Note: There is a question option in the homework which asks you to describe what you think each card represents before reading the actual lesson's description of it. For those of you who have poor memories with that sort of thing, or those who just want to make sure you cover everything, I would suggest reading the names of each of the cards we're studying in this lesson and jotting down some guesses about them before reading the lesson entirely.
V. THE HIEROPHANT
It is indeed a precious gift to understand the forces that guide oneself..." - Nyx Avatar
The Hierophant card shows a man with his right hand raised - a universal symbol for blessing or truth - and with two fingers pointed upwards and two pointed downwards, which like the Magician is supposed to represent bridging the gap between the heavens and the Earth. In some decks the Hierophant is seated between two pillars that symbolize law and liberty or obedience and disobedience. He wears a triple crown - that is, a crown with three tiers - and there are keys at his feet, often interpreted as the keys to paradise. The card is sometimes called "The High Priest" and places the Hierophant in opposition the High Priestess. Theoretically, then, these similarities could represent the Hierophant as a transformed version of the Magician.
The Hierophant is a symbol of education, conservatism, obedience to rules, and a relationship with the divine. The definition of "hierophant" is commonly understood to mean a person who interprets sacred/otherworldly mysteries or esoteric principles; the hierophant could be seen as the blend of the Magician and the High Priestess as well,
showcasing the untapped "silent knowledge" or worldly understanding that comes from observing and participating at opportune moments, instead of simply doing one or the other. It is a representation of social convention and belief systems or group thinking, but it also values the knowledge of an individual. It represents both experience and naivety. The Hierophant represents maturity and formality, power and respect, but it
also represents deception and duality. In the journey of the Fool, the Hierophant represents how the Fool now leaves home and comes to understand the systems that are at work in the world; he learns about culture and social normalities and begins his formal education. Organized belief systems begin to help shape the Fool - but, in true nature of the dual form of the Hierophant, these systems may also blind, suffocate, or otherwise hinder the Fool's inner self and true path. The Fool is at risk of forgetting their purpose. As such, the Hierophant represents the struggle to find balance. The Fool learns to interact with a group and act with a team. The Fool is taught the practices of society and becomes part of world, a bigger picture. He discovers a sense of belonging and unity, and enjoys pleasing others by showing how well he can conform to their expectations.
In a tarot reading, the Hierophant often represents the need to seek guidance or to follow advice or rules/morals - to "do the right thing", be a positive role model, and be self-disciplined. It represents the need to stop thinking of one's self and consider the bigger picture - to do things "for the greater good" regardless of one's own desires or reasons to do otherwise. The Hierophant can also suggest the need to seek a mentor, as the Hierophant himself is seen as an excellent mentor and source of balanced guidance. The Hierophant helps people understand who they are in relation to how they are expected to behave as a member of a group. In reverse position, the Hierophant represents almost the opposite: he represents the need to rebel, to go against the grain, possibly advising that the group one is in is mislead and the individual must correct this and lead by example. It can represent the need to be wary of an authority figure who may be warped or wayward in their practice. It may serve as a warning that someone you trust and have great admiration for is a liar or otherwise false person; it can even represent you lying to yourself or deceiving yourself.
The Hierophant is a symbol of education, conservatism, obedience to rules, and a relationship with the divine. The definition of "hierophant" is commonly understood to mean a person who interprets sacred/otherworldly mysteries or esoteric principles; the hierophant could be seen as the blend of the Magician and the High Priestess as well,
showcasing the untapped "silent knowledge" or worldly understanding that comes from observing and participating at opportune moments, instead of simply doing one or the other. It is a representation of social convention and belief systems or group thinking, but it also values the knowledge of an individual. It represents both experience and naivety. The Hierophant represents maturity and formality, power and respect, but it
also represents deception and duality. In the journey of the Fool, the Hierophant represents how the Fool now leaves home and comes to understand the systems that are at work in the world; he learns about culture and social normalities and begins his formal education. Organized belief systems begin to help shape the Fool - but, in true nature of the dual form of the Hierophant, these systems may also blind, suffocate, or otherwise hinder the Fool's inner self and true path. The Fool is at risk of forgetting their purpose. As such, the Hierophant represents the struggle to find balance. The Fool learns to interact with a group and act with a team. The Fool is taught the practices of society and becomes part of world, a bigger picture. He discovers a sense of belonging and unity, and enjoys pleasing others by showing how well he can conform to their expectations.
