While the connection between Taurus and The Hierophant card may not seem as immediately apparent as, for example, that between Libra and the Justice card, a closer look reveals a significant link.
Let’s first explore how The Hierophant represents Taurus and, only at the end of the article, see how Taurus is connected to the Pentacles tarot suit.
How The Hierophant represents Taurus
Taurus is a sign deeply rooted in values such as stability and tradition, and The Hierophant embodies these same principles. This card, though associated with spiritual matters and a connection to higher realms, remains firmly grounded, symbolized by its two solid columns. Both the sign and the card have to bridge the physical and spiritual worlds, a challenging task particularly for the earth-bound Taurus.
However, along with the positive traits linking Taurus and The Hierophant – such as tradition, stability, and conformity – come some potential downsides: resistance and stubbornness. Both Taurus and The Hierophant can exhibit a reluctance to embrace change, deeply entrenched in their belief systems or conventional frameworks. This resistance can manifest as a fear of change, with both entities often feeling stuck in their respective realms – the throne for The Hierophant and the grassy fields for Taurus.
If you’re interested in discovering more about The Hierophant tarot card, including its meanings, symbols, and fun facts, tap on the black preview below.
Five senses plus one
As previously mentioned, it’s worth reiterating that one of the main characteristics of Taurus is their deep connection to the physical realm. To achieve this, they must engage all five senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch – to fully ground themselves in the physical world. This is why connecting with nature is particularly beneficial for Taurus, whether through a walk in the forest or gardening.
When Taurus aligns with their earthly senses, they reach The Hierophant’s level of authority and power, enabling them to connect with a sixth sense: the spiritual one. The Hierophant acts as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms, embodying the importance of spiritual connection and serving as a profound spiritual teacher.
The Hierophant’s Key Symbols Connection to Taurus
What we’ve discussed so far is already substantial in establishing The Hierophant as the Major Arcana tarot card for Taurus. However, there is even more to explore, particularly how some key symbols in the card are connected to Taurus. Additionally, as we’ll see later on, certain keywords help to further emphasize this connection.
Let’s start with the key symbols…
Two columns and the Taurinian search for stability
In The Hierophant tarot card, the background features two pillars or columns, similar to those found in The High Priestess card. These pillars have two primary meanings: providing stability and achieving balance in opposites.
The stone columns symbolize stability, representing the steadfast and grounded nature of Taurus. However, they also highlight the challenge of being difficult to move, reflecting Taurus’s stubborn nature. Remember how we discussed this stubbornness earlier?
Additionally, these pillars signify the duality of opposing forces, such as masculine and feminine energies or earthly and spiritual realms. They embody The Hierophant’s ability to find balance and integrate different aspects of life and spirituality.
Crossed keys and Venus symbol
The crossed keys rest upon a platform adorned with four encircled crosses, known as globus cruciger, symbolizing the Earth. This arrangement mirrors the astrological sign of Venus, which is intricately linked to The Hierophant card and, of course, to Taurus.
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the brightest planet in the sky. In Roman mythology and metaphorically in astrology, Venus is the goddess of love and beauty. The presence of the keys within The Hierophant card emphasizes the card’s connection to these qualities – love, beauty, and the harmonious balance between the spiritual and earthly realms.
Crown and reliability
The triple crown adorning The Hierophant’s head evokes a profound sense of tradition, reminiscent of the papal tiara known as the triregnum. Traditions, as we’ve noted, are closely connected to Taurus.
However, it’s not just about tradition; it’s also about reliability. The crown instills trust in the reader, signaling that The Hierophant is indeed a figure to rely on – a characteristic also associated with Taurus. This trust is evident in the posture of the two figures in the foreground, who clearly see The Hierophant as a spiritual guide and place their trust in him.
The Hierophant’s Keywords
As many tarot enthusiasts are aware, each card is accompanied by associated “keywords” – brief phrases or single words that encapsulate its essence. These keywords serve as convenient reference points for grasping the card’s meaning and guiding interpretations.
The tradition of assigning keywords to tarot cards traces back to the 18th century with the Etteilla Tarot. Etteilla, a renowned French occultist, played a pivotal role in popularizing tarot within esoteric circles, as detailed in our article on the History of Tarot.
Now, let’s delve into the specific keywords associated with The Hierophant and examine their connection to Taurus.
The Hierophant in the upright position is epitomized by the keyword “Tradition”. As previously mentioned, Taurus, renowned for its profound attachment to stability and tradition, deeply resonates with this keyword. Taurus individuals frequently seek comfort and security by adhering to established norms and values, mirroring The Hierophant’s commitment to upholding tradition in spiritual realms.
Beneath The Hierophant’s authoritative exterior lies a profound sense of caring and compassion. That’s why an upright keyword is exactly “Caring”. Taurus individuals are known for their nurturing nature and their desire to provide comfort and support to those they care about.
The next upright keyword is “Desire to Help”. The Hierophant embodies the role of a spiritual guide, providing wisdom and guidance to those on a quest for enlightenment. Similarly, Taurus individuals, known for their practical nature and unwavering determination, often feel a strong urge to extend a helping hand to those in need.
In the reversed position, The Hierophant is represented by the keyword “Blocked Situation”, which signifies a resistance to change. As mentioned earlier, Taurus individuals, although grounded and reliable, may encounter difficulty adapting to new circumstances or breaking free from established patterns. This keyword underscores the shared challenge faced by both The Hierophant and Taurus when confronted with obstacles that impede their progress or growth.
How the Suit of Pentacles reflects Taurus’ values
If we consider the Minor Arcana, the suit that best represents the energies of the earth signs – specifically Taurus – is undoubtedly the Pentacles.
Pentacles often deal with issues related to career, financial stability, and practical achievements – areas where Taureans naturally excel due to their hardworking and persistent nature. Like the sturdy and reliable Pentacles, Taureans are known for their dependability and practical approach to life’s challenges. They are both builders, using resources effectively to construct a secure and comfortable existence.
Pentacles in Tarot also highlight the importance of nature and its cycles, resonating with Taurus’s appreciation for the natural world and its pleasures. The slow, methodical approach of Taurus aligns with the gradual development often depicted in the journey of the Pentacles, where success and fulfillment are achieved through steady progress and perseverance.
Any questions to ask or insight to share? Leave a comment below.
