Hierophant as Past (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Hierophant is the card of traditions, education, faith, marriage, and spirituality. He is the male counterpart of the High Priestess. The Hierophant sits between two pillars. At his feet are two people who look to him for guidance and two keys representing the physical and spiritual realms. He presides over ceremony, kindness, charity, and metaphysical guidance.  

The Hierophant is conventional in his outlook on love, and he cherishes the stability of time-tested institutions, like religion, marriage, and childbirth. He serves the world in spiritual attunement by providing his flock of followers with rules and guidance. 

Upright Hierophant as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Hierophant, it means that there was a phase of conformity, possibly following traditional paths or respecting societal norms. This period in your life was likely marked by adherence to the established ways of doing things, and a respect for the wisdom of social institutions and elders. You might have found comfort and guidance in conventional wisdom, valuing the lessons derived from time-honored traditions and shared societal rules.

The Hierophant as the past can represent a time of learning and mentorship, adhering to structures and traditions. During this phase, you might have sought guidance from figures of authority or experts in a particular field, respecting and following the established rules and paths laid out before you. This was a time for structured learning, where a mentor’s guidance helped in shaping your understanding and perspectives, steering you through the complexities of life with wisdom derived from established norms.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hierophant in the past position means there was a commitment to traditional values and possibly a structured, conventional approach to the relationship. This suggests that the relationship was founded on established principles and a shared belief in the significance of maintaining certain traditions. It was a time when both partners valued a sense of order and predictability, leaning on time-tested ways to build and nurture their relationship, fostering a stable and committed bond through adherence to conventional values.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hierophant in the past position means the relationship may have adhered to traditional values and norms, possibly following a “scripted” path. This might indicate a relationship that followed a predictable trajectory, with both individuals possibly holding to conventional roles and expectations. Although it provided a structure, it might also have limited the spontaneity and natural flow of the relationship, potentially leading to a scenario where the relationship felt too rigid or stifled by the adherence to these traditional norms.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hierophant in the past position means there was a mutual respect for traditions and a mentor-mentee dynamic may have been present. This relationship likely nurtured learning and growth through a guided and structured approach, sharing wisdom, and teachings based on age-old traditions. It was a period of respecting the established norms, where the mutual exchange of knowledge fostered a rich, deep connection grounded in shared values and respect for tradition.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hierophant in the past position means there might have been a focus on education, training, and following the traditional path in your career progression. This period likely saw you engaging diligently with structured learning environments, possibly seeking certifications or formal education as a means to advance. It was a time when following the tried and tested paths laid down by predecessors in your field was important, leaning on established norms to build a stable foundation for your career.

Hierophant Reversed as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Hierophant reversed, it means that you may have gone through a phase of rebellion, questioning traditions and societal norms. This time in your life was characterized by a spirited inquiry into what the established rules meant for you personally, and it likely involved challenging the conventions you were brought up with. It was a stage of breaking away, cultivating your individual path, and seeking answers beyond what was handed down to you, venturing to form beliefs grounded in personal experience rather than accepted wisdom.

The Hierophant reversed as the past can represent a period where you challenged established norms, possibly breaking free from conventional paths. This period fostered a spirit of independence, where you dared to question the status quo and sought to carve out a path that was uniquely yours. It was a transformative time, marked by a brave endeavor to stand apart, to challenge, and possibly to overturn old systems and beliefs in the pursuit of a more personal, authentic truth.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hierophant reversed in the past position means there might have been resistance to conform to traditional relationship norms, fostering a more unconventional connection. This implies that the relationship took a path less treaded, with both partners allowing themselves the freedom to define their connection in terms that were personal and individualized, rather than adhering strictly to societal expectations. It was a time of exploration and open-mindedness, where the bond may have flourished in a space of understanding, acceptance, and respect for each other’s unique perspectives and desires.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hierophant reversed in the past position means the relationship might have broken away from traditional expectations, possibly leading to a non-conventional dynamic. This scenario suggests a relationship that defied the typical boundaries and norms, venturing into a space that was more fluid and personalized. It was a journey of discovery where both individuals were willing to forge a different path, one that catered to their unique dynamic, albeit with the understanding that it came with its own set of challenges and learnings.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hierophant reversed in the past position means there might have been a period of disagreement over beliefs and traditions, leading to potential conflict. This indicates a time when differing viewpoints came to the fore, challenging the harmony and potentially causing rifts. However, it was also a period of growth, where through navigating disagreements, there was an opportunity to understand each other on a deeper level, and to respect each other’s individual paths.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hierophant reversed in the past position means there was a time of challenging the status quo, potentially taking a path less traveled in your career trajectory. During this phase, you likely sought to break free from the mold, pursuing opportunities that were off the beaten path and possibly facing opposition as you endeavored to do things differently. It was a period marked by courage and a desire for change, as you worked to forge a unique path in your career, guided by personal convictions rather than traditional norms.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, The Hierophant is a tricky card. At its best, it represents the highest form of spiritual, platonic love. This is the critical foundation for every great relationship and commitment, but it is not enough in itself. Some relationships are not meant to progress beyond just friends. As much as that can hurt in the moment, know that you are best served by meeting someone who is aligned with you at a soul level. You will have to judge what the Hierophant is trying to tell you by the context of your reading and relationship history. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.