well... from what I can see from this card ,what eems important to me was not the religious paraphernalia at all
he's closing his eyes and he's holding the book up high ,
the book , to me, is about the importance of the aquired knowledge , but it is also closed , he isnt reading it to them just showing it. the hierophant to me has always represented a teacher , someone who does not lead like the emperor , but someone who guides who points you in the right direction and lets you go. the wand staff , batton thingy is just resting next to him , its a symbol , not one that he holds on to , just something he has but is not really important , it just something on the side
so the image is kind of ambibalent ,to me , he seems to hold it with care and love , but doesnt spell it out for you, it is also important to note the fire in front of him , it looks dangerous , like if with enouigh wind it coyuld engulf him , so it is about how fragile the preconceptions and knowledge is and how it can , in a matter of seconds , be if not destroyed , at least , significally changed , much like how scientific knowledge changes every day.