 |
| Morgan Greer Tarot |
For today again a card which is not one of my
favorites: The Hierophant from The Morgan Greer Tarot. The first thing that
comes to mind is: “Boring!”. I must say I am happy to see the two acolytes aren't
present in this depiction. They radiate both submissiveness and uncritical
thinking to me. Now it looks like this priest is blessing me. And when I put my
first reluctance aside, I wonder: Who doesn't want to be blessed.
This High
Priest is the archetypal symbol of teaching and giving spiritual meaning to
life. He helps us to find our purpose. As with other archetypes he can be found
in our self as in other people or experiences. How often do we read a book and find inspiration/guidance or hear
someone say just the thing we needed to hear. And sometimes we find meaning just by writing a blogpost about the Hierophant card.J
We don’t have to invent our spiritual
practice and beliefs all by ourselves. Most often we borrow from other spiritual
systems and religions to blend it all together to our own liking. Who would
have guessed a few months ago I would chant during my meditation. Not me.
There is
a Buddhist saying: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”
I knew
chanting existed, but I had decided it wasn't for me. After learning from Eowyn
what Sanskrit really was I was willing to try it and I liked it
Perhaps
this Hierophant card isn't as boring after all.
I too like just the keys without the "disciples" - it makes me think of other teachers instead of just religious ones. I teach a beginner's meditation class (several types so people can have an option), and one is mantra meditation with malas (prayer beads). I've always learned to use a language that you don't think in for your mantra, because it will help you maintain your focus. You have got me wanting to add chanting to my meditation time now!
ReplyDeleteSo today I am your Hierophant :D
DeleteUsually I start with the mantra for Tara. (1 mala). I love how the sounds resonate in my body. After that I just focus on my breathing and I have noticed this is so much more easy than without the chanting
Interesting about this chanting biz…… I'm intrigued and interested in trying it, too, hmmm…….! I don't mind the Hierophant - he's like the shaman, and the Ancestor, passing on sacred knowledge - but I don't really prefer these Catholic-like depictions, really, so I get the "boring" feel :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer the shaman and the ancestor too, but most of the time we have to deal with the Hierophant in a deck :)
DeleteI think this guy is one of the best I have. The Hierophant from Anna K hasn't got acolytes either so that is nice too
Let me know if you've tried chanting. I am curious what you think of it
This has always been one of my least favorite cards as well, Ellen, mainly because I dislike organized religion and what it does to people (in my opinion) -- or at least, what it did to me! I appreciate your expanded interpretation of what this card can mean.
ReplyDeleteFor me that is one of the beautiful aspect of tarot; you always can find a new layer of meaning when you push a little further :)
Delete