As much as I love all the cards in the tarot, I’m always excited when I see the hierophant turn up in my personal readings.

The Hierophant is the spiritual  teacher of the deck. They hold the keys to all the secrets and mysticism that the rest of the cards contain. 

When you have Depression, spirituality can be a tricky thing. In my opinion, the stereotypical idea of the religious fanatic has contributed at least some of the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental illness. 

There’s no doubt that for some people, a sudden interest or increase in interest in spiritual matters is a symptom of them becoming unwell. For others, it can be a source of huge comfort.

If you’re reading this blog, I’m going to assume the latter. Spirituality, whether or not it includes an organized religion, can often be the one place where we feel completely accepted and safe.

For me, my daily spiritual practice is essential to my wellbeing. It reminds me that this life I’m living is not all there is. And it’s not all I am. It reminds me that I’m part of something bigger, and that I’m going to be okay. No matter what happens.

My spirituality involves the practice of meditation, which is essential for keeping my emotions from running all over the place. A few minutes a day is all I need and I usually include visualization as I struggle to keep my brain perfectly still.

Journey with the Hierophant

A journey with the Hierophant can open you up to new mystical information and ideas. Or it can reconnect you when your practice is feeling a bit stale. 

Sit, or lie down comfortably and take a few moments to wriggle about and settle yourself. 

Begin with some box breathing. Make sure that when you breathe in, it’s the deepest breath you can manage.

Now, breathe in for a count of four, hold  for a count of four, release for a count of four, hold for a count of four.

Once more, breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, release for a count of four, and hold for a count of four.

One more time, breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, release for a count of four, and hold for a count of four.

Continue to breathe deeply and imagine yourself standing at the edge of a dense forest. You can smell the leaves on the trees and feel the sun on your back. As you take a few steps in, you stop for a moment to listen to the sounds of the forest.

After a few moments, you take another few steps and notice that the sky is getting darker and although the temperature is cooling slightly, you’re still comfortable.

You continue walking in the forest until you come across an old tree standing on its own. 

You sit down in front of the tree. Where the roots emerge from the ground, at the base of the tree, you can see patterns, figures, and scratches. What story are they telling you?

Spend a few moments here and once you feel you’ve uncovered all of the story the tree has to tell, stand up and reach into your pocket. Whatever is in there, is your gift for the tree. Gently place it within its branches.

Slowly walk back through the forest, the way you came, until you reach the edge again.

Take 3 deep breaths.

Wiggle your toes and fingers and come back to yourself.

Spend some time writing in your journal until you have a full understanding of what the tree was telling you. Then decide how you can take this lesson further.

Remember that you can journey with the Hierophant anytime you choose.

Fiona Tate, AKA the Depression Muse, is a Lilithian Witch, Writer, and Mental Health Mentor. She helps people with Depression use it as a superpower and turn it into a Creature of Fucking beauty. She’s on a mission to reduce the global suicide rate to zero. Follow this link to receive a free copy of her book Depression Sucks and join the waitlist to hear more about Black Orchid Alchemy: The alternative way to manage Depression.