HIEROPHANT
The answers you seek stand before you -- The passing on of a lineage and holy teachings. Religious, esoteric texts and ritualistic implements. External spirituality, religious structures and institutions. Belief systems that are instilled rather than experienced. Societal norms and expectations. Teachers and students. Mentorship. The sharing of information. What lesson are you learning?
SHADOW: Groupthink. Crowd mentality. The expectation that you will go along with the status us quo. Signing up for a system of beliefs that don't make sense to you. Teachers obsessed with exercising authority instead of empowering students. Thinking your way is the only way. Speaking when you should listen. Using personal spirituality as an excuse to degrade others.
The Shadow Witch departs from the valley of fire. She spies a book upon her path. She picks up the tome and flips through its sweet, musky pages. Another strewn book catches her attention. This book leads to another book. Before she knows it, like a trail of breadcrumbs, the books lead her to an animated anthropomorphic tree. Trees are wise teachers to those who stop, look, and listen.
The Hierophant tree stands as the external symbol, form, and doorway to religion and assorted dogmas. All religious and spiritual teachings come from the Hierophant. The Hierophant is the shaman, medicine woman, priest, guru, and yogi who passes on esoteric information to students and disciples. This card reflects the relationship between mentor and student. It is giving and taking, the pursuit of knowledge, and a systematic course of study.
Crossed keys bearing the Dark Wood's initials reflect the unlocking of knowledge. A teacher encourages the student to uncover what they have always known deep inside. The two turtles in the water are the connection to natural history. The snake is kundalini power.
The Hierophant makes the sign of benediction and blessing with her right hand. Her left hand holds a scroll of ancient symbols, the esoteric gateway to a knowledge transcending language. Symbols speak directly to our unconscious. She is our attempt to explain and explore the ineffable.
The Emperor provides order for the world. The Hierophant gives us a hint and indication of the secrets and mysteries that exist behind the structure of daily life.