Taurus, the Hierophant, & the Expert

Journaling with Astrology & Tarot: Taurus & The Hierophant

Our Journaling with Astrology & Tarot Series continues with Taurus and the Hierophant. Below you will find a personal story to introduce the themes of Taurus and the Hierophant, followed by a deeper dive into Taurus, the Hierophant, and how the two connect. Wrap it all up by exploring the themes yourself with the journal prompts provided at the end of the post.

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Disappointing the Grammar Gods

In 2017, I quit my six-figure corporate job to work for an association with a mission I believed in. It was a small team, and at the time I joined, it had a very involved and traditional CEO.

He reviewed every one of my emails sent to the members, and one day he corrected me: “Everyone gets this wrong. Data isn’t a singular noun. It’s plural. It’s the data are, not the data is.”

I was, of course, embarrassed—but also a little annoyed. For one, I wasn’t used to this level of involvement from a CEO, let alone a boss. And two, people who hang so tightly onto traditional grammar rules have always bugged me. I don’t like writing in an overly formal structure or tone. I prefer writing as if I’m talking to a person, using language that mimics actual conversation.

This same CEO also later said to me, “It’s irritating when I need to correct the grammar of an editor. It’s their job. I shouldn’t have to correct them.”

This felt like a passive aggressive critique of my work. Maybe it wasn’t. But I was his marketing and comms director, and he had corrected me on more than one occasion.

I thought I could escape this type of criticism and micromanaging once I stopped working a traditional job. But then I freelanced for a woman who had her former English-teacher mom proofread every email I wrote before it went out (and no, her mom didn’t work for her, this was purely just an extra thing).

Clearly, when we have a little trigger we need to overcome, the Universe keeps sending us tests and opportunities to overcome it!

“Whenever you correct someone’s grammar just remember that nobody likes you.”

—Jim Gaffigan

Why does being corrected on my grammar bother me so much?!

Now that I have taken a step back and purely write for myself, I’ve tried to dissect my feelings around this, as I know I’m being a bit sensitive.

Part of it stems from my belief that when people hire you for something, they are trusting you as their resource, as their go-to “expert” within their little sphere. And according to that CEO I worked for, an expert doesn’t make mistakes. They shouldn’t miss anything. So I feel tons of pressure to be perfect, and if I’m not, I believe I’ve lost trust.

And then there’s also my growing desire to rebel against any rules and expectations. I’ve spent most of my life trying to fit in and follow the rules of traditional institutions and organizations: churches, schools, corporate jobs, etc. After so many years of doing this and not feeling fulfilled or happy, I’m over it.

Don’t call me an “expert”

When I sat down to explore Taurus and its corresponding Tarot card, the Hierophant (which symbolizes traditions, institutions, and organizations), I was hesitant to use the word “expert” alongside it, despite it being the best word to connect the themes of the two. And I felt similar resistance to working with the Hierophant.

With the Hierophant, part of me likes the structure it offers. Part of me likes the idea of working toward something greater with a clear set of rules or guidelines. But part of me can’t stand the rigidity.

And with “expert,” a big part of me naturally wants to secure the trust that people give to an expert, but I don’t want to call myself one. It comes with a bit too much pressure to be perfect. It also triggers the “ick” factor for me, as I think the word “expert” is thrown around a bit too casually in the business coaching industry. (

Dre Beltrami

has written a great essay on this that says it way better than I can.)

There are certainly coaches out there who would say this is my hangup, that I don’t believe in myself enough to call myself an expert. Perhaps there is a bit of Imposter Syndrome here, but at the same time, I think we could all benefit from exploring what this word means to us.

And much to my surprise, this exploration into Taurus and the Hierophant has encouraged me to redefine this word, to view these concepts in a much more exciting way—in a way that truly lights my inner fire.

Taurus

Taurus Season runs for approximately April 20 - May 20, depending on the calendar year. In 2025, it runs from April 19 - May 20.

