The Hierophant: Practical Tarot Exercises
Introduction
The Hierophant is the bridge between heaven and earth, tradition and practice. He represents spiritual teachers, moral authorities, communities of faith, and the search for meaning within structure.
When he appears in readings, his message can be uplifting — connection to something larger than yourself — or challenging, especially if the querent is struggling against rigid traditions. Practicing with him is about learning to speak with respect, compassion, and clarity when clients bring questions of belief, morality, or purpose.
Exercise 1
📝 Fictional client email:
Hi, I’m Sarah. I grew up in a very religious family, but I’ve drifted away from the church in my adult life. Lately, I’ve been missing that sense of connection and community, but I don’t feel like I can go back without betraying who I am now.
I’m wondering if the cards can show me how to find spiritual meaning again, without losing myself.
💬 What’s happening here:
This is a quintessential Hierophant question — torn between tradition and individuality, seeking guidance about faith and belonging.
🎯 Your Exercise:
Imagine you’ve drawn The Hierophant. Write back to Sarah with sensitivity and depth. Acknowledge her struggle, but highlight how the Hierophant might guide her path.
click here to see my sample answer
Exercise 1.2
Now imagine Sarah’s reading expands to three cards:
The Hierophant + The High Priestess + The Two of Cups.
Think about how tradition (Hierophant), intuition (High Priestess), and connection (Two of Cups) come together here.
click here to see my sample answer
Exercise 2
📧 Fictional Client Email — Leonard
Hello,
I’ve been in the same job for 20 years — steady pay, good benefits, nothing terrible. But lately I’ve been asking myself: Does any of this really matter?
I don’t hate what I do, but it feels so empty. I want to feel like I’m contributing to something meaningful, not just collecting a paycheck. Can the cards tell me if I’m meant to find a greater purpose in my work?
Thank you,
Leonard
💬 Looking at the Bigger Picture:
This is the Hierophant in the career world: purpose, meaning, service, contribution to something larger.
🎯 Your Exercise:
Imagine you’ve drawn The Hierophant. Write a response that honors Leonard’s need for purpose and helps him see the possibilities ahead.
click here to see my sample answer
Exercise 2.2
Now let’s expand Leonard’s spread:
The Hierophant + The Hermit + The Six of Pentacles.
Notice how these cards add layers of solitude, service, and reciprocity.
click here to see my sample answer
Closing the Hierophant Exercises
That’s the end of our Hierophant exercises. Here you’ve seen how this card speaks to faith, belonging, and the search for meaning — both spiritual and practical.
The Hierophant reminds us that purpose is not found in isolation; it’s discovered in connection with something larger than ourselves, whether through tradition, community, or service.
Remember: you can always return to these fictional client emails and use them however you like. Try pulling a single card, or draw three random ones from your own deck, and see how the story changes. Each time you practice, you’ll discover new layers — and strengthen your voice as a reader.
And if you’d like to explore how tarot can bring clarity to your own path of meaning and belonging, you’re welcome to book a personal reading with me at www.empowering-tarot.com.
If these free exercises have supported your growth, you can also leave a contribution through the tip jar in the sidebar (desktop) or footer (mobile). Every bit helps keep this work alive for the tarot community.
Thank you for practicing with me today. May the Hierophant bless your path with wisdom, clarity, and connection. ✨
