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The Hierophant

V - The Hierophant...

The Bull

Description of the Illustration:

In an ornate cathedral, a wealthy Elizabethan patron gives money to a struggling young artist to support his artistic creation. The artist sculpts an impressive image of a large handsome bull. The patron wears the green orb of the planet Venus on his ring finger and carries the staff of the three ages (Isis, Osiris, and Horus) in his right hand. The upper left sphere is green (Netzach) while the lower right sphere is orange (Hod).

Astrological Association: Taurus

Element: Earth, Feminine, Receptive, Fixed sign


Acculturation

Next, the Fool begins to branch out from his home of origin, enrolling in primary school as well as joining other social groups such as church, clubs, or sports.


Historically, the Hierophant was a spiritual guide who interpreted the mysteries of life for the initiate, and thus the Fool turns to teachers, ministers, coaches, and other professionals to prescribe how he must live in order to function in society. He is introduced to those aspects of existence that act as the Great Levelers: culture, education, organized belief systems, money, work, patriotism, and, most importantly, conformity.


The Fool learns to use language and symbols to communicate, thus labeling and packaging phenomena rather than experiencing each as fresh and alive; the Fool begins to have and own the symbols of others. He toils to establish stability.


The Hierophant, familiar with Korzybski’s famous words, “those who rule symbols, rule us,” carefully controls the Fool’s creative use of symbols with rules and restrictions. However, the lessons of the Hierophant are a necessary stage for the Fool to learn how to balance the influences of the Empress with the Emperor and gain a broader perspective on his journey towards enlightenment.


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