The Hebrew letter associated with the Hierophant card is Vau, which can mean either 'nail' or 'and'. The astrological influence on the card is the Earth sign of Taurus the Bull. It is therefore clear that the meaning of the card relates to the connection and conjunction of different elements, but also to the concepts of fixity, solidity and permanence in general. The traditional role of the priest is to serve as an intermediary between heaven and earth, connecting god and man; this is exemplified in the title of Pontifex Maximus, or Great Bridge Builder, given to the pope (the pope being the medieval title of this card). This fits perfectly the qabalistic attribution of the Hierophant to the path across the abyss which connects Chokmah and Chesed.

The Hierophant, or High Priest, is in many ways the counterpart of the High Priestess card, the two being opposite sides of the same coin. Whereas the High Priestess represents the personal and experiential connection with the divine, the Hierophant describes the communion (common union) of religion. Whereas the High Priestess represents the inner truth of the union with the divine, the living awareness experienced in the moment, often fleetingly as intuition (often known as the left hand path), the Hierophant describes the outer forms of its manifestation, the physical symbols of ritual and religion which remain the same for different people at different times (often known as the right hand path). So the Hierophant may represent religion in general, a religious person, or the symbols, rituals and techniques of religion, mysticism or magick. The ultimate expression of this card can be found in the biblical New Jerusalem, or in the first kingdoms of Egypt, in which the earth is governed directly by the divine.

When the Hierophant appears in a reading it is often indicative of spiritual guidance and wise council. It may be that this comes in the form of a priest or guru, or simply an older and wiser friend or relative, but more often it indicates the lessons that can be learned from the circumstances that unfold around you, or simply the need to consider the moral implications before you act, or to act in accordance with established codes of conduct. The spiritual guidance of the Hierophant speaks of morality and the greater good more than personal growth and enlightenment.

In line with what has been said about fixity and permanence the way of the Hierophant is generally the way of conformity, conventional wisdom, and traditional values. If your question involves a novel or progressive concept as opposed to an old fashioned one, the Hierophant suggests that the tried and tested path is the best. The Hierophant may also warn against 'going it alone' and following your own path, suggesting that communal action and the support of others is necessary.

The appearance of the Hierophant in a reading is considered to be an auspicious sign if you are considering marriage, or any kind of long term contractual obligation or joint venture.

If the position of the Hierophant indicates that it is a negative influence or obstacle it may be that hidebound tradition is holding you back, or that you are being overly influenced by the negative opinions and judgements of other.