the flow, staying open, letting go of worry and fear
feeling protected and loved, living in joy, recapturing innocence, believing, embracing folly, accepting your choices, taking the “foolish” path, pursuing a pipe dream, being true to yourself, taking a “crazy” chance, trusting your heart’s desire

The Fool lies at the beginning of the major arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes – nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.

The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction – one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.

If the Tarot is seen as a journey of the Fool, then the Fool stands for each of us as we begin our journey of life. He is a Fool because only a simple soul has the innocent faith to undertake such a journey with all its hazards and pain. At the start of his trip, the Fool is a newborn – fresh, open and spontaneous. The figure on Card 0 has his arms flung wide, and his head held high. He is ready to embrace whatever comes his way, but he is also oblivious to the cliff edge he is about to cross. The Fool is unaware of the hardships he will face as he ventures out to learn the lessons of the world.  The Fool stands somewhat outside the rest of the major arcana. Zero is an unusual number. It rests in the exact middle of the number system – poised between the positive and negative. At birth, the Fool is set in the middle of his own individual universe. He is strangely empty (as is zero), but imbued with a desire to go forth and learn. This undertaking would seem to be folly, but is it?

The fools is a jester and jesters play tricks! The fool can be a trickster!  I am Hugh Fox and my name literally means “fox spirit”.  The fox is a trickster in many European tales so maybe I am a fool.  A trickster may think he is doing a trick for personal gain but the trick is on the trickster, actually the trick may serve a deeper purpose unbeknown by the Fool!

OPPOSING CARDS

• Hierophant – following convention, routine
• Death – ending, closing down
• Devil – feeling cynical, lacking faith
• Two of Swords – blocking off experience, feeling tense, holding back
• Four of Pentacles – order and regularity

REINFORCING CARDS

• Hanged Man – having faith in what is, going with the flow
• Star – innocence, faith, trust
• Judgement – rebirth, new starts
• Three of Wands – expanding horizons, going into unexplored territory

Tree Number: 11

Ruled By: Air

Hebrew Letter: Aleph