Elven
http://www.goldclipart.com/members/crestsymbols.htm#circle
Going with Umbrae here .. by the Symbolism (I am relying on Pams drawings RWS and using some Christian based symbology) I think the Heirophants power weilded is intended to benefit and enlighten (Upright position)
KEYS
Keys symbolize power and authority. Christ by employing this symbol clearly designed to signify his intention to confer on St. Peter the supreme authority over His Church. In Isaiah 22 we see "the key of the house of David" is conferred upon Eliacim, the son of Helcias, as the symbol of plenary authority in the Kingdom of Juda. The promise of Matthew 16:15-19.
BLESSING
The three extended fingers suggest the Holy Trinity, while the two closed fingers represent the twofold nature of the Son. The blessing is used to express a wish or desire that all good fortune, especially of a spiritual or supernatural kind, may go with the person or thing, as when David says: "Blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee" (Ps. cxxvii, 2). It signifies the sanctification or dedication of a person or thing to some sacred purpose; "Christ took bread and blessed, and broke" (Matt., xxvi, 26).
CROWN
Representing Christ the King and Messiah, which literally means "the anointed one." The Messiah was prophesized from antiquity to be the king who would come and restore the good fortune of the people of Isreal. (Rev. 14:14) describes the last judgement. "Then I looked, and lo, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head."
or on some cards the Hierophant wears the:
MITRE
The mitre is a kind of folding-cap worn by Bishops. It consists of two like parts, each stiffened by a lining and rising to a peak; these are sewn together on the sides, but are united above by a piece of material that can fold together. Two lappets trimmed on the ends with fringe hang down from the back.
LILY
The white lily symbolizes purity, and innocence and is the traditional flower of Easter. The three petaled lily is also representative of the Blessed Trinity.
ROSE
The red rose has always been a sign of love. It is referenced in The Song of Solomon, a poem of lovers, "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. It is also seen as the symbol of purity, and the Passion of Christ.
STAFF
The staff or 'crosier' is an ecclesiastical ornament which is conferred on bishops at their consecration and is the symbol of authority and jurisdiction. It represents the staff of the 'Good Shepherd' who watches over his flock.
STOLE
A liturgical vestment composed of a strip of material from two to four inches wide and about eighty inches long. The stole, being the badge of the diaconal and priestly orders, is worn only by deacons, priests, and bishops.
Would a Dictator in the negaitve sense (someone who instructs, dicatates, uses their authority and power to over-rule in a destructive manner) be the Hierophant reversed?
Blessings
Elven x
Going with Umbrae here .. by the Symbolism (I am relying on Pams drawings RWS and using some Christian based symbology) I think the Heirophants power weilded is intended to benefit and enlighten (Upright position)
KEYS
Keys symbolize power and authority. Christ by employing this symbol clearly designed to signify his intention to confer on St. Peter the supreme authority over His Church. In Isaiah 22 we see "the key of the house of David" is conferred upon Eliacim, the son of Helcias, as the symbol of plenary authority in the Kingdom of Juda. The promise of Matthew 16:15-19.
BLESSING
The three extended fingers suggest the Holy Trinity, while the two closed fingers represent the twofold nature of the Son. The blessing is used to express a wish or desire that all good fortune, especially of a spiritual or supernatural kind, may go with the person or thing, as when David says: "Blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee" (Ps. cxxvii, 2). It signifies the sanctification or dedication of a person or thing to some sacred purpose; "Christ took bread and blessed, and broke" (Matt., xxvi, 26).
CROWN
Representing Christ the King and Messiah, which literally means "the anointed one." The Messiah was prophesized from antiquity to be the king who would come and restore the good fortune of the people of Isreal. (Rev. 14:14) describes the last judgement. "Then I looked, and lo, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head."
or on some cards the Hierophant wears the:
MITRE
The mitre is a kind of folding-cap worn by Bishops. It consists of two like parts, each stiffened by a lining and rising to a peak; these are sewn together on the sides, but are united above by a piece of material that can fold together. Two lappets trimmed on the ends with fringe hang down from the back.
LILY
The white lily symbolizes purity, and innocence and is the traditional flower of Easter. The three petaled lily is also representative of the Blessed Trinity.
ROSE
The red rose has always been a sign of love. It is referenced in The Song of Solomon, a poem of lovers, "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. It is also seen as the symbol of purity, and the Passion of Christ.
STAFF
The staff or 'crosier' is an ecclesiastical ornament which is conferred on bishops at their consecration and is the symbol of authority and jurisdiction. It represents the staff of the 'Good Shepherd' who watches over his flock.
STOLE
A liturgical vestment composed of a strip of material from two to four inches wide and about eighty inches long. The stole, being the badge of the diaconal and priestly orders, is worn only by deacons, priests, and bishops.
Would a Dictator in the negaitve sense (someone who instructs, dicatates, uses their authority and power to over-rule in a destructive manner) be the Hierophant reversed?
Blessings
Elven x