The Hierophant is the card of tradition, of the structure one has grown up in, of the rules one has learned. Many symbols related to the Hierophant appear throughout the Tarot deck, and some of them are the pillars of traditional systems. There are institutions that rely on faith in religion, the role of government in the community, the importance of education and how we deal internally and our interactions with others. All these traditions are to benefit the people as a whole. This card emphasizes the importance of these established systems to our community and its future.
On the other hand, the Hierophant can also represent the negative impact of tradition, especially when it stands for the ruling class. There can be resistance to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and a lack of adaptability in the process. Moreover, there can be a fear of change, especially when it comes from the outside.
If The Hierophant Major Arcana card shows up in your reading, it could be a sign that you are living by traditional rules from your environment and may feel restricted in your life choices.