Major Arcana V
The Hierophant
The Bridge
The card
Michelangelo’s enigmatic portrayal of the prophet Moses looks out over a landscape of workers bent towards the ground, toiling beneath his gaze and under his staff. Suspended just above the horizon line is a fragment of yet another of Michelangelo’s famous works, The Creation of Adam. The two hands reach for each other, but never touch — alluding to man’s desire to know the Source from which he came and the mystery that exists in the space between.
The Hierophant represents a teacher, a guide, and Source energy. It encourages those on the physical plane to surrender in service of something greater. For in the end, this work will bring the greater harvest.
This card is a call to set ego and identity aside. Take others into account when setting your goals and work selflessly to achieve them. Entrust yourself and your work to a mentor and to Source, knowing that any work you put in at this time is for a greater purpose. Make space in your life for spiritual practice and consider your roots. Consider getting involved with a group of like-minded people who you can serve in some way and who will return the favor. Be willing to grow in your beliefs and keep an open mind.
Which humble practice would make your belief tangible?
Jungian lens
The archetype in motion
Living tradition connects private belief with disciplined practice and shared meaning. Its shadow is empty conformity or dependence upon borrowed authority. Integration turns inherited wisdom into a practice that has been consciously chosen.