05. The Hierophant

“He can’t help gripping the key tighter when he hears the sound of arcane knowledge locking up.”

Vision

The Hierophant and his two disciples stand at the church’s entrance. They offer guidance to those seeking spiritual sanctuary. They test the truthfulness and qualifications of those who wish to explore more advanced knowledge. These all fall within the scope of this card: joining certain organizations, accepting the protection of leaders or collectives, and obtaining member-exclusive privileges.

Message

The priest in Les Misérables who gives Jean Valjean a second chance inspired the conception of this card, so did the nuns in The Sound of Music who help the von Trapp family escape. Their actions transcend secular laws and reflect the essence of summum bonum – the highest good. Helping those in need with the utmost benevolence, they recognize each individual’s intrinsic worth. Such timely, selfless acts of protection are a great redemption for those who have just climbed out battered from the mud. In this card, anyone may choose to let go of their heavy past.

Keywords

offering spiritual refuge | spiritual guidance | esoteric doctrines | ceremonious | entering an educational system | traditional knowledge and customs