The Hierophant can definitely be tricky if you don’t resonate with the traditional meanings tied to religion, marriage, or conventional wisdom. But even if you’re non-religious and non-traditional, this card still has a lot to offer in a reading.
For me, The Hierophant is about seeking guidance, structure, or even a sense of order—but not necessarily from a religious or traditional source. It can represent any form of authority or mentor that helps you understand something complex or gives you a framework to work within. Think of it as a reminder to seek knowledge or wisdom from trusted sources, whether that’s a book, a mentor, or even your own inner guidance.
In a personal context, especially if you’re non-traditional, The Hierophant might be pointing out where you’re adhering to your own set of rules or structures, even if they’re unconventional. It could also be encouraging you to develop your own beliefs or practices that resonate with you, rather than following what’s expected or “traditional.”
When it comes to making the same mistakes, I like your interpretation of The Hierophant as a call to break out of old patterns. It’s like saying, “What lessons are you repeating, and how can you break free from that cycle?”
In career readings, I also see it as representing an organization, institution, or even a boss who has influence over your path. And for love readings, while it can hint at a Taurus or the Taurus season, it might also ask you to consider how you and your partner align (or don’t align) in terms of values and long-term goals.
Ultimately, The Hierophant can be about finding or creating your own path, your own “traditions,” and how you structure your life in a way that feels true to you. It’s less about following the norm and more about understanding and crafting your own belief system.