Hierophant as What Someone Wants (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 What Someone Wants

If you’re questioning what someone wants and you draw the Hierophant, it signifies that they might be on a quest for spiritual guidance, a sense of tradition, or structured learning. Their pursuit of spiritual guidance could mean they are exploring their spiritual beliefs or seeking guidance from a religious or spiritual advisor. The longing for a sense of tradition might reflect their need to connect with established customs or practices, as it could provide them a sense of comfort and stability. Their interest in structured learning could indicate a desire for education or training that follows a systematic approach or formal curriculum.

In the context of someone’s desires, the Hierophant can represent a yearning for wisdom, guidance, or the desire to adhere to established social structures and beliefs. Their yearning for wisdom could suggest they are seeking to broaden their knowledge or deepen their understanding in a particular area of life. Their quest for guidance might show that they are in need of advice or direction from a trusted mentor or guide. The desire to follow established social structures and beliefs may reflect a sense of comfort and security they find in traditions or societal norms.

When discussing a romantic relationship, the Hierophant’s role could mean that someone desires a traditional relationship, one that follows societal norms, or they might be seeking a spiritual connection with their partner. The desire for a traditional relationship could suggest a longing for a partnership that aligns with conventional societal expectations and roles. A relationship that follows societal norms might indicate a preference for a relationship that fits into established conventions and expectations. Their wish for a spiritual connection in their partnership could denote the need for a deep, soulful bond with their partner that transcends the physical realm.

In relation to an ex-partner, the Hierophant suggests that they might be longing for the comfort and stability that tradition brings or seeking guidance to understand lessons from the past relationship. The longing for tradition’s comfort and stability might be their way of yearning for the predictability and security found in established routines and norms. Seeking guidance to understand past relationship lessons indicates they’re trying to gain insights or clarity from their past experiences to avoid making the same mistakes.

When inquiring about a friend or family member, drawing the Hierophant could suggest that they seek wisdom, guidance, or wish to share or learn traditional values. Seeking wisdom and guidance might indicate their respect and acknowledgement of the person’s knowledge and life experiences. Their wish to share or learn traditional values could mean that they value the moral principles and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

Lastly, in the context of career and financial matters, the Hierophant implies that they may aim to follow a traditional path in their career, or seek guidance or mentorship in their professional life. Following a traditional career path might denote a preference for stable and predictable career progressions or industries. Seeking guidance or mentorship suggests a desire to learn from experienced professionals in their field to navigate their career more effectively.

Hierophant Reversed as What Someone Wants

If you are asking about what someone wants and you draw the Hierophant reversed, it indicates that they might be desiring to challenge traditional norms, seeking individuality, or wanting to explore unconventional paths. Challenging traditional norms suggests their interest in disrupting or questioning existing standards or practices that they find limiting or outdated. Their pursuit of individuality indicates a longing for personal freedom and self-expression, highlighting their unique qualities. The desire to explore unconventional paths may reveal their adventurous spirit and their willingness to tread paths less traveled.

In the Tarot, the Hierophant reversed as what someone wants can symbolize their need to break free from tradition, their desire to question dogma, or a yearning for personal freedom. The need to break free from tradition could stem from their feeling of being constricted or stifled by the status quo, leading them to seek fresh perspectives or alternatives. Their desire to question dogma could highlight their independent thinking and their refusal to accept beliefs without critical examination. Their yearning for personal freedom might indicate their wish to live life on their own terms, free from societal expectations or restrictions.

When discussing a romantic relationship, the Hierophant reversed suggests they might be seeking a non-traditional relationship or may desire a partner who values their individuality and freedom. Their pursuit of a non-traditional relationship could mean they wish for a partnership that doesn’t adhere to societal norms and offers a unique dynamic that aligns with their values. Their desire for a partner who respects their individuality and freedom speaks volumes about their need for personal space, independence, and the freedom to be themselves in the relationship.

If the context involves an ex, the Hierophant reversed could indicate they might be wishing to break free from old patterns or want to establish their own beliefs separate from the past relationship. Their desire to break free from old patterns might stem from their realization of unhealthy cycles or habits that they want to avoid repeating. Their ambition to establish their own beliefs separate from the past relationship suggests they’re striving for personal growth and individuation following the breakup.

If you’re asking about a friend or family member, the Hierophant reversed implies that they may want a relationship that respects their individuality, or they might be seeking to question established family traditions or norms. Their desire for a relationship that respects their individuality reveals their need for acknowledgment and acceptance of their unique traits and beliefs. Their intention to question established family traditions or norms might suggest their growing awareness and critical examination of inherited practices, sparking a desire for change or evolution within the family dynamic.

In the realm of career and financial matters, the Hierophant reversed implies that they could be striving for an unconventional career path or may wish to break free from conventional expectations in their profession. Their quest for an unconventional career path might suggest their interest in innovative fields, entrepreneurial endeavors, or roles that allow creative freedom. Their desire to break free from conventional professional expectations can indicate their unwillingness to conform to traditional corporate structures, signaling a search for a work environment that values diversity and unique approaches.

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.