The Hierophant

The Hierophant is the sixth card in the Major Arcana, and is given the number five to indicate transformation and flux. He imparts his knowledge to those who are willing to listen, kneeling before him to receive the gift of his wisdom. He blesses them, with his upright hand forming the sign of benediction. His sceptre and crown denote his position of absolute authority. He symbolizes organized religions and the inner teacher, both guides along the path that leads to deity, hence the two crossed keys at his feet. Those who seek his guidance learn that they must also look within for answers.

If your situation involves your career, the Hierophant indicates employment in a large corporation with strict requirements and expectations. The Hierophant symbolizes a knowledge of rules, regulations, customs, and the acceptable methods used in the situation - but does not restrict you to those traditional answers. You may have to go outside of the standards when it is in your own best interest to do so.

Introduction: The Hierophant is very much about "doing the right thing." You may be struggling with an issue and are unsure about what is "right" for you to do. Know that the answers are within you. Remember that the "right" thing is what is right for you also.

Work: You may find that a teacher or mentor of some sort that you have been needing appears in your life now…and/or you could be called upon to be that teacher or mentor for someone else. This is a good time to get involved with groups even if you don't think of yourself as a "group person," as you will find that you have much to learn from them (in a very positive way.) Work should be going very well provided you are able to be organized and work within the rules.

The World:

The World is the twenty-second card in the Major Arcana, and is given the number 21 to indicate the subconscious mind of the High Priestess (2) uniting completely with the conscious mind of the Magician (1). A figure dances in the center of a giant victory wreath. The creatures that symbolize the four elements have materialized, taking on more realistic forms. The dancer is widely considered a hermaphrodite, symbolizing the unity of the masculine and feminine aspects to form a complete whole. The wreath is adorned with two red sashes, each one forming the sign of infinity. These symbolize the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The dancer passes through the wreath, entering a new phase of development, holding two wands. These wands channel the energy outward and inward, in an endless flow. The Wheel has come full circle, and the Dance of Life begins again, coiling ever upward toward divinity.

The World in your future indicates unlimited potential put into experienced hands: the opportunity of a lifetime. Its image literally states “the sky’s the limit”. If you have been waiting for your chance, this will be IT. You will have the tools to accomplish your goal, and the door will be open. The World is a card of action. Of all the Major Arcana, only the first (The Fool) and the last (The World) show movement. While The Fool is like the dawn of creation and its promise, the World is like the hallmark of self-actualization. The benefits in store for you are truly as limitless as the cosmos this card represents.

The World is your oyster when you see this card in your reading.

Like with the Wheel of Fortune card, it is indicative that there is luck on your side and that the universe is looking at you favorably. However, when the World is present it says that things are definitely looking up and that what you want is at your fingertips, you simply have to reach out and take what you want. When you see this card in a reading it is a reminder that all things are possible and that there are endless forces at work that you can’t see.

This card is a very personal card. It is often compared the Wheel of Fortune card because it carries similar weight and meaning. The main difference between the cards is that the World reflects the present and now. Even in a past or future position in a reading the card carries positive energies that affect your present standing. The luck from the Wheel of fortune card pays off and becomes true reward. The reward from the World card is similar to the feeling of winning or being triumphant.

Thy symbolism on the card in the Rider Waite deck is largely based on completion or reaching the end. The World is the last card in the major arcana of the tarot and at the point in which the story would normally start over. It can symbolize a prosperous end to an aspect in your life and new beginnings coming forth soon.

Now is a time to allow yourself to shine, relish in what you have accomplished, and perhaps even brag a little bit. There are aspects in your life that one would consider worthy accomplishments and it’s okay to take a little bit of time to celebrate them. Also understand that with the ending of one journey that it is simply the beginning of another. Strive for greatness in a task that you are working to complete right now and be assured that the hard work you are putting in will pay off.