What’s Great About Taurus
Taurus is a dependable Earth sign, strongly rooted and reliable, which is why the bull is their symbol. They are committed to their values and beliefs, and as a result, are often looked to as leaders. They appreciate luxury and the simple pleasures in life, fully embracing the joys of the present moment. They’re in tune with nature and their bodies.

During Taurus Season, or whenever you’re working with Taurus energy, you may want to take some time to ground, be present, and recommit to your beliefs and values. You may also have the desire to reconnect with nature and your physical body, taking the time to appreciate all the beauty and pleasure life has to offer.

In the Seasons of the Zodiac by Stephanie Campos, she uses three words that stand out to me about Taurus season: “Pausing, sustaining, and committing.” It’s time to stand tall in what we believe in and to acknowledge what it is we truly desire for ourselves, our lives, and the world around us.

What’s Challenging About Taurus
While being dedicated to our values and having strong roots is important, it can also swing too far the other way, leading to stubbornness and rigidity. Being able to flow with life and the changing of the seasons is also important, so during Taurus season, be aware of any tendencies to hold on too tightly to certain beliefs or ideas.

It’s okay to change your mind or to let in new perspectives. Sometimes you will contradict yourself and change plans based on new information, and it’s good to learn how to move forward from that with confidence and compassion.

Featured Hierophant cards in order of appearance: The Modern Goddess Tarot by Cecilia Lattari, The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne, the Radiant Wilds Tarot by Nat Girsberger, Mystic Mondays Tarot by Grace Duong, and The Meraki Tarot by Bouchette Design. Each offer such unique interpretations of structure, tradition, and wisdom. To me, all of them point to this structure being the foundation upon which you build your individual path to enlightenment.

The Hierophant

What’s Great About The Hierophant
The Hierophant is often depicted on Tarot cards as a religious leader and is tied to spirituality, religion, traditions, and conformity. The Hierophant, much like the Taurus, is a trusted, dependable leader who stands strong in their beliefs and values. They are responsible for guiding others on the path and are seen as the official authority that can show you the way. They bring people together around common values or a common truth, creating a community with a clear identity and a clear structure to follow.

When drawing this card, it could mean that:

• You are being called to seek and learn from a leader, mentor, or organization with an established set of values

• You’re in need of a structure and a solid foundation to move forward, and you’ll find that within a traditional system or proven method

• It’s time to recommit yourself to traditions or rituals, and this may be an invitation to explore your spiritual roots or lineage

• You are being called to be the spiritual leader or mentor for others who need your wisdom, so take some time to create a structure that honors your experience and values and that can be clearly communicated or shared

The Challenges
Again, much like with Taurus, the Hierophant can also indicate a tendency toward being too strict, holding too tightly onto outdated rules or systems. If you were to pull this card in reverse, it could indicate that:

• You’re seeking too much guidance or approval outside of yourself

• You’re not listening to or trusting yourself and your own wisdom

• You’re too reliant on the rules, and it is time to rebel

Taurus & The Hierophant: The Makings of a True Expert Embodied Leader

Both Taurus and the Hierophant are strong leaders to admire, and with the right balance between structure and flow, they give us some beautiful reminders of what it means to be an expert and trusted leader.

With Taurus’ ability to tap into the physical body and experience the pleasures of life, the concept of “embodiment” is a big theme for this season and this sign—and when applied to the Hierophant, I think it creates something magical.

Sure, labeling someone an “expert” or trusted leader or authority figure is often based on credentials and experience. They could carry a resume packed with proven results. But one thing that I was taught when working in TV News has stuck with me: “Never lead a story with the official.”

This means that the first sound bite off the top of a news story shouldn’t come from the official or “expert” voice. Why is this a general rule? Because the official is often boring and unrelatable, providing purely the facts. The real story is found within the everyday person impacted by the event or situation, the person who is just like the rest of us.

