The Fey Tarot’s Hierophant

In this deck, this card is called “The Wisest” (printed on the actual card), while in the book, it is called “The Wise One.”

The creator (who many of you know is Riccardo Minetti from Lo Scarabeo) says that this card is of a venerable and wise creature, the source of infinite, ancient, and wonderful memories, of experience and advice. He has learnt great things over time, and has fathomed the abyss of knowledge at length in order to learn.

He also says that in this deck, the Wise One is the consort to the Seer (the High Priestess) and that they are the spiritual mother and father. The Seer is a custodian of wisdom and the Wise one answers and guides.

To me, it sounds like some of these qualities and even the visuals (wise old man, hourglass) are things we often associate with The Hermit. Sometimes it is suggested that The Hermit is a teacher, the wise old man, the mentor. But I’ve often questioned that. The Hermit wants to be alone, not have students, at least not for any length of time. The Hierophant seems more like a teacher.

Would you be more apt to approach this version of The Hierophant for advice and guidance than you would a more traditional version? Why or why not?