The Pope and the Hierophant

Previous page Papal Tiara

Morgan-Greer Tarot

The Hierophant character of the Tarot bears similar aspects to that of the popes. The keys of gold and silver are worth closer consideration.

Symbol of the Vatican

The above image often in sculpture is repeated many times inside and outside Vatican buildings. Predominant are the keys which refer to this passage with Jesus speaking to Peter, the proto-pope

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on Earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”

Matthew 16 : 19

Binding and Loosening seems a power of these keys, on Earth and in the heavens. They seem symbolic of Boaz and Jachin, and the red rope that binds them appears to symbolise and act like the Merkaba. Firstly it forms a cross as the Merkaba can be seen to do, and secondly the hanging section forms 2 opposing triangles, which if overlaid would reflect the Merkaba when viewed from any of its points. This view is obviously also the Star of David.

The symbols of oppression and control seem to mount the more one looks at the Vatican, including the previously discussed monstrance and papal tiara.

The Book of Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley

The Crowley Hierophant is similarly red toned, but otherwise fairly different. Rather than keys the handle of a single key is visible, emphasising 3 overlapping circles, the hand sign of the benediction points downward and on the hierophant’s chest is a human pentagram image. Populating the corners of the card are the major zodiac signs of Scorpio, Aquarius, Taurus and Leo, and central bottom is a smaller figure, a bluish High Priestess.

Next Page the High Priestess

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