First, some personal observations:

This Hierophant is flanked by two elephants (wisdom and tradition?) and seems to be riding an ox. In one hand, he holds a wand, or scepter, and with the other hand he seems to be bestowing a blessing. The most interesting aspect, for me, is the expression on his face. Unlike other Hierophants I've seen, who are depicted with a stern or somber expression that can be somewhat forbidding, the Light and Shadow Hierophant looks as peaceful and inviting as a Hermit. He has a shade of a smile, and his eyes are half-closed. It is a perfect depiction of a face in deep meditation. This Hierophant has obviously discovered a very deep power within himself, and he is the one we'd go to in order to learn about it. He has behind him many years of introspection, but also moves forward (on the ox-like animal). He is also surrounded by the four symbols of the suits: he has everything at his disposal. Let's just hope he knows how to handle it.

Now for the book's description and definition:

The Hierophant, serene and dignified, is enthroned on the back of a great bull. The bull represents massiveness, power, and stability but also taurine stubbornness, inflexibility, and trickiness. He can't be worn down, but it's best not to get on the bad side of the Hierophant's bull. The Hierophant upholds his ideals in a steady, determined way, but his steadfastness can also mean a narrow allegiance to doctrine or an idee fixe. The bull's eyes become the crossed keys of Saint Peter, an ancient attribute of the Hierophant as Pontifex Maximus but also, more broadly, an indication that he holds the keys to the temple of wisdom. The Hierophant is himself a key to a higher being, an existence closer to a godlike state. In the corners of the card are the symbols of the four suits, showing that the Hierophant is supported by the four elements, that they embody his power, and that all lines converge in him. Two flower emblems flank him. A rose onhis left, in a triangular coat of arms, represents desire and forcefulness but also a barbed strength, beauty shielded by thorns. A lily on his right represents innocence, softness, purity and fragility. Here again is the potency of Three: The high priest wears the triple crown of the medieval Papacy and carries a scepter of triple circles. The distinguished old priest, bearded like an Assyrian sage, makes the sign of peace, blessing, and victory with his right hand. A tiny human figure inscribed in a five-pointed star adorns his chest, showing that humanity itself is the Hierophant's charge. Finally, two grand elephants guard the Hierophant. Intelligent, social beings, elephants revere the oldest and wisest of the herd as a leader and advisor. Like the sagacious elephant, the Hierophant embodies the accumulated wisdom of old age and the virtues of caution, circumspection, and reverence for tradition. Meaning: The Hierophant presides over the masculine aspects of intellect and soul. The high priest of a religion, patron of philosophers and theologians, he protects all thinkers and scholars. Intolerance, rigidity, blind adherence to dogma, intellectual sterility-these are some of his negative aspects. The wisdom of the Hierophant, though, brings great good to society and the individual. His is the stored sagacity of old age and of the ages. Like the kindly grandfather of fable, or the mysterious sage of legend, he helps us on our journey through the trials of life with his judicious advice.

Marisa