The Hierophant sits between the two pillars of the Tree of Life from the Kabbalah. The capitals of the pillars are decorated with mystic symbols of sexual union.
Eunapius the Hierophant
Occult and mystic groups and in Esoteric Christianity teach that in the spiritual worlds Initiation is given into Holy Mysteries, to those prepared, by the Hierophants of the Lesser Mystery Schools, and beyond them there are still schools wherein greater Mysteries are taught.
In Tarot, The Hierophant is one of the twenty-two trump cards comprising the Major Arcana, and represents the guide towards knowledge, insight and wisdom. In a tarot reading it might for example represent a priest, scholar, therapist or teacher.
Tarot -- Hierophant is a master of sacred rites holding court in a holy place. Acolytes kneel before him and listen to his wisdom, The robes of the acolytes bear a design of red roses and white lilies (which also appears in the Magician card) which symbolize desire and abstract thought respectively. Between them at the Hierophant's feet are two crossed keys representing the conscious and the subconscious. Unlike the High Priestess, the Hierophant is concerned with the application of spiritual knowledge to the physical world. The Hierophant in a reading can indicate the establishment, the "powers that be", or perhaps an overly stubborn adherence to tradition. It is often a sign that it is time to think about giving up your routines, your old way of doing things, and to move into the unknown. Perhaps consider what life would be like if we truly lived by what we believe.
The Hierophant is a wise holy man. He has dedicated his life to obtaining spiritual peace through a close relationship to his Creator. He cares not for worldly things. Although he is wise in the various realms of human existence, spiritual riches are the only true wealth to him. He is portrayed as a wise man giving a blessing to two subjects, one of whom appears to be a mother holding a child; the other, a depressed-looking man. These people are focused on worldly activities and The Hierophant, by blessing them, attempts to call their attention to spiritual matters of the soul, without which no one is whole. Rather than seeing through mortal eyes and focusing on worldly matters, he has a third eye on his forehead that sees God's great goodness and plans.
The Hierophant asks you to make a connection with your God, to seek spiritual sustenance for meaning in life and to replenish your spiritual nature. Seek God's love and blessings to find peace in your mind and soul. Perhaps you need to seek spiritual guidance from a holy person. Perhaps you need to study religious or philosophical texts and pray. However you find the goodness and peace of your God is a personal matter and should not be subjected to the narrow minds of people who have religious convictions that allow no differing of beliefs on achieving spiritual happiness. There is more than one path to God, and The Hierophant recommends you find one that makes you happy. In a negative light, The Hierophant could represent a bad influence on your life in spiritual matters, a surrender of responsibility that should not have taken place or misused power of a higher spiritual authority.