Pursuing degrees and certifications, while valuable, isn’t what ultimately connects us to a leader or a teacher. What inspires us to listen, to follow, to learn, is the energy and the story of that individual. And that is what comes through when that person is living their values and their teachings. It’s not just a title; it’s not just a certification. It’s embedded into who they are and their everyday actions.

And so, I have officially decided to swap “expert” for “embodied leader.”

This concept of the embodied leader reminded me of a beautiful oracle card that has always inspired me, and it is from The Starseed Oracle by Rebecca Campbell. The card is “The Cosmic Heart” and in her description of this, Rebecca encourages us to make our lives “one big moving prayer.”

This is exactly what Taurus and the Hierophant call us to do: Focus on commitment and devotion. Dedicate ourselves to our values and beliefs. Embody them so that every step and action we take creates a beautiful harmony within us and around us.

Being an expert in the traditional sense of the term is not what really matters. What matters is that we embody the essence of our beliefs and values, so that even when we make mistakes or change direction, we respond with strength and grace. We forgive ourselves and others, knowing rules are merely in place to keep us on track, and not meeting them at all times is not a failure. Our core remains unshaken, we are still who we are. And our commitment, in the end, is what will secure trust.

What to Watch for this Taurus Season

This Taurus Season, you may find yourself wanting to:

• Slow down, ground, and be present

• Indulge in the little pleasures and the things that make your life feel full, rich, and luxurious

• Examine your personal beliefs and values

  • Acknowledge where you might be disconnected and out of alignment with your beliefs and values, as well as where you might be holding on too tightly to rules or traditions

  • Recommit yourself to both what you value and what you desire for your life

• Step up to mentor, teach, lead, or guide others

(My source for this information and many things Astrology-related is the Seasons of the Zodiac: Love, Magick, and Manifestation Throughout the Astrological Year by Stephanie Campos. For deeper card meanings, I always love to consult Biddy Tarot to see if there’s anything else to add to my personal perspective.)

Taurus & The Hierophant Soul Journaling Session

To help you work with this energy, I’ve created:

• A set of journal prompts focused on the themes of Taurus & The Hierophant (for all subscribers, listed below). I’ve also included a music track you can listen to while you journal. All sound healing music is created by my husband.

• A recorded Soul Journaling Session with one key prompt for the Soul (for paid subscribers). This practice is designed for you to use throughout Taurus season to help you uncover new insights. You can use it as purely a journaling prompt or as a prompt for a daily one-card Tarot or Oracle card pull.

• A three-card spread for Taurus & the Hierophant (for paid subscribers). This card spread will help you discover where you’re being called to step up as an embodied leader right now.
  

  Paid subscribers, you can access your Taurus Season practice & card spread here:

  Taurus & The Hierophant Soul Journaling Session & Card Spread

  
  

Your Journal Prompts

The prompts this time are a little bit different, but I felt particularly inspired when creating them. It reminded me of what I was exploring back when I was teaching Yoga & Journaling, before I got pregnant.

I intend to go back to teaching those classes someday, but for now, I’m including an opportunity for you to brainstorm on your own how you can incorporate some physical movement that aligns with your commitment.

• What do you wish to commit or devote yourself to in this lifetime? (If lifetime feels too big right now, focus on what you want to commit to in the near future instead.)

• Write your vows or a letter of commitment to this.

• What physical movement, pose, or sequence of movements could you practice regularly to help you embody this commitment?

• What is one thing you can do each day to honor your commitment?

Share & Declare Your Commitment

I would love to open up a mini Soul Journaling Circle in the comments. If you feel called, head there and complete the sentence, “I commit myself to . . .”

Together, we can create one beautiful list of commitments to show the Universe we are ready for this next phase. Plus, we can have the opportunity to support one another and know we are not alone!

If you are a Taurus, let me know. I’d love to give you a free month of the paid subscription so you can work with the Soul Journaling Session for the season!

With love and gratitude,

Marcy

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More Taurus Season Resources

Journaling for Taurus Season

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How to Support Soul Journaling Sessions

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