Arcanum V – The Hierophant (The Pope): Meaning, Symbolism & Interpretation

The 5th Arcanum of the Tarot—the Hierophant, also called The Pope—represents divine wisdom, sacred law, spiritual authority, and the transmission of eternal knowledge. As the master of hidden mysteries, he sits between the two pillars of the Sanctuary, holding the triple cross and marking on his chest the sign of silence. Two figures—one in red, the other in black—kneel before him, symbolizing the forces of Light and Darkness that obey higher spiritual order.

Ancient Roots: The Hierophant and the Egyptian Book of the Dead

In the Book of the Dead, Chapter LIX, the triumphant NU proclaims:

“I am the Jackal of the Jackals, and I draw air from the presence of the God of Light, and I convey it to the bounds of the Firmament and to the bounds of the Earth, and to the frontiers of the outermost limits of the flight of the Neveh bird. Thus air is given to these Young Divine Beings.”

This powerful declaration reveals the ancient origin of Hierophantic energy: the sacred intermediary who receives divine breath and distributes it throughout the cosmos.

Arcanum No. 5 is the Hierophant—the Law, the Rigour, the Flaming Pentagram.
It is the Flaming Star, the sign of Divine Omnipotence, the ineffable symbol of the Word made flesh, the radiant Star of the Magi.

The Pentagram, representing the human microcosm, is the Man—arms and legs outstretched—forming the Five-Pointed Star of spiritual mastery.

The Esoteric Symbolism of Arcanum V

The Two Pillars

• Right Pillar: Divine Law

• Left Pillar: Freedom to obey
  Together they express the dynamic balance between universal order and human free will.

The Triple Cross

A symbol of God’s presence in the three worlds—material, psychic, and spiritual—and the creative forces that animate universal life.

The Two Kneeling Figures

• Red: Genius of Light

• Black: Genius of Darkness
  Both obey the Hierophant, the guardian of sacred science and moral inspiration.

Core Meanings of Arcanum 5

Keywords: Indication, demonstration, teaching, philosophy, karmic law, structure, rigor, moral authority.

• Kabbalistic Sefirah: Geburah

• Hebrew Letter: He

• Planetary Association: Mercury

• Astrological Sign: Virgo (or Taurus in Hermetic Kabbalah—Hearing)

Transcendent Axiom

“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see you and my heart feels you.”

and:

“Before judging whether a man is happy or unhappy, know what use he makes of his will.

Remember, Son of Earth, that before judging whether a man is happy or unhappy,

know what use he makes of his will,

for every man creates his life through his works.

The voice of Good is on your right

The voice of Evil on your left;

His voice is only heard by your conscience:

Know yourself, and it will answer you.”

 

This Arcanum invites introspection, moral clarity, and alignment with the voice of conscience.

The Hierophant in Astrology: Mercury in Virgo, Jupiter

This combination emphasizes:

• Discernment

• Practical wisdom

• Analytical intelligence

• Structured spiritual study

Card Prediction & Divinatory Meaning

General Meaning

The Hierophant signifies:

• Inspiration and guidance

• Spiritual teachers, mentors, counselors (priest, doctor, lawyer, advisor)

• Divine wisdom and tradition

• Assistance from higher forces

• Teaching, initiation, moral authority

It is a card of action, structure, and disciplined progress. It often arises when you are creating foundations for stability—studying, building a home, clarifying a relationship, or strengthening personal values.

Message

This moment requires calm, prudence, and clarity.
Observe before acting. Prepare for important conversations and seek wise counsel.

Egyptian Correspondence: Anubis, Keeper of Sacred Order

Anubis symbolizes:

• Organization

• Practical work

• Oversight and discipline

• Protection of sacred processes

He represents the architect, the overseer—the one who ensures that creation unfolds with order and purpose.

Symbol: A container of water with a drop of oil — the union of masculine and feminine, the alchemical integration of opposites.

Three Levels of Interpretation

1. Spiritual Plane

• Universal Law

• Cosmic magnetism

• The divine principle manifesting through creation

2. Mental Plane

• Mastery of passions

• Knowledge, moral discernment

• Clear understanding of self and others

• The judgment of Anubis and the weighing of truth

3. Material Plane

• Direction and control of natural forces

• Stability through disciplined action

• Effective manifestation of physical and mental creations

• Balance of potential and capability

Symbol: The two plates of the Scales of Osiris — balance before action.

