Oct 17

person of honour and a reference to Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The place we hold dear is
the church, or the temple in this card’s imagery. However, while this card shows that the temple itself
was a symbolic place, it is really the High Priestess (the people within the temple) that is the most
significant.
The Hierophant:
The figure is of the Pope enthroned, blessing those who seek the keys to the
kingdom. He offers himself as the guide who can lead us to the divine. He is a
welcoming teacher who is keen for us to grow in knowledge and understanding.
Hierophant is a high priest of religious mysteries, a person who interprets
esoteric mysteries. Like the High Priestess, the Hierophant is seated between two
pillars. In his left hand he clasps a sceptre capped off with a triple cross. His right
hand is raised in a traditional sign of threefold blessing. He wears a golden triple
crown, and down the centre of his vestment there are three crosses. Both of his
sandals are marked with the cross. His robes are red and his tunic is white (the
same colours worn by the Magician). At his feet are two crossed keys,
representing the keys of the heavenly kingdom. The triune symbols of his crown,
septre and upraised hand, and on his vestment, point us to the unity of the divine. The Hierophant
points beyond himself, directing our attention to God – as the Priest does in the Holy Eucharist. The
Hierophant is one who teaches, he stands out from the crowd as one who has given themselves over to
the pursuit of wisdom.
The Hermit:
The Hermit is the universal human seeking spiritual meaning and truth. He is on
a journey carrying spiritual tools for guidance and direction. The Hermit is
dressed in a monk’s cassock, suggesting an earnest searcher for authentic
spirituality. As pilgrims we need to take time out of our daily routine to reflect
and recharge – notice the image of The Hermit is of a solitary figure. Solitude for
meditation can be valuable. The Hermit stands on top of a mountain, often seen
as the meeting point between the divine and the mundane – see O.T. images of
Moses. The lantern he carries shines a clear light to direct the Hermit along life’s
pathways. Notice the light is depicted in the shape of the Jewish Star of David.
The star’s light points upwards, downwards and outwards in all directions. The
uppermost point indicates that true spiritual light comes from beyond us. We are
able to connect with this divine light by seeing God all around us, and by listening to his divine voice.
The staff is a shepherd’s crook (Bishop’s crozier) and reminds us that we long for a guide who can lead
us on our spiritual journey.
The message of the cards ultimately leads us to the Fool. The Fool has always been with us, calling us
from death to new life, empowering us on the roller coaster of life. He is our universal hero. The Tarot
beyond prediction is a call to broaden our horizons beyond our consciousness and to reconnect our
souls with the divine source of life.
Your Friend and Vicar
Canon Phillip
Parish of Killay !5
2017