 I
struggled with the imagery in this card because it deals
with things I sometimes find difficult: conformity and tradition.
While many Tarot decks depict the Hierophant as a priest,
I thought that was too limited and chose to depict him
as a more universal teacher or librarian. I picture the
Hierophant as a person with vast knowledge to share, but
without a great deal of empathy or openness to new ideas.
He's so deeply indoctrinated into tradition that he often
fails to adapt to changing times, and to realize that
the teacher can also learn from the student.
He is flanked by pillars of books. The books contain
knowledge and secrets, but these secrets can't be shared
while they're locked away in the pillars. The plaque on
the front of the desk depicts the keys of knowledge.
The card also shows two students. The student on the
left is submissive to the Hierophant's instruction, facing
him and holding a book. He's taking the Hierophant's every
lesson to heart, following every rule. The student on
the right is looking out at the world, questioning authority
and wondering if there could be more to life than the
rules and facts the Hierophant imparts. To me, the student
on the right represents the hope that people can accept
the wisdom of the Hierophant and the necessary rules of
society, while still allowing room for individual freedom
and personal growth.
Deb Richardson Ewing
Kentucky, USA
Website: Deb's
Quilt Page
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© Tarot Art Quilt Project 2003. All rights reserved.
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