In a tarot reading, the Hierophant often represents the need to seek guidance or to follow advice or rules/morals - to "do the right thing", be a positive role model, and be self-disciplined. It represents the need to stop thinking of one's self and consider the bigger picture - to do things "for the greater good" regardless of one's own desires or reasons to do otherwise. The Hierophant can also suggest the need to seek a mentor, as the Hierophant himself is seen as an excellent mentor and source of balanced guidance. The Hierophant helps people understand who they are in relation to how they are expected to behave as a member of a group. In reverse position, the Hierophant represents almost the opposite: he represents the need to rebel, to go against the grain, possibly advising that the group one is in is mislead and the individual must correct this and lead by example. It can represent the need to be wary of an authority figure who may be warped or wayward in their practice. It may serve as a warning that someone you trust and have great admiration for is a liar or otherwise false person; it can even represent you lying to yourself or deceiving yourself.
VI. THE LOVERS
There is both joy and wonder in coming to understand another..." - Nyx Avatar, Persona 3
The Lovers card shows two people standing opposite each other, facing a great tree or otherwise impressive figure with the sun shining down on them. The tree or figure always has two branches or arms spread in opposite directions, depicting a crossroad. This crossroad or imminent decision is the key to the nature of the Lovers card. In some interpretations, the Lovers card follows with its name and is representative of romance; whether the decision be a temptation of the heart while you are already in a relationship, a decision whether or not to become romantically involved with someone else, or a heavy decision about an already existing romance that could lead to a large change in the relationship or its dynamics. However, many modern interpreters decide not to limit the Lovers card purely to romance; they expand it's meeting to simply taking a significant other along for a portion or the whole of your journey, whether this be romantic, a friendship, or even developing a close relationship with a family member. The Lovers card represents opening yourself up to another person and inviting them to have a significant role in your life - or, closing yourself off and removing someone from your life. It represents the need to sacrifice part of your individuality in order to take care of and consider another person, or to sacrifice a potential "alternate life" by making one decision over another. The Lovers card is universally understood as the confusion and pain one gets from knowing that the decision they make will have life-changing consequences, and that they may be haunted forever by the wonder of how things would have turned out had they chosen the other path. The Lovers represents love in all forms, the union of two people, passion, desire, personal beliefs, the human need for company and companionship and one's struggle to sacrifice part of their individuality or safety to fulfill this need, connection and bonding. It also represents choice, doubt, dilemmas, and temptation.
In the Fool's journey, the Lovers represents the Fool's new need to find a partner. Before the Hierophant, the Fool was completely self-centered and focused on their own potential and desires; now that they have been introduced to the strength and comfort of unity, they crave it. The Fool feels the need to reach out, now, and to become half of a partnership. He seeks to mimic the comfort of the Empress without limitations that are as strict as depending on her. However, the Lovers also represents the Fools need to decide on his own beliefs. It is all well and good to conform in order to learn and grow, but the Fool cannot lose himself in the process, and
eventually he will need to determine his own values and beliefs as well as learn to be confident in these and stay true to them. He must start to question the authority he has been taught to listen to, because as the Hierophant shows us, not all authority figures are true.
There is no difference in a tarot reading between what the Lovers card has been described as and what it can be interpreted as; it is about choice and the need for partnership as well as the need to assert one's values, no matter what position it is in.
In the Fool's journey, the Lovers represents the Fool's new need to find a partner. Before the Hierophant, the Fool was completely self-centered and focused on their own potential and desires; now that they have been introduced to the strength and comfort of unity, they crave it. The Fool feels the need to reach out, now, and to become half of a partnership. He seeks to mimic the comfort of the Empress without limitations that are as strict as depending on her. However, the Lovers also represents the Fools need to decide on his own beliefs. It is all well and good to conform in order to learn and grow, but the Fool cannot lose himself in the process, and
eventually he will need to determine his own values and beliefs as well as learn to be confident in these and stay true to them. He must start to question the authority he has been taught to listen to, because as the Hierophant shows us, not all authority figures are true.
There is no difference in a tarot reading between what the Lovers card has been described as and what it can be interpreted as; it is about choice and the need for partnership as well as the need to assert one's values, no matter what position it is in.
VII. THE CHARIOT
One of life's greatest blessings is the freedom to pursue one's goals..." - Nyx Avatar, Persona 3
The Chariot card depicts a person riding a large, grandeur chariot pulled by two horses or sphinxes. The person is either crowned or helmeted, and there is often a duality in the colour scheme (most often black vs. white). Sometimes the chariot rider is also winged and may be holding a sword or wand.
