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American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition, defines hierophant as "an ancient Greek priest who interpreted sacred mysteries, especially the priest of the Eleusinian mysteries; an interpreter of sacred mysteries or arcane knowledge....from the Greek hieros, holy...plus phantes, one who shows." The root of phantes means beacon. So, the Hierophant represents a holy beacon that guides your ship thru the storm and keeps you from crashing against the rocky shores. The Sanskrit word Guru expresses perfectly the holy beacon nature of the Hierophant: the syllable gu means darkness and ru, light. The Guru/Hierophant is said to bring the supreme knowledge that destroys the darkness in one's life. But the Hierophant is a beacon only, the vehicle thru which the Holy Light shines. The guru, the shaman, the priest, these are the lamplighters of the Holy Light within each of us, they are not the Source of the Holy Light, except as we all are. Respect your Guide, your Hierophant, but don't worship him or her; except as you worship Life as it dwells within everything. Accept the wisdom offered, the techniques, use the tools the Hierophant provides, the shovels to clear the snow from the path to soul's home. These tools and their use will keep you sane and centered and strong when everything else in your life is boring, on hold, or in chaos. When the Hierophant turns up, the message is: Practice discipline. Meditate, get thee to your Teacher, either an outer one or the one within yourself. Take out that old chanting book, and chant; remember the mantra you received ten years ago and use it; pay attention to your attraction to that poster announcing that Sri Omigod is speaking on Friday night and go there. On the worldly plane, exert self discipline: focus your mind on the book you're writing, the taxes you need to figure, the things you need to accomplish in your life, and seek a teacher or a course of study if you need to develop better techniques. If you want to succeed in getting your ideas into the world arena, in making a mark in your part of the world, then you need to learn how to make your vision be accepted. Look at the meaning of the word Discipline: 1. Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior; esp. training that produces moral or mental improvement. 2. Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training....5. A set of rules or methods....From Latin disciplina, from discere [root of 'disciple'], to learn. Root: dek- to take, accept. From Latin decere, to be fitting, to be acceptable; from Latin docere, to teach, to cause to accept....From Greek dokos, beam, support. [American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition.] Taurus is the astrological sign associated with the Hierophant. At first thought, this is a strange correlation, the sensual earthy nature of Taurus and the holy beacon of the Guru. But the Hierophant relates to the fully realized love of Life that is inherent in the Taurus personality. Buddha was a Taurus, as was Swami Muktananda, a powerful energy transmitter, and Wavy Gravy. Ah, you laugh: Wavy Gravy, aka Hugh Romney, of the sixties' Hog Farm? Wavy Gravy a spiritual beacon? Yes, in his works in life with the Seva Foundation (Seva means service) and in his jovial loving presence during his performances as a jester. Taurus's affiliation with the Hierophant is a reminder that the Essence we have called God dwells within each of us and expresses as a beacon whenever we tune in and turn on the Light. |
