Two cards

 

The Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

The Temperance card often comes up in a reading when you need to learn or understand the concept of all things in moderation. It is a card of joining forces, working together, uniting opposites, and spiritual balance with the end result being a harmonious mix of all things. It begs the question: In what ways are you over-extending yourself or being too rigid? Like most cards in the Rider Waite deck, this card is rich in symbolism. Temperance by its very meaning is a bending of one's will to the direction of the almighty. The card depicts this through multiple layers of symbolism. Usually noticed first is how the card shows an archangel (often said to be Michael) mixing water between two chalices as a representation of balance between the elements and the dissolution of the liquids between each other. Both he and the mountains in the background are touched with a halo of gold, radiating understanding that comes with age and time. A commonly missed symbolism is the feet of the angel, one in the water and one upon the land which reinforces the concept of balance and of both body and mind.

Many querents will be reactive to this card, because often it is shining light on a flaw within them or within a relationship that they are seeking to develop. Temperance calls to question your true priorities in life and requires that you be sure that you are not the one blocking your own success by stretching yourself too thin or unwilling to meet in the middle on a significant issue. Try hard to see things from the universe’s perspective and understand that the tarot is not pointing a finger at you directly, but merely trying to guide you to lessen your load. Taking on too much or too little can be detrimental to your purpose at this time.

Temperance in Love

When seeking advice from the tarot about love and relationships, the Temperance card indicates a need for balance in either the relationship your relationship. If you are currently single then the card is more direct and states that there is likely something blocking you from love in your life and usually represents the fact that you are giving too much in another area. For example, you are looking for love but are you really ready for it? Are there other commitments in your life such as work or family that are holding you back and taking too many resources and creating a situation where you are unlikely to be successful?

Temperance As Feelings

In a relationship reading for feelings, the temperance card will show a need for balance between both individuals. This card is drawn when compromise and compassion are needed between two people. It can represent fighting and strife. Remember that you are in the relationship with your partner for a reason and when this card comes up it is apparent that there is a true emotional connection. It is a positive card that tells you that this relationship is worth the extra effort at this time.

The Temperance tarot card can also signal a delicate balance between fire and water. It reflects that we all have the power to control our emotions, even when things around us seem chaotic. It speaks of suppressed feelings and holding back on expressing people in order to maintain peace.

The card often represents the need for patience and understanding as it relates to our feelings –--- the idea of controlling ourselves rather than letting others control us. We tend to mirror others' behavior, which can lead to feeling like we are walking on eggshells when those around us are unpredictable or volatile.

Temperance also speaks about reality versus fakery, sometimes being too trusting or naive that literally leads us into a web of lies, where everything is surface level with no depth at all. It’s important to stay balanced and grounded while still experiencing life’s joyous moments, feeling secure enough in ourselves that we don't have anything to hide or prove from anyone else's perspective.

This tarot card contains a message about trust – with yourself as well as with those who mean something special in your life -and how allowing yourself the freedom of expression within these relationships can bring harmony into every aspect of your life.

Temperance in Health

In regards to health and wellness, the Temperance card is an omen that you need to either take it back or turn it up a notch. Both ends of the spectrum can be bad for one’s health – being slothful or being too lax with your health can be just as bad as overexerting yourself or doing too much. We usually see this card when health issues are on the rise and it is likely that you have already noticed deterioration in your wellness in some way. The positive news is that it is not too late to do something positive and see improvement. Think of this as a warning to take a keen look at your own mind and body and see where additional care needs to be taken. The answer will be quite obvious as rarely ever does someone in peak physical condition pull this card. If you feel however that physical health is not a problem, it is also indicative of mental health and can do not ignore signs or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or overindulgent behavior.

