Divination: Major Arcana 5: The Heirophant

This week we meet the Heirophant, also known as the Pope. The card pictured comes from the Tarot Art Noveau published by Lo Scarebo and the work of Anotella Castelli. The Pope is a figure of traditionalism and rigid adherence to dogma. He could be described as a restricting force upon the querent.

In the Fool's Journey, meeting the Pope the Fool finds themself in the position of having to bend to authority under the weight of tradition and cultural 'wisdom'.  In a direct orientation, the Pope is a benevolent figure that shows the querent is guided by tradition and the rules of their culture to greater prosperity and happiness. In a reversed orientation, the Pope shows that the querent is stifled and in conflict with said traditions.