Today the Hierophant presents himself veiled; obviously inspired by the Catholic tradition when churches would veil crosses and statues with a simple cloth during the Lent period, an act of commemoration and respect, a time of prayer, abstinence, and contemplation. A solemn period that would take the worshiper through the sorrowful mysteries, guiding the celebrant to the foot of the cross as they metaphorically witness the journey that Jesus took that lead to his crucifixion and resurrection. The time when the coverings would ritually be unveiled, symbolising Christ’s victory over death, so renewal, rebirth, and transformation.
There is a powerful message embedded within this unusual but powerful card. One that on the surface, may seem somewhat cryptic. The bishop like figure, the wise one, titled Hierophant, a Greek word derived from the blend of the words “ta hiera” ‘the holy’ and “phainein” ‘to show’. A word that loosely describes a messenger who is bringing important insight. Bowing before the unrevealed, are the supplicants, the unknowable, mystery of the soul. The hidden but faithfully observed part of themselves.
A new dawn is breaking; it’s time to wipe the slate clean. All that you perceive as challenge in your life is being reworked. The foundations of those issues are transforming and moving. Like a frozen lake that is steadily melting away. The power that binds you to your problems is going. A new day is breaking; a new page is being turned. Take off the veil my friend; it’s time to show your glorious light. For the sun that shines upon your troubled head burns most brightly within the darkest folds of your soul. Step out of your illusion into the magnificent mysteries of your higher most radiant and uninhibited self.
