The overall impression is of deep reverence. The idol is a figure to whom one shows great respect, perhaps in return for guidance or favors. To me, this Hierophant card stresses above all the idea of tradition, of honoring one’s ancestors or deities. This was done in the past, as shown by the fact that the scene in this card takes place in an ancient time; and it is done now, as we continually look to sources outside ourselves for guidance and reassurance.

The downside, however, is painfully obvious. Although it is very valuable to look at the past or to others in order to learn, in the end we have to accept the teacher in ourselves as well, and have enough confidence to realize that we do not have to constantly seek help from outside sources. Another danger is to blindly follow a tradition, any tradition, without keeping a healthy, critical perspective in mind. The fact that we have chosen a path (spiritual, intellectual, material or other) does not mean that we are bound to all its conventions, and that we should not question aspects that may spark curiosity in us, or make us uncomfortable. In my opinion, a potential danger of the Hierophant is intolerance: when we become so caught up in what we believe that we do not allow others to live out their own opinions.

From the book:
"This image represents the power in belief. It shows us that whatever we choose to believe in, especially the commonly held beliefs of our culture, will create reality for us. We make gods in our own image, and we then use them to justify whatever we want to do. The people in this card have created an idol, a bright and golden god, for whom they burn incense and bring sacrifices of food and wine. The perceived needs of their god are the same as their own because he represents their own ideal image.

"When this card is a part of your reading, look carefully at what part your faith plays in your life. What do you put your faith in: your work, your religion, your children, your self, a particular teacher, or the future? Do you have any faith in your life? The Hierophant is all these things. It is important to examine the object of your faith: is your teacher just, honest, and caring? Are you able to act independently and to recognize the difference between you and your teacher? Does your faith in yourself extend only to certain areas of life? The question becomes important because through our faith we gain the hope necessary to move forward with the more difficult of life’s tasks.

"The second part of the interpretation of this card is to examine the possibly negative aspects of one’s faith. We mustbe aware that the dogma we acquire through various religions and attitudes can be used to justify -- without examination -- all manner of behaviors. We must look carefully at how our rights and wrongs are determined and whether they arise out of a true sense of the common good or out of a need to require conformity to a narrow dogma. This kind of examination is particularly difficult because it requires a temporary suspension of one’s most stubbornly held beliefs in order to determine their ultimate effect. Then, we must look at what we teach and how we pass along the various teachings to the next generations, and be aware that religious teachings can bring a sense of the superiority of one set of beliefs over others. Ultimately, a personal faith in self, or in something beyond, should guide yu to reach for goals that will include respect for the rights of others, who must hold their own beliefs and pursue -- through faith -- goals of their own."

Marisa Antonaya