Meaning of the Pope Tarot card

The Pope is giving a blessing to the two figures kneeling before him.

The Pope is the high priest, repository of the knowledge of occult science, which is instead veiled and unknown to the populace.

General interpretation of the card

The Pope card represents formal, orthodox religion.

It is a symbol of stability, as are the columns at its sides, or the back of the throne that resembles two columns.

It is also a symbol of the transmission of knowledge, which the Pope is imparting to the figures kneeling in front of him. It is a transmission of knowledge that does not occur through personal development, but through the sacrament, through trust in faith.

The Pope card represents a person who holds knowledge, a good person, and one who can be of help. It represents dogma, the teaching that we can obtain through him.

In the most negative interpretations it can instead represent conformism, cultural rigidity or inflexible positions.

While the Emperor may represent inflexible positions in actions, the Pope card is more likely to represent much more intimate, inner intransigence: personal values on which we will not compromise.

Specific examples of possible meanings:

• Our behavior, in the eyes of other people or of one person in particular, seems inappropriate. In fact, it seems unacceptable. Inflexible viewpoints, and a lack of willingness on the part of others to understand.
• A friend, a relative: a trusted person whom we must ask for advice. Our situation prevents us from being objective, we are too involved. It would be better to ask advice from someone we can trust. Make sure, however, that you do not ask the wrong person, because they might have their own prejudices and not be objective.
• A person knows what the real situation is. We just have to find the courage to ask (and know how to listen).
• Don’t do everything yourself. This time, even though you might not like it, the surest and quickest way to success is to get help. Rest assured that by accepting the support and help of others, you will undoubtedly reach a situation of greater inner serenity (and even material achievements will seem trivial compared to how well you feel inside).
• The desire to act for good, to do the right thing.
• The need to consult a professional: lawyer, psychologist, couples therapist, etc.
• The right balance between reason and emotions. You will be able to find the point where you know (through reason) that you are doing the right thing, and you also feel (with your heart) that it is the right thing to do.