The Hierophant

When the Hierophant comes to us, there are several messages he/she has for us.  It marks the time of opening to the inner voice, or inner hearing.  The voice of the inner teacher is awakening.   What a special and divine moment it is!  We all have the voice and it is within our reach.  It is this voice that can guide us through our lives, but it will require preparation.  Whatever approach you take makes no difference as they are all just as valid and valuable.  While the most valuable teacher is the one within, it may be that we feel called to search for an outer teacher and this card could signal the start of some kind of formal study.  Regardless of the kind of teacher, it is esoteric knowledge that is being transmitted as  you are initiated into a spiritual practice. My favorite quote of this card is “what you see is not all there is”- Ellen Goldurgh

On another level the Hierophant represents the initiator.  As an archetype, we are being initiated through the tests and challenges of life, and so it is our life that becomes our teacher.  It is important to remember that these tests are there to help us grow spiritually and expand our awareness.  They are here happening for you as opposed to happening to you.  In this way, we are being blessed by challenges.  In order to grow and become more of who we are, sometimes life will seem painful and the experiences we have may appear unbearable.  It is this contraction or trial that will push us further to the other side of ourselves into a deep, renewed and more authentic way of being. This is the initiation of life, it is the initiation of expansion, joy, sorrow and above all growth.