I continue my astrological exploration of the Major Arcana with Trump 5, The Hierophant (or High Priest). The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun.
Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD)
The OGD attribution for the Hierophant is Taurus (The Bull), the second sign of the zodiac, a fixed Earth sign known for being practical, determined, artistic, loving, stubborn, and resistant to change. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, planet of love, affection, art, beauty, esthetics, and pleasure.
Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD)
The OGD attribution for the Hierophant is Taurus (The Bull), the second sign of the zodiac, a fixed Earth sign known for being practical, determined, artistic, loving, stubborn, and resistant to change. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, planet of love, affection, art, beauty, esthetics, and pleasure.
One World Tarot by Crystal LoveThis deck associates the High Priest with the planet Jupiter, which traditionally rules the signs Sagittarius and Pisces. Love explains: "Jupiter is associated with the higher mind, higher education, spiritual expansion, and knowledge. It represents religion and philosophy and all religious and philosophical institutions."
A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens associates the Hierophant, Trump 5, with the zodiac sign Leo (Fire), the fifth sign of the zodiac. Leo is ruled by the Sun. Thierens writes: "Leo is the 'king,' it is said by astrologers. And in mundane evolution the king derived his power from the emperor, as in the zodiac. . . Self-centredness and some sort of natural authority are the chief characteristics of Leo and the Hierophant."
The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
This deck links the Hierophant with the zodiac sign Taurus. Clark writes: "The great bull abducts us into the pleasures of the outer world, the desires of the body, and the rapture of our passions. Beyond the incarnate body is the spirit of the Hierophant whose essence centers our passions, secures our self-doubt, and distills the worldly experiences."
The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Mann associates The High Priest with the zodiac sign Taurus -- "the physical foundation from which the spiritual quest arises." In the High Priest we see "an opportunity to transform material desire into loving generosity."
Thierens associates the Hierophant, Trump 5, with the zodiac sign Leo (Fire), the fifth sign of the zodiac. Leo is ruled by the Sun. Thierens writes: "Leo is the 'king,' it is said by astrologers. And in mundane evolution the king derived his power from the emperor, as in the zodiac. . . Self-centredness and some sort of natural authority are the chief characteristics of Leo and the Hierophant."
The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
This deck links the Hierophant with the zodiac sign Taurus. Clark writes: "The great bull abducts us into the pleasures of the outer world, the desires of the body, and the rapture of our passions. Beyond the incarnate body is the spirit of the Hierophant whose essence centers our passions, secures our self-doubt, and distills the worldly experiences."
The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. MannMann associates The High Priest with the zodiac sign Taurus -- "the physical foundation from which the spiritual quest arises." In the High Priest we see "an opportunity to transform material desire into loving generosity."
The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel 
This deck links the Hierophant with the zodiac sign Taurus, ruled by Venus. Hazel notes that "his position between heaven and earth suggests that he is a mediator between the gods and men, interpreting the laws of the universe and the wisdom of history." The Hierophant represents "universal law, the infinite and unchanging truth of the universe that outlasts the laws created by humanity."
In this grouping we are given a choice of three different attributions for this card: Taurus (the most common), Jupiter, and Leo. I understand the points made by the creators of each of these decks. Personally, I have always felt a connection between the Hierophant and Saturn (planet of lessons, limitations, and responsibility) and/or the sign Capricorn. All astrological attribution systems are largely subjective, of course. A case could probably be made for almost any system that uses a modicum of logic.
I welcome your comments!
Zanna
This deck links the Hierophant with the zodiac sign Taurus, ruled by Venus. Hazel notes that "his position between heaven and earth suggests that he is a mediator between the gods and men, interpreting the laws of the universe and the wisdom of history." The Hierophant represents "universal law, the infinite and unchanging truth of the universe that outlasts the laws created by humanity."
In this grouping we are given a choice of three different attributions for this card: Taurus (the most common), Jupiter, and Leo. I understand the points made by the creators of each of these decks. Personally, I have always felt a connection between the Hierophant and Saturn (planet of lessons, limitations, and responsibility) and/or the sign Capricorn. All astrological attribution systems are largely subjective, of course. A case could probably be made for almost any system that uses a modicum of logic.
I welcome your comments!
Zanna
Hi Zanna,
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to see the different aspects attributed to the Hierophant by different authors.
Although as you say the most common attribution seems to be Taurus and Venus. I actually like and can relate to what you say here. "I have always felt a connection between the Hierophant and Saturn (planet of lessons, limitations, and responsibility) and/or the sign Capricorn. All astrological attribution systems are largely subjective, of course. A case could probably be made for almost any system that uses a modicum of logic."
I agree Helen. I see Jupiter and Saturn in this card than I do Venus.
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