In many modern packs, the
Hierophant is represented with his right hand raised in blessing or benediction, with two fingers pointing skyward and two pointing down, thus forming a bridge between
Heaven and
Hell reminiscent of that formed by the body of
The Hanged Man. The Hierophant is thus a true "pontiff", in that he is the builder of the bridge between deity and humanity. In his left hand he held a
triple cross. His tiara has three nails projecting from it, symbolizing the
crucifixion of Jesus. The Hierophant is typically male, even in decks that take a feminist view of the Tarot, such as the
Motherpeace Tarot, The Hierophant was also known as "The Teacher of Wisdom". In most iconographic depictions, the Hierophant is seen seated on a throne between two pillars symbolizing
Law and
Freedom or obedience and disobedience, according to different interpretations. He wears a
papal tiara, and the
keys to Heaven are at his feet. Sometimes he is shown with worshippers, as his alternate title is the
Pope or, sometimes,
Jupiter. These are often a pair of
tonsured priests, who wear chasubles with both lily and roses motifs separately. The card is also known as "The High Priest", as a counterpart to "The High Priestess" (which itself is also sometimes known as "The Papess", as counterpart to "The Pope"). ==History==