PERSONALITY ARCHETYPES IN TAROT: THE HIEROPHANT

By Judy Jennings © Copyright 2014

Our look at personality archetypes in the major arcana continues with The Hierophant, associated with the astrological sign Taurus.  In astrology Taurus is represented by the bull.  In Tarot, the essence of this personality is signified by a priest, an allusion to the status of the bull as a religious symbol revered since ancient times.  Prevalent in Greek and Roman mythology, the bull was also a prominent figure in early Egyptian religious cults, with legends often centering around the theme of sacrifice.  Despite the ultra-masculine image of the bull, the polarity of this sign (and card) is ying, or “female”.  In Tarot, the bull transforms into a person of faith and ceremony, a priest to better illustrate the human condition and the idea of receptivity.  Still, whether priest or bull, the idea conjured by these figures is that of an intent, powerful personality.  

Astrology offers clues about personality compatibility that readily translate into Tarot.  Among the strongest are Polar Opposites, or signs that are opposite each other in the wheel of the Zodiac.  In this way The Hierophant (Taurus) is matched with Death (Scorpio), resulting in the pairing of a personality focused on stability and material possessions with one that thrives on change and creative rebuilding.   

  

5.   THE HIEROPHANT (TAURUS, EARTH, YING)

POTENTIAL:

Intensely loyal and conscientious, the personality represented by the Hierophant likes for experiences to have a specific purpose.  Faith is a practical matter to the Hierophant, who enjoys the stability of ritual;  abstract philosophy is not her realm. This is a person with the ability to explain the connection between Spirit and the material world in down-to-earth terms.  

The Hierophant is motivated to ground and secure the energy created by the Emperor, and places great importance on not wasting it.  This personality is careful and deliberate in self-expression, and takes time before forming opinions.  This is a very determined person.

UNREALIZED POTENTIAL:

There can be refusal to believe anything this person cannot touch or see for herself.  A conservative attitude, materialism, stubbornness and a limited imagination are possible.  There may be a need for constant reassurance of love and loyalty.   This person can appear to be aloof, rigid, or stingy.  

EQUILIBRIUM:

This is someone who is slow to love, but once committed, is loyal through thick and thin.  A sensitive, romantic nature flourishes in the right environment.  This realized Hierophant is family and community oriented, sensitive and understanding, and affectionate.  This person is very concerned with the conservation of energy and resources. The Hierophant is especially compatible with someone represented by Death, or by Cups.

PERSONALITY ARCHETYPES IN THE TAROT: THE EMPEROR

By Judy Jennings © Copyright 2014

While Tarot and Astrology offer different disciplines, they are also inseparable.  Twelve of the major arcana are associated with signs of the zodiac, which are, as astrologer Alan Oken puts it, “The constant twelve principles of Man”.  In other words, they are archetypes of human personalities, as are the triumphs that are associated with each sign.  In Tarot, each has three possible types of expression; Potential, Equilibrium and Unrealized Potential.  In this series we’ll explore these twelve triumphs and the personalities that accompany them.

Keep in mind that these descriptions are specifically about personality characteristics, and are not, by any means, a full account of the energies contained in the cards.  They can be very helpful, however, when a person appears  in a reading.  Use them for insight into someone ‘s nature, possible intentions, and compatibility.

Each of the astrological signs has an associated positive or negative polarity, also known as male and female, or yang and ying.  Gender pronouns in these descriptions vary according to the polarity of the sign that’s attached to the card, which leads to some unconventional assignments.  Remember, though, the cards-and their polarities-represent energies, not actual gender.  

For example, is it confusing to address the Hermit as she, because Virgo has a negative polarity?  No doubt.  But take the thought a bit further:  the reclusive, monastic figure on the mountaintop is clearly in a receptive state of mind, despite the artist’s rendering of a grizzled old graybeard.  If you can see past the limitations of the illustrations on the cards, you’ll be able to use the gender pronoun in these descriptions as a clue about the true nature of a person.

The first distinct personality type to emerge among the triumphs is The Emperor, born of Aries.  His element is Fire and polarity is Yang.  Even without any other information, this immediately identifies him as an energetic, outgoing individual.  In fact, this person’s primary motivation is to make his mark on the world.  This can come out in a variety of ways.

4.   THE EMPEROR (ARIES, FIRE, YANG)

POTENTIAL:

At its fullest potential, this is a charismatic, warm personality that continually seeks avenues for self-expression.  Eager and highly energetic, The Emperor craves constant excitement and thrives on competition. 

This is an idealistic person who is both perceptive and capable of thinking clearly.  Courageous and enthusiastic, the Emperor is likely to seize opportunity without hesitation and has the determination to persevere through setbacks.  Emperors seek intensity in all relationships, and need connections with other people in order to bring their own talents into the world. 

UNREALIZED POTENTIAL:

If the positive potential of Aries is not being realized the nature of the Emperor takes a different direction.  Intensity becomes possessiveness.  There is a tendency to rush in before thinking and an inability to follow through.  Temper flares easily.  The personality may be confrontational, aggressive and unwilling to accept direction.  Idealism becomes naivete, or even arrogance.  These Emperors live in the world of their own ideas and have little compassion for the struggles of others.  Lack of experience thwarts creative force.

 EQUILIBRIUM:

A  successful Emperor is an excellent leader and is strongly supportive of the talents of others.  A keen sense of observation and high intelligence are inherent.  This is a decisive person who know how to set healthy boundaries, and who takes very good care of the ones he loves.  An Emperor is especially compatible with someone represented by Justice or any of the Sword courts.