The Chariot arcana symbolizes victory, conquest, self-assertion, self-control, war and command, honor and energy, and conviction. It represents renewed egocentrism and self-confidence, unfailing willpower, success, recognition, bravery and pride. It may also be a sign of anxiety. The Chariot really is a symbol of "blazing on ahead" and carving one's own path, conquering anything that may come your way. In the journey of the Fool, the Chariot represents how the Fool has grown to be an "adult", and as such has mastery over his self. Through discipline and strong will power, he has developed a level of self-control to allow him to use his skills to their fullest and therefore triumph over his surroundings. This ego is the Fool's crowning achievement so far - his assertive success is his cause for celebration. His nature is the assured confidence of youth who believe they have learned the lessons of life and are now capable of wielding them.
In a tarot reading, the Chariot represents one's ability to conquer the challenges they are facing if only they harness and direct their willpower. The challenges are always external when it comes to the Chariot, as the card represents having an incredible command of
oneself. There is a clear goal and plan of action that must be developed to reach it, and no hesitation will be accepted. One must be self-reliant, righteous, convicted and prepared for hard work in order to attain what they
desire. While the Chariot is seen as fairly straightforward - the eventual victory one gets from an uphill battle - it has another layer to it as well. The steeds pulling the chariot are often of different colours. This represents the need for a union of opposites - they pull in opposing directions, but must be made to go together in one direction, toward one goal. This is a daunting task; control is required over opposing forces, whether they be emotions, wants, needs, people, or circumstances. The Chariot represents the need as well as the ability to bring them together and give them a single direction - your direction. Confidence and motivation are needed to accomplish this. The card can also represent a newfound energy that will aid in moving you out of a "rut" or otherwise stagnant position.
The Chariot arcana symbolizes victory, conquest, self-assertion, self-control, war and command, honor and energy, and conviction. It represents renewed egocentrism and self-confidence, unfailing willpower, success, recognition, bravery and pride. It may also be a sign of anxiety. The Chariot really is a symbol of "blazing on ahead" and carving one's own path, conquering anything that may come your way. In the journey of the Fool, the Chariot represents how the Fool has grown to be an "adult", and as such has mastery over his self. Through discipline and strong will power, he has developed a level of self-control to allow him to use his skills to their fullest and therefore triumph over his surroundings. This ego is the Fool's crowning achievement so far - his assertive success is his cause for celebration. His nature is the assured confidence of youth who believe they have learned the lessons of life and are now capable of wielding them.
In a tarot reading, the Chariot represents one's ability to conquer the challenges they are facing if only they harness and direct their willpower. The challenges are always external when it comes to the Chariot, as the card represents having an incredible command of
oneself. There is a clear goal and plan of action that must be developed to reach it, and no hesitation will be accepted. One must be self-reliant, righteous, convicted and prepared for hard work in order to attain what they
desire. While the Chariot is seen as fairly straightforward - the eventual victory one gets from an uphill battle - it has another layer to it as well. The steeds pulling the chariot are often of different colours. This represents the need for a union of opposites - they pull in opposing directions, but must be made to go together in one direction, toward one goal. This is a daunting task; control is required over opposing forces, whether they be emotions, wants, needs, people, or circumstances. The Chariot represents the need as well as the ability to bring them together and give them a single direction - your direction. Confidence and motivation are needed to accomplish this. The card can also represent a newfound energy that will aid in moving you out of a "rut" or otherwise stagnant position.
VIII. STRENGTH
Only with strength can one endure suffering and torment..." —Nyx Avatar, Persona 3
The Strength card has a woman taming a lion in almost all decks - think a "beauty and the beast" sort of thing. It depicts the calm and gentle woman being a dominant figure to the power and rowdy spirit of the lion. This is the key to the strength card - self-control and knowing when and how much power to execute. The Strength card symbolizes the strength and positive morality behind self-control, gentleness, courage and virtue over brute force. It represents creative or physical energy in need of release in a structured fashion, as well
as desire of recognition. It represents solidarity, patience, compassion, composure, stability, moderation, perseverance, kindness, softness, comprehension and serenity. The Strength card is all about inner strength gained from enduring hardships and the outward tenderness that comes with it. In the Fool's journey, strength represents how life presents the Fool with hardships and suffering - and as life goes on, these things increase in difficulty or abundance. To be able to preserve towards his goal, he must rely on the qualities of strength and now allow these obstacles and trials to conquer and define him as a person. He discovers the power in the silent attributes of patience and tolerance, and learns to accept flaws in the patterns life or people are supposed to have. He realizes that his Chariot's command must be
toned down and that a softer power of a loving approach is just as glorious. At times, however, an intense passion surfaces - just when the Fool thought he had it all figured out and had himself under control.