Temperance in Work and Wealth

Right now you need to take your money and put it under your mattress and be careful of taking risks. While the card itself means balance, more often than not when it comes to money and career it is a sign to take a step back and be more conservative with your income. It’s a touchy time for you to be taking huge risks in either avenue of your life. You need to be very careful with actions you take and possibilities that seem to arise at this time are not as good as they seem. Often this card will show that it is a good time to wait on an opportunity that arises, stating that with patience you will see a better one down the road that will pan out more fruitfully for you. A rule of thumb with the Temperance card and financial aspects be it money or work is: If it’s too good to be true… it probably is.

 

Reversed Temperance in a reading

In the reversed position indicates a personal balance is needed and the card is usually more internal than external. Rather than looking around and pointing fingers at others, now is an excellent time to see where you personally can scale back, create harmony in a rough situation, or literally suck it up. With the reversal of Temperance we see an even wider swing of negativity around as well. Health problems you have require more attentive care, financial problems need to be curbed immediately, and in relationships you need to seek the truth of the matter before making a decision. Often this card is drawn when a person is in a downward spiral situation and is unable to see the rational side of the problem. You need to stop and ask yourself where you could use assistance in your life to get back on track and possibly consider seeking advice from others to turn your perspective to a more productive and healthy outlook.

The Hierophant Tarot Card Meaning

The Hierophant expresses that life is your teacher, providing you with lessons to learn for growth opportunities and the understanding that conflicting issues exist for the purpose of bringing new growth into your life. When you start to feel pressed down by the ‘shoulds’ in life, remember to listen to that higher source energy, or teacher that will show you the way. The Hierophant provides a way to gather conscious thoughts into your minds that are fed into the subconscious which assimilates and then provides you flashes of intuition. This intuition actually stretches forth from our human desire to participate in religious beliefs, which require that overarching hierarchy.

Making a wish for another person puts divine power into action. This is why prayer is so important in most religions. The act of being compassionate, of giving over your faith to a higher power to help those we love or those we don’t know provides a reverence and humbleness that is important to improve one’s character. The Hierophant’s message is for you to take your concern to God and to pray, and to allow the stillness and peace of your prayers to bring calmness to your heart and intuition to your mind. The triple cross designs on the robes of the Hierophant represent spiritual respiration. The love of nature, love of God and the love of one’s neighbors are a part of the hierarchies housed within higher source energy. Reflecting on new interests, decisions, excitement and provide a development of self. Share wisdom with others – you are a teacher.

The Hierophant in Love

The Hierophant teaches a different kind of love in reference to relationships. This is a reverent love, almost sacred. That of doing “unto others what you would have them do unto you.” This is the love of charity, of helping your fellow man. If you have received this card for a love reading then there is something that you need to learn from giving up some of your time and energy to a charity. This could also apply to friend relationships that are close enough in spirituality that you would almost call them your sister or brother. This card will usually come up when it is time for you to focus on helping one another. There is a lack of a sense of self and an emphasis on charity. When you give of yourself in this way you are creating a cycle of love that is going to be gifted back to you, because what you say is true to the Universe is true. And if you love enough to give love, then you will receive more in return. To get this card for a "love outcome" can indicate that things are supposed to be the way they are. It can mean that nothing seems to happen. It can mean that he or she sees you as the type of “marriage” person or that the other partner is married. 

The Hierophant As Feelings

If you asked about someone’s feelings the Hierophant tarot card can mean that they are "deep" and "traditional feelings" of love. It can mean that the other partner wants you to follow the rules of love and possibly they have conservative beliefs. This means there will be a traditional approach to a relationship and it can mean that they think you are the “one.” It can also mean that this person is thinking that the other is more than just a fun time!

When the Hierophant appears for feelings --- it may suggest that this person is looking for a deeper level of understanding and connection with you. It may be an indication that they are looking beyond the physical realm and exploring emotional and spiritual depths to this connection. This card can also encourage us to create a strong foundation based on shared values and beliefs, while still having enough room to grow as individuals and as a couple.

