The Pope — Arcana V

The Pope — Major Arcana of the Tikkoun Tarot de Marseille

Knock, knock, knock, knooooock... fate knocks at the door of anyone who listens. Four providential knocks, symbols of a major transition.

Just as Beethoven's "Fifth" marks a turning point in his work, the Hierophant creates a break in the progression of the tarot. Unlike the previous cards, his function is primarily transitional and relational: his purpose is found first in the heart of the exchanges and the sharing he has with his disciples. The melody that the pontiff plays on his mandolin is a hymn to the alliance of vertical (matter-spirit) and horizontal (passion-heart) dualities, of which he is the cardinal point. In this way, he is the Cross and its center of gravity: the earthquake and its epicenter, where the number 5 (V in Roman numerals) on the Richter scale is the double promise of a triumphant union.

Sir Winston Churchill will remember this with much humor... The V for victory, thumb towards the heart, already resonates as the prelude to a wedding night: "God save the Queen, and Long Live the King!"

Based on "Sixtus V," Filippo Bellini (1550 - 1604)

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Interpretation

With the Hierophant, the time is ripe for change.

This card is deeply relational. As such, the Hierophant primarily activates our centers of communication: the solar plexus and the throat. With him, we take an angelic leap into the world of emotions.

A bridge between heaven and earth, a link between matter and spirit, the Hierophant is the universal matchmaker who combines authority with wisdom. Like the number 5 that he represents, he heralds significant transformations. An enlightened master with the demeanor of a child on a scooter (can you see it?), he guides his disciples toward their ideals... provided he stays on course!

The Hierophant's predispositions make him akin to a rock star determined to captivate his audience. Whether a false prophet or a true guru, the Hierophant is popular, above all. As a spiritual leader and unifier, he signals that it’s time to consider our associations under the sign of complementary talents and intentions. The Hierophant also speaks to us of contracts and everything they entail: planning, framework, legal security, and partnerships.

His motto: “Ready, set, unite!!”

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