Hebrew Name: Vav (nail)
The Hebrew letter Vav means hook, or nail. A nail is a
fastening device, a means of joining or uniting things, and a means of
supporting something. "As a means of support, it is linked in thought
and language with such ideas as aid, assistance, sustenance, furtherance, and
ministry." A nail joins things, and therefore the central idea behind
"Vav" is that of "Union". Union is also the meaning of
the word "Yoga" which is a discipline whereby union is achieved
between personal consciousness and universal consciousness.1
The faculty of hearing is also attributed to Vav as hearing "unites man to man by speech, and man to God by the Word of the Inner Voice."2
Qabalistic Intelligence: The
Triumphant and Eternal Intelligence
The inner voice of true spiritual intuition is "Triumphant"
because is gives us assurance of the ultimate success of the One Will / Higher
Self / Life Power in the completion of its divine plan. It is "Eternal" because it
reveals to us eternal principles.3
Astrological Correspondence: Taurus
Taurus is representative of quietness, reserve, stability, affection,
patience, stability, practicality, and love of beauty. To receive
intuition, one requires a quiet listening posture, and patience. Intuition
is practical and provides stability. Furthermore, the sign of Taurus is
ruled by Venus. Thus, intuition is ruled by imagination, meaning that
intuition is the result of subconscious processes which generate mental imagery,
thoughts, feelings, etc.. Also, the Moon is exalted in the sign of
Taurus. Thus, subconsciousness (symbolized by the Moon and the High
Priestess), finds its highest manifestation in the activity of intuition,
revealing and unveiling itself.4
Number: 5
"Meanings of 5 include: Mediation, adaptation, means, agency, activity,
process, and the like."5 Intuition mediates between
the Self-Conscious, Subconscious, and Super-Conscious aspects of being.
Color / Note: Red-Orange / C#
Symbolism:
(Summarized from "The Tarot", by P.F.Case)6
The Scene: A high priest sits on a throne while two clerics genuflect.
The Hierophant: He is the revealer of the mysteries.
Robes: Red-Orange, the color of Taurus. Underneath the robe, the Hierophant wears a blue garment like that of the High Priestess.
Crown: Triple tiara made of gold, symbolizing radiant energy and wisdom.
Twin Pillars: Suggests the laws of association of the High Priestess.
Grey Stone Throne: Contains symbols of Taurus.
Square Dais: Covered with a red-orange carpet over a checker board pattern. Intuition is built upon a foundation of sound reason.
Cleric on Left: Wears a robe of roses, symbolizing desire, and is kneeling before the Hierophant. To tap into intuition, we must be willing to put aside what we think we want. We must find the humility to kneel before the Inner Teacher and truly listen.
Cleric on Right: Wears a robe of lilies, symbolizing personal truth, and is kneeling before the Hierophant. To tap into intuition, we must also be willing to put aside what we think we know.
Keys: One key symbolizes the subconscious, the other, the
super-conscious. The keys to revelation lie in the ability to discern between
our instinct (hunches from the subconscious mind), and true intuition (from the
super-conscious mind, the Higher Self).
The challenge is to consciously apply the principle of Intuition to everyday life:
 | Intuition: Through correct reasoning and a willingness to be open to the truth, you are able to receive inspiration and guidance from your Higher Self. |
In "Living the Tarot", Amber Jayanti provides some suggestions for integration and application of The Hierophant:
| The Imagery of the Hierophant can be used to:7 Tune in and listen. Be the final authority on what is correct for you and not be intimidated by either religious or 'New Age' dogma. [ Listen to your conscience] |
| Ask yourself the following questions:8 How might I be a better teacher? Where is my conscience guiding me? Whom might I turn to for information and assistance? Where might it be valuable to become a better listener? Whom would I like to listen to me? What truth am I avoiding surrendering to? |
Illustrations from the Universal Waite Tarot Deck reproduced by permission of
U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright ©1990 by U.S. Games
Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.