Weekly Card V Heirophant
When we meet V The High Priest we’ve encountered our own search for meaning in our lives. Another name for V The High Priest is V The Hierophant. That’s a title from the Greek mystery schools (and probably earlier) that means “He who causes to be seen” or “He who shows the sacred”. Very apropos of our communal opportunity this year.
V The High Priest guards tradition. As II The High Priestess guards the mysteries of spirituality, V The High Priest is the keeper of the outer traditions. He shows us, as a community, how to find meaning in our daily experience through established structures, practices and disciplines.
You can think institution and education when you see V The High Priest. If you’re taking a yoga class, you’re being educated in a tradition. If you’re married, you’re part of an institution. If your first thought was “church”, you were right. And that is definitely where V The High Priest began in tarot. You can see, though, that he stands for much more than a religious leader. In fact, he can stand for the tradition that is tarot!
Associate knowledge that’s come through thought with V The High Priest. This is wisdom that’s come from processing practical experiences. Also associate mercy and compassion with him. V The High Priest is compassion and understanding in power. He dispenses mercy from wisdom. He teaches. And he blesses (benediction, “what’s the good word?”).
Importantly, all while defending the status quo. This is not about individual revelation. This is about passing on the divine word through the tried and true traditions.
Take a look at your relationship with traditions and institutions this week. Are you a free spirit who feels uncomfortable as a part of an established group? Are you an individual who values the group structures that give your life meaning? Are you, like most of us, a little bit of both?
What are the disciplines and practices that help you to find meaning in your life? Celebrate the opportunity to deepen them this week!
If you’re looking for personal help with your tarot learning or for phone, email, or in-person tarot counseling, here‘s where to find me.
We’ve taken another look at V The Heirophant here.
And yet another.