Traditional Cartomancy Meanings

Positive:

• Moral authority

• Teaching and guidance

• Protection

• Loyalty

• Benevolence, generosity

• Respect for tradition

• Revelation, spiritual meaning

Negative (Reversed or Shadow Aspect):

• Dogmatism

• Authoritarianism

• Hypocrisy or empty preaching

• Confusion, indecision

• Lack of spiritual grounding

• Delayed projects or closed mindset

The Hierophant in the Tarot of Marseilles

Depicted with:

• A triple crown

• A six-armed cross

• Two kneeling acolytes

• The keys of spiritual power

He represents the channel of divine grace, the voice of sacred tradition, and the guardian of orthodoxy.

He is not merely religion, but the institutional face of spiritual truth—a bridge between universal wisdom and its earthly expression.

Theological and Mystical Meaning

The Hierophant expresses:

In the Divine World

Universal Law governing infinite manifestations of Being.

In the Intellectual World

Religion—the relationship between the Infinite and the finite.

In the Physical World

Inspiration flowing through the astral currents; the test of human freedom within universal law.

Summary of Arcanum V – The Hierophant

Arcanum 5 is a call to inner discipline, moral clarity, and spiritual maturity.
It invites you to:

• Listen to your conscience

• Seek wisdom and trustworthy guidance

• Build strong foundations

• Align with universal law

• Integrate opposites into harmony

It is the Arcana of transcendence, illumination, structure, and sacred duty.

Kabbalistic Numerology Meaning of Arcanum V – Period Forecast

When Arcanum 5 governs a period in a Kabbalistic numerology reading, it marks a time of inner discipline, learning, and karmic alignment. This is a cycle ruled by Law, structure, initiation, and the acquisition of essential wisdom through experience. It reveals both the blessings and the boundaries placed upon the seeker for their spiritual maturation.

Forecasting Element

“Freedom and restrictions; new experiences; acquisition of useful teachings; love and love affairs; journeys of ill-fated prosperity. Propitious friends and portentous friends. Beings and things that come and go—those who come in order to leave, and those who go in order to return.”

Meaning of the Cycle

• A period of instruction, where life becomes a teacher and every event carries a message.

• Encounters with mentors, guides, or significant figures who influence your path.

• Situations that challenge personal morality and require you to act with integrity.

• Energetic gateways open for learning, research, spiritual practice, or vocational improvement.

• Temporary experiences—people or opportunities that appear and disappear—each leaving a necessary lesson.

• Romantic or emotional experiences marked by karma, teaching discernment and inner balance.

• A call to cultivate prudence, grounding, and structured effort.

• The potential for travel or movement that brings understanding rather than material gain.

• Strong emphasis on cause and effect—you reap exactly what you sow during this cycle.

Spiritual Purpose of the Period

This is a time to:

• Consolidate knowledge

• Strengthen discipline

• Listen to conscience

• Align with higher law

• Integrate spiritual principles into daily life

Arcanum 5 in numerology is the Voice of the Inner Master, guiding you through experiences that refine character, expand perception, and anchor wisdom through lived reality.

Warning

Acting impulsively, resisting guidance, or disregarding moral clarity may lead to:

• Repeated lessons

• Confusion

• Conflicts with authority

• Delays in progress

FAQs

Q: What does Arcanum V – The Hierophant mean in Tarot?
A: It represents divine wisdom, spiritual authority, moral law, and the transmission of sacred teachings.

Q: What is the Kabbalistic meaning of Arcanum 5?
A: Arcanum 5 corresponds to Geburah, the Hebrew letter He, and represents law, discipline, karmic order, and moral structure.

Q: What does the Hierophant symbolize in numerology?
A: In a numerology cycle, it signifies learning, karmic experiences, useful teachings, shifting relationships, and periods of spiritual discipline.

Q: What is the Pentagram connection to Arcanum V?
A: The Flaming Pentagram symbolizes the Divine Word made flesh and represents the awakened human microcosm.

Continue your journey through the Tarot and Hermetic Kabbalah:

• Meaning of Arcanum 1 (The Magician)

• Meaning of Arcanum 2 (The High Priestess)

• Meaning of Arcanum 3 (The Empress)

• How Names Shape Life: Arcana in Kabbalistic Numerology