Hermit and Hierophant tarot card combinations

Cards combination description

High arcan Hermit and high arcan Hierophant combination - Strengthens the association of a wise teacher. Together (in any combination) with Eight of Pentacles can indicate learning and studying; gathering wisdom in an educational setting.

Card 1 - Hermit

The Hermit depicts an old man standing alone at the peak of the mountain while holding a lantern in one of his hands and a staff on the other. The mountain denotes accomplishment, development, and success. The hermit tarot card refers to the level of spiritual knowledge that he attained, and that he is ready to impart that knowledge to everyone. There is also a deep commitment he has to his goal and a solid awareness of the path that he is taking. Inside the lantern, you will notice a star with 6 points which is also known as the Seal of Solomon. This symbol represents wisdom. The staff that he holds depicts authority and power.

Associations:

Similar or supporting cards:
Four of Swords (withdrawal) The High Priestess (deeper knowledge) The Hierophant (teacher or guide) Four of Pentacles (caution)

Opposing or contradictory cards:
The Fool (carefree spirit of adventure) Two of Wands (partnerships and working with others) Two of Cups (close union) Three of Cups, or any cards suggesting group activity.

Hermit combinations
The slow moving element suggested in this card can be emphasised or reinforced when others are present, such as, the Knight of Pentacles, Strength, etc.

Full card's description

Card 2 - Hierophant

The card depicts a religious figure that sits in a rather formal environment characteristic for a church. He is wearing three elaborate vestments which are designated to represent the three different worlds. His right hand is properly raised in an act of benediction, a sign of blessing – it s the same hand that the Magician has raised. In his other hand, he carries a triple cross, which is associated traditionally with the pope. Each of the horizontal bars in the cross are thought to represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Beneath him, two acolytes are seated, representing the transfer of sacred knowledge within institutions. Through these acolytes, the card also comes to represent following the path to knowledge and education. This card is also known as the High Priest in certain decks - as well as the Pope. He is acting as the masculine counterpart of another card which is known as the High Priestess. This card is ruled by Taurus. 

Associations:

Similar or supporting cards:
The wisdom of The Hermit, sometimes the structure of The Emperor. Marriage and family cards would strengthen that association.

Opposing or contradictory cards:
nbsp; The Fool (free spirit and adventurous) The Hanging Man (thinking outside the box, unconventional) The Devil (excess, not following moral codes).

Hierophant combinations
When appearing together with other marriage cards it would strengthen the association, such as: Ten of Cups, The Lovers, Two of Cups, Four of Wands, Three of Cups, The Empress. The Ten of Pentacles, Ace of Pentacles (sometimes Justice), may also be included as supportive for what they represent, (but not in isolation). There are quite a lot of different combinations that can indicate marriage but the ordering or flow of the cards is usually the important factor, when reading in a simple line from left to right.

Full card's description