My Description of Card:

The setting for the Connolly Hierophant is the stone edifice of a church where the Hierophant stands before a stained glass arch. There are many subtle differences in the card when you compare it to the Universal Waite. His robes are cream-colored rather than red and are much more elaborate. The lilies and roses are on his shawl rather than on the two "supplicants" (reason and intuition). The crossed keys are not between the supplicants but are on the upper left-hand side of the card. There is a dove on the upper right that balance the keys. His right hand seems to be making the sign of blessing except that his thumb is out instead of in -- this could indicate an oversight or an artistic choice.

From "A Handbook for the Apprentice" by Eileen Connolly

KEY: He who conforms and diligently searches for truth must recognize that he himself is not truth.

REVERSE: A keen sense of originality; one who is not afraid to undertake new ventures or explore and has an open mind.

MEMORY: You are right, according to Hoyle; Others’ mistakes make your blood boil.

REVERSE: Free spirit glows within your soul; New adventures make you whole.

GUIDELINES: A nice person in a lot of ways, but can be stubborn and exasperating. A solid organization, establishment or system. Not open to any changes. Someone who prefers to belong for the sake of belonging. Outside appearances are important, like to impress.

REVERSE: Possibility of someone who will listen to new ideas, programs, etc. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind; do what you feel is best. Go ahead and have the courage of your convictions. A new and refreshing vibration coming into your life. Can denote open-mindedness and a frank outlook on life.

My Thoughts on the Hierophant

The word Hierophant is from the Greek hieros (sacred) and phainein (to show). I think of the High Priestess as Teacher of Internal Wisdom (spirituality) and the Hierophant the Teacher of External Wisdom (religion), that is the sacred knowledge that is handed down from generation to generation is societally and culturally based rather than individually divined. I also see the Hierophant as showing us that the Fool’s Journey that we are on requires discipline in our learning and understanding of our sacred heritage.

Susan