The Hierophant can also suggest that this person is letting go of any rigid beliefs or expectations, and instead focus on opening up the heart to unconditional love. It might be an invitation to trust in the power of cosmic love and its ability to heal from past toxic relationships. Pulling this card as feelings encourages us to vibrate at higher frequencies of understanding and compassion with others, and to recognize the beauty in all forms of relationship. Ultimately, when the Hierophant appears in a tarot reading, it is a reminder to embrace love in all its myriad forms, and to trust that deeper wisdom lies within us all. By paying attention to the feelings that someone has when pulling this card, we can open our hearts to a greater sense of understanding and marriage. With the Hierophant’s guidance, we can embark on a journey discovering the depths of our own spiritual truths, guided by its deep wisdom and cosmic light. 

The Hierophant As Love Reconciliation

When the Hierophant appears in a tarot spread for love reconciliation, it often suggests that old systems are coming into play, I always see this card as the “I will marry you” tarot card. To fully reconcile with a loved one, it may be necessary to “let go of old ways of thinking”, and I also feel embrace those new possibilities. The word 'Hierophant' itself is derived from the Greek words for 'sacred bearer of knowledge', suggesting inner wisdom has a strong role in this process. The tarot card also brings ideas about how we navigate relationships: if you look at the sphere he is holding up on my tarot card it speaks to us of holding onto what is golden in life - not just material possessions, but valuable beliefs that are timeless. Essentially, if the Hierophant shows up in a tarot reading for love reconciliation, it indicates the need to rise above our individual materialistic aspirations and seek out deeper meaning in life, it also shows that love is likely to reconcile and end up in possibly marriage. 

The Hierophant In Work, Money, Business, Career, and Wealth

In careers, the Hierophant indicates a mentor or someone that is able to provide “inside” information in a company. This card can imply that you are networking or that you will soon meet someone that can guide you through the tradition of a company. As an outcome position, the Hierophant indicates a position of authority in an organization will help you. In some cases, this card could represent a company as a whole but more likely a particular male in a father, priest or mentor capacity. The Hierophant in a business venture states clearly that your focus needs to be on spiritual endeavors instead of monetary ones. If you find that work and the acquisition of wealth are not working out the way that you would prefer, then the Hierophant says to take a break out of your normal routine and examine what necessities you have and need, and which are luxuries that are actually weighing you down. Consider giving up something of yours to help someone else, or just get rid of negative emotions around work - to lighten your personal load. But, overall I will say that this card is all about being guided by a male figure.

In finances, the card indicates the need for guidance in a similar way as with health. Often it is a note that you need to contact some sort of financial advisor. In readings, it can indicate debt reduction skills are needed or even issues concerning the court systems. It is less about paying solicitor fees and more about having to give money to government or charity. As a note: The Hierophant card can indicate tax issues as well as a contract of employment.

In business, readings drawing this card can mean a trade or business that indicates traditional techniques will win over clients. The Hierophant is a “mentor” is traditional and old school. In business, this could represent you. Skilled in your trade and across the next few years you will learn to allot. The Hierophant is a father/minister or a work mentor. This card is also about rules and obeying them. Maybe you have broken the rules in business in the past and this is saying that you need to act more in line with tradition. As he holds the key, this implies that “tradition” will enable success. Additionally, he is quite rigid in his approach and can come across as being pragmatic. Additionally, in the readings I have carried out for people in business - I see this card as “big business” it normally represents a corporation. This card can mean that you may achieve great things.

The Hierophant For Action/Advice

Generally, if you pull this card for advice means that tradition and blessings will be yours. There is a focus on being taught and teaching. What do you need to learn? There is also personal power and the need to figure things out yourself. There is also a focus on marriage and meeting people. In advice position for love, the hierophant means that you need to stick to tradition and high standards. Be ladylike is your advice or a gentleman.

Try to be old fashioned, do the honorable thing like you would with traditional dating. This card is also connected to finding someone you can have a laugh with and stimulate each other and develop a spiritual connection. It can signify a man that is traditional and has a slow pace at getting things done. 

