The Hierophant sits as the supreme pontiff of the mysteries, the initiator who transmits sacred knowledge from master to student through the unbroken chain of tradition. In the Western Mystery Tradition, he is the Magus of the Eternal Gods—the earthly representative of divine authority who interprets cosmic law for humanity. Assigned the Hebrew letter Vav (ו), meaning "nail" or "hook," The Hierophant represents the connector, the link that joins heaven to earth, spirit to matter, and the individual to the collective wisdom of the ages. Vav is also the conjunctive "and" in Hebrew, signifying union and the binding together of separate elements.

On the Tree of Life, The Hierophant traverses the sixteenth path connecting Chokmah (Wisdom) to Chesed (Mercy). This is the path of the triumphant and eternal intelligence, carrying the pure force of primordial wisdom into the first sphere below the Abyss, where it can be organized into teachings and transmitted through institutions. His path bridges the supernal realm and the world of manifestation, making him the essential mediator between transcendent truth and human understanding. The two pillars behind him echo those of The High Priestess but now support a structured temple rather than a veiled mystery.

Under the influence of Taurus and the planet Venus in her earthy aspect, The Hierophant embodies the preservation and continuation of sacred values through material forms—temples, scriptures, rituals, and lineages of instruction. His triple crown represents dominion over the three worlds of spirit, mind, and body, while the keys crossed at his feet symbolize the power to bind and loose, to open and close the doors of initiation. The two acolytes before him represent the exoteric and esoteric traditions, the outer teachings available to all and the inner mysteries revealed only to the prepared. His right hand raised in benediction channels blessings according to established forms. In readings, The Hierophant indicates learning through tradition, spiritual guidance from recognized teachers, and the value of connecting to wisdom larger than oneself—though he also warns against confusing the forms of religion with its living essence.

Upright: Sacred tradition, spiritual authority, initiation into mysteries, orthodox teachings, guidance from masters, the power of ritual, connection to lineage, religious wisdom properly transmitted.

Reversed: Dogmatism, spiritual rigidity, corrupt institutions, the letter killing the spirit, false teachers, rejection of tradition, inability to find authentic guidance.