The Magician is a card of manifesting potential and personal power. It signifies the ability to utilize all of one’s skills and resources to accomplish desired goals. The Magician has access to the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual realms, represented by the four suit tools laid before him: the pentacle, cup, sword, and wand. With the infinite symbol above his head and his hand pointed towards the sky, The Magician channels the energy of the universe into the material plane, urging the querent to turn vision into reality. It is a card of initiative, resourcefulness, and the first spark of creative endeavor.
The Hierophant is a symbol of traditional values and structures. This card embodies education, religion, and institutions that carry the weight of history and social customs. The Hierophant serves as a bridge between the divine and the mundane, often suggesting that the querent might be seeking counsel or knowledge from established traditions or experiencing an initiation of sorts. As a figure of authority, The Hierophant calls for respect for cultural or religious mores and suggests a period of learning or adherence to conventional wisdom or group norms.
Strength is a card that speaks to the inner spirit and the power of patience, courage, and self-control. It often appears when the querent must confront challenging situations with resilience and compassion, rather than force. The lion in the Strength card represents our primal instincts and fears, which the gentle touch of the figure suggests can be tamed with kindness and patience. This card is about mastering fears, believing in oneself, and displaying fortitude in the face of adversity. It encourages the querent to face life’s challenges with grace and heart.
When The Magician, The Hierophant, and Strength come together in a tarot reading, the spread speaks of a powerful synthesis of personal will, traditional wisdom, and inner fortitude. The querent is at a time in their life where they have the potential to channel their innate talents (The Magician) effectively by drawing upon established traditions or systems (The Hierophant). This combination also implies that success is not just about individual skill but also about understanding the roles, rules, and structures we operate within.
Furthermore, with the inclusion of Strength, the querent is reminded to approach their endeavors with a compassionate heart and quiet confidence. Inner strength will be required, and it is important to stay true to one's core values. This trio of cards suggests that while one is seeking to achieve greatness (The Magician), maintaining a sense of humility and learning from the wisdom of others (The Hierophant) is crucial.
By marrying the innovation and willpower symbolized by The Magician with the societal structures represented by The Hierophant, and the personal conviction of Strength, the querent will likely find a well-rounded path to success. The guiding principle here is that expertise and resourcefulness, when harmoniously aligned with respect for the collective wisdom and personal integrity, creates a formidable force that can overcome obstacles and lead to manifesting one’s vision into reality.