The Hierophant Yes Or No

The Hierophant is known as a “yes” card when upright, for he is the spiritual pope of tarot, blessing the seeker's journey with sound and wise advice. He represents not only two worlds, but three -- a spiritual realm, material realm, and psychic realm -- the Hierophant stands poised between them all. Often taking on the form of a figure with hands raised to express an act of benediction. This card can bring up questions in tarot readings regarding our connection to organized faith, morality and hidden secrets within shifting social structures. By revealing both answers offered by their benevolent guidance and hidden mysteries of the heart -- the Hierophant brings forth insight into what “yes or no” decision best serves us.

The Hierophant in Health

Emotional issues come into the spread when the Hierophant is present. Many who experience some level of religious or spiritual restriction in one way or another are suffering some kind of energy block within their body. Consider the help that can come from giving of your time, experiencing the perspective of understanding that there are others in this world that have it worse than you do so that you can be grateful for what you do have. This will greatly improve your health. Often the Hierophant is a card about seeking help as well. Usually, this card will come up when dealing with intense emotion and can signify the need for counseling or guidance. If you are going through an exceptionally difficult time in your life it is okay to ask others around you for assistance or find ways to learn new coping skills so that you can grow and move forward.

The Hierophant As A person

As a person, we often seek out a Hierophant like one seeks solace; we find in them the amortization of pain, or joy and life-changing glory. We come to them because of an ego-driven hunger to switch our lives - to be breath away from a social stranglehold. We find them as a glimpse into a different future - where love, hope and knowledge are met with an open heart. If your lover sees you as the Hierophant then they walk away from every encounter as a changed being, grateful for the wisdom you have brought to them. 

The Hierophant In the Past Position

The Hierophant drawn in the past position speaks of repeating patterns and traditions. This allows us to connect to an established, internal compass; like a living portal that navigates through the seas of knowledge. The Hierophant reminds us to celebrate our culture and heritage, for it is through this that we are able to coexist with each other and make meaningful connections. Allowing us to continue repeating patterns from one generation to the next — this creates a sense of comfort and community, allowing us to focus on life's greater meaning. When drawn in the past, the Hierophant can indicate structures have been built and created in order to fully move forward.

The Hierophant In The Present Position

In our modern “Google” age, the Hierophant appears in the present position as a giant reminder of our giant stupid egos and the horribleness that can come with it. When this card appears we may be struggling to overcome terrible impulses brought about by psycho-chick love or other difficult emotions, but we must always remember that the Hierophant is pointing us back to where we should strive for; true understanding and higher understanding that will illuminate those dark times. With patience and determination, we can all make the most of this new life-affirming chapter in our lives.

The Hierophant In The Future Position

An air of haphazard yet purposeful effuses from the Hierophant in the Future Position. One feels as if one must marry it for life and prepare for its whimsicality, high maintenance, and fluctuating schedules. In a tumultuous world, this tarot card serves as an anchor of hope and guidance - always inspiring you to reach the stars. Embracing such an unpredictable companion for life is no wonder many have accepted it! The Hierophant is a powerful card for the future, and he brings people back together who have been estranged. He can also indicate new beginnings in relationships. When the Hierophant appears in your outcome position it is a reminder to stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Have faith in yourself and trust that you are on the right path, it can also predict a marriage or “togetherness” in the future.

The Hierophant As Friendship Or Family

The Hierophant is a tarot card in a spread about family or friends shows the importance of social conformity and traditional values. It can be read as a sign of struggling to conform, often ignoring the torturous successes along the way. Yet the parallels between friendship and family, where values are shared and cherished, and bonds are forged through trust and understanding, are rarely recognized. According to the Hierophant, there are strong bonds between individuals when he appears --- that enable us to grow together in peace and love, and offer us comfort through life's tribulations.

