The unmistakable passion flower was named by Catholic priests in the late 16th century and used during missionary trips to serve as a tool for teaching the life and death of Jesus . The three purple stigmas are said to represent the outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross and the 10 petals and sepals represent the 10 apostles who did not betray him (all but Judas and Peter). Furthermore, the sharp and protruding filaments reference the iconic crown of thorns from passion of the Christ. Most species of passion flower only last a single day in full bloom, a delicate nod to the ephemeral and fleeting nature of our own time on earth.
The word “hierophant” comes from the Greek words hieros (ἱερός) and phainein (φαινειν), which together signify “to reveal the sacred.”
In the same way that feast days are commemorated as a group, this card calls for the reader to reflect and have a personal, individual relationship with their spirituality, religion, or other transcendent world view. The Hierophant values the propagation of these rituals and traditions by teaching the new generations to value them as their ancestors did.
The Hierophant represents mentors, teachers, guidance counselors, or good friends that can offer tried-and-true advice.
Ultimately, the spirit of this card leans towards traditional and established methods over new, risky, and uncertain approaches.
The Hierophant Tarot Card Meaning