In a tarot reading, Strength represents the need for discipline. The lion represents the primal needs or "id" part of the mind, and the woman represents the more "sophisticated" or "superego" part of the mind. The card warns the reader of being too impulsive or follow their
emotions too closely - they are fully indulging in the Magician without considering the silent, serene intellect of the High Priestess. Strength is the opposite of Chariot; while Chariot represents command of oneself and an outward battle, strength represents the need to get oneself back in order and an intense inner struggle.
It is worth noting that in some tarot decks, Justice is the 8th card and Strength is the 11th. I decided to use Strength in the 8th position for this class because I feel that it's better to discuss Strength and Chariot together, and Justice's place in the story of the Fool's Journey comes as the 11th card, not the 8th.
as desire of recognition. It represents solidarity, patience, compassion, composure, stability, moderation, perseverance, kindness, softness, comprehension and serenity. The Strength card is all about inner strength gained from enduring hardships and the outward tenderness that comes with it. In the Fool's journey, strength represents how life presents the Fool with hardships and suffering - and as life goes on, these things increase in difficulty or abundance. To be able to preserve towards his goal, he must rely on the qualities of strength and now allow these obstacles and trials to conquer and define him as a person. He discovers the power in the silent attributes of patience and tolerance, and learns to accept flaws in the patterns life or people are supposed to have. He realizes that his Chariot's command must be
toned down and that a softer power of a loving approach is just as glorious. At times, however, an intense passion surfaces - just when the Fool thought he had it all figured out and had himself under control.
In a tarot reading, Strength represents the need for discipline. The lion represents the primal needs or "id" part of the mind, and the woman represents the more "sophisticated" or "superego" part of the mind. The card warns the reader of being too impulsive or follow their
emotions too closely - they are fully indulging in the Magician without considering the silent, serene intellect of the High Priestess. Strength is the opposite of Chariot; while Chariot represents command of oneself and an outward battle, strength represents the need to get oneself back in order and an intense inner struggle.
It is worth noting that in some tarot decks, Justice is the 8th card and Strength is the 11th. I decided to use Strength in the 8th position for this class because I feel that it's better to discuss Strength and Chariot together, and Justice's place in the story of the Fool's Journey comes as the 11th card, not the 8th.
IX. THE HERMIT
It requires great courage to look at oneself honestly, and forge one's own path..." - Nyx Avatar, Persona 3
The Hermit card shows an old man carrying a lantern in one hand and a staff in the other. The background either shows a wasteland and a mountain in the distance, or it shows that the man is in a dark cavern. The Hermit is associated with wisdom, introspection, solitude, retreat, philosophical searches, silence, deep understanding, and isolation. It represents looking within one's self for the true answers, and getting to know one's self again after all of the changing one has been through along the journey. In the Fool's journey, the Hermit represents the period in the Fool's life where he is led to ask himself "Why?" He becomes absolutely obsessed with the search for the answer, closing himself off from the world. He is no longer fueled by fascination or abundant curiosity but rather a gnawing need to know why people live if they are doomed to suffer and die, why he and so many others embark on this journey that leads to nowhere in the end. The Hermit represents the need to find deeper, fundamental truth. The Fool now begins to look inward; he must understand himself before he can hope to understand the rest of the universe. Because of this, he seeks solitude; he does not want to be distracted by the hustle and bustle of fellow Fools in earlier stages of their journey.
In a tarot reading, the Hermit represents the need to understand that one of life's lessons
is yourself. The Hermit can represent one of two things: either the need to withdraw from society and the Hierophant's "big picture" in order to understand be comfortable with the detail that is yourself, or the need to return to society and isolation to share your newfound knowledge and solidified self with others.
In a tarot reading, the Hermit represents the need to understand that one of life's lessons
is yourself. The Hermit can represent one of two things: either the need to withdraw from society and the Hierophant's "big picture" in order to understand be comfortable with the detail that is yourself, or the need to return to society and isolation to share your newfound knowledge and solidified self with others.