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La Tempérance (14)

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de La Tempérance dans la tarot de Marseille


The Hierophant sits on high, two men below ready to do his bidding. He wears a heavy crown and robes that cover everything but his hands, slippered feet, and face--even his ears are protected under the crown. The right-hand points two fingers skyward, and in the left hand, the triple cross rod, or scepter, shows us that The Hierophant holds an important office in the chain of spiritual communications. Bottom middle of the card are two, crossed keys: these are the keys to the spiritual realm. In the background are two stone pillars which represent the interaction of two forces such as: earth and sea, liberty and law, day and night, or cloud and fire, for example.

Looking into The Hierophant’s face, we see his eyes peering across at us, right into our own eyes. This implies that whoever draws this card is eye-to-eye level with The Hierophant, sitting above the common man in order to be closer to the spiritual world. Although he is raised up, it is interesting to note that the keys to the higher, spiritual realm rest below his feet: in order to access spirit, he must be firm in his foundation. It is through groundedness that the upper levels are accessible.

Additionally, it is inward connectedness and emotional tranquility, represented by his inner, water colored robes, that allow The Hierophant to transcend and generate warmth and mental fire, represented by his red robes. It is also implied that devoutness and devotedness to tradition play a role in generating mental freedom. The traditional elements are implicated by the cross and the stone pillars which stand the test of time. There are not many external symbols of exuberance here; there are no flowers or birds or dancing nymphs. Instead, the power and creativity are housed within the Hierophant.

It is also interesting to note that there is an element of gravity or sternness in this card. Here, spirituality is not a flippant, hippy cause: it is something to be studied and arduously pursued even in the face of opposition.

UPRIGHT

UPSIDE DOWN

Vous avez tiré la tempérance à l’endroit ?


Interpretation

The Hierophant announces a forthcoming period of great serenity. Thanks to him, you will be able to count on the unwavering support of a trustworthy person, someone likely to give you wise advice.

This person will use their experience and wisdom to guide you on your life path and teach you to become more involved in important causes. If your draw is questioning your love life, the Hierophant is a sign of a lasting and serene relationship, based on intellectual companionship, tenderness and harmony.

In your career, this arcana is often associated with great professional success; for example, a positive change in your responsibilities, the materialization of a project or the signing of a new contract. From a general point of view, the Hierophant encourages you to take the step back from the small disappointments of everyday life that is necessary for you, and teaches you to turn away from thorny paths.

Ask yourself

•In what ways have you been cultivating a sense of groundedness in your life?

•How can you use the foundation you have created as a springboard for exploring a more unknown and challenging calling of yours, perhaps one you are slightly frightened of but are also curious about?

•Do you ever forget that you are wearing a crown and that you are an essential passageway through which clouds meet earth and fire meets water? You are radiant; see how often you can remain aware of this and when feeling your radiance is most difficult to recognize.

UPRIGHT

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La symbolique de la Tempérance


• Columns : Gravity, permanence, or obstinance as well as neutrality or coldness.

• Crown : Representative of heaven or spirit on earth.

• Staff : Leader and guardian of the people; a spiritual shepherd.

• Keys : The keys to both heaven and earth; fluidity between the two realms.

• Tonsure : A symbol of spiritual devotion common among monks.

The Hierophant Card #5 represents spiritual communication, union of earth and sky, and emotional tranquility or coolness.

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