Annotated Visual References for Card V. The HIEROPHANT
The HIEROPHANT is the custodian of sacred knowledge. Here may be sought the metapsychology of "why" and "how" we begin the Quest. This collage brings together the the elements that set the stage for a Treasure Hunt. In earlier/other decks this card is sometimes called the Pope. The HIEROPHANT relates to themes that underlie and motivate our actions.
The cutlass: refers to the ability to slice things to pieces, to examine, to cut an idea into parts, to think, and analyze. The golden light, shining through the window, represents a flood of inspiration; the moments when you know what you need and/or want to do. The vine: a reference to the continuous lines of ancestry; wisdom inherited from the past. The rope work demonstrates accomplishment or "learning the ropes." The Unicorn indicates that the Quest is single-pointed: the goal is to obtain that which is treasured. The coin shows a star, which is a symbol of Spirit, encircled or embodied: this is a measure of value.
Source of images: “Captain’s Quarters” card from: 7th Sea, a Collectible Card Game (1999) Alderac Enctertainment Group,(Illustrations by Carl Frank). Rope: from a poster advertising Harbor Days. Cutlass from: R. Platt (1994) Pirate. Photographed by T. Chambers. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Pp. 26-27. Window with golden Light: Rembrant/Dr. Faust’s workshop on the cover of The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage (1900/1975) translated by S. Mathers. Coin from the Knight of Coins in: The Alchemical Tarot (1995) by R. Guily and R. Place, London: Harper-Collins Publishers. Vine and Unicorn from: “Leap of Faith” by Sir Peter Dobson, in Gardner,L. (1996) Bloodline of the Holy Grail: The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed. Boston,Massachusetts: Element Books Limited. p. 68. Taurus: astrological sign–moon above circle (sun): unconscious collecting impressions from above and beyond into consciousness.
The HIEROPHANT is the custodian of sacred knowledge. Here may be sought the metapsychology of "why" and "how" we begin the Quest. This collage brings together the the elements that set the stage for a Treasure Hunt. In earlier/other decks this card is sometimes called the Pope. The HIEROPHANT relates to themes that underlie and motivate our actions.
The cutlass: refers to the ability to slice things to pieces, to examine, to cut an idea into parts, to think, and analyze. The golden light, shining through the window, represents a flood of inspiration; the moments when you know what you need and/or want to do. The vine: a reference to the continuous lines of ancestry; wisdom inherited from the past. The rope work demonstrates accomplishment or "learning the ropes." The Unicorn indicates that the Quest is single-pointed: the goal is to obtain that which is treasured. The coin shows a star, which is a symbol of Spirit, encircled or embodied: this is a measure of value.
Source of images: “Captain’s Quarters” card from: 7th Sea, a Collectible Card Game (1999) Alderac Enctertainment Group,(Illustrations by Carl Frank). Rope: from a poster advertising Harbor Days. Cutlass from: R. Platt (1994) Pirate. Photographed by T. Chambers. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Pp. 26-27. Window with golden Light: Rembrant/Dr. Faust’s workshop on the cover of The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage (1900/1975) translated by S. Mathers. Coin from the Knight of Coins in: The Alchemical Tarot (1995) by R. Guily and R. Place, London: Harper-Collins Publishers. Vine and Unicorn from: “Leap of Faith” by Sir Peter Dobson, in Gardner,L. (1996) Bloodline of the Holy Grail: The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed. Boston,Massachusetts: Element Books Limited. p. 68. Taurus: astrological sign–moon above circle (sun): unconscious collecting impressions from above and beyond into consciousness.