 

 

Reversed Meaning - The Hierophant

When the Hierophant appears in a reading in the reversed position, you will have exactly the opposite experience. Instead of feeling compelled to follow a religious and spiritual order that is structured, you will feel more open or carefree. You will not feel weighted down by your earthly possessions because they do not own you. One caution to be aware of for the Hierophant reversed position is that you do not become overly superstitious, so much that it gets in the way of leading a happy and healthy life. The Hierophant in the reversed position can also signify being out of balance. Be careful of manic or overspending episodes, being too blunt or honest, or extending your opinion in areas where it is not wanted.

The Hierophant I always feel reminds us to take a step back from the status quo, to break away from traditional or restrictive teachings. At the same time, this position can represent the need for new knowledge and the freedom to explore such realms with an open mind. It implies an understanding of one's quest for personal growth and a desire to seek out whatever wisdom is needed in order to meet life’s challenges in ever-evolving ways. Reversed, the hierophant speaks of a rebelling against rigid Enlightenment thought, embracing instead a journey without walls or boundaries - one marked by curiosity, creativity and mindfulness that leads to higher truths.

Love and Romance - Hierophant Reversed

If the Hierophant is reversed, love and romance can mean all rules have been broken and barriers have been smashed. In this case, there is an openness for lovers to explore their passions freely, with no restrictions or judgements from outside sources. This may be a time of transformation, when we allow ourselves to break free from our preconceived notions of love and instead create something beautiful and unique out of our relationship. We are encouraged to open our hearts, take risks and express our deepest desires without fear, so that we can build something extraordinary together. Despite any challenges that come with this liberating experience, the rewards are plentiful for those brave enough to journey down this road to joy and liberation.

Family and Home - Hierophant Reversed

By pulling the reversed Hierophant, family and home have been given a challenging twist. We must remember to be flexible and open-minded in our understanding of how our “family and home life” manifest themselves. It may be through a traditional nuclear family, it may be through a chosen set of friends, or it may even be through a rotating group of strangers that we draw support from. Home could even be a metaphysical space that traverses the landscape or is accessed only within the recesses of the soul. This card is telling you to redefine your ideas about the concept of home and interweave new definitions of family into our tales - for perhaps then we can truly call them our own.

Work and Finances - Hierophant Reversed

The Hierophant Reversed for a work reading indicates that there is a need to make changes in the way we think about work and finances. Rather than relying on outdated systems, he encourages you to take creative steps forward and establish a new path that takes into account our individual needs. As a result, we have the freedom to express ourselves at work without being constrained by rigid rules or regulations. Reevaluating our economic structure to make sure it works for everyone involved, instead of supporting only a small part of society, is also suggested by the Hierophant Reversed. Using boldness, resilience, and ingenuity, we can turn financial struggles into abundance, allowing YOU to live more abundantly without feeling guilty.

Health and Wellness - Hierophant Reversed

The Hierophant Reversed, for health indicates energy and many possibilities. This card is about getting more fit and healthy and being worried about the traditional things when reversed. Instead of focusing purely on restrictions, it is a card that encourages exploring new paths that mean better health and balance. Reframing how you view self-care practices will help you get a better relationship towards food and self-care practices.

Personal Spirituality - Hierophant Reversed

An apology may feel necessary when personal spirituality is reversed - don't apologize! Embrace being in this sacred yet imperfect space. Don't let overbearing teachings or ideals overrun your inner haven; rather, rely upon the power held in veracity and the deeper sense of self that can be found within. Don't forget the freedom you have to create your own treasure chest of understanding and gifts. Each teaching has something special to offer and empower from - make sure it's one that feels true and brings light to your spiritual journey!

In summary, the Hierophant tarot card shows on my card a powerful figure who represents religious authority and knowledge. His guidance and insight are valuable, but he should also be respected and heeded. In a reading, his presence suggests that it may be time to seek out wisdom from a teacher or mentor. I always believe that in times of difficulty or crisis this card shows that we should trust our intuition and let the Hierophant guide you on your path.