Tarot of Marseille: The Pope

WHO IS THE POPE, ARCANUM 5 OF THE TAROT OF MARSEILLE?
The number 5 corresponds to the Pope, symbol of “change”.

The card, the fifth Major Arcana of the Tarot de Marseille, represents an elderly character, with white hair and beard, wearing a blue tunic and a red cape.
In front of him, two disciples kneel and seem to admire him greatly: he blesses them with his right hand.
His gaze is turned far away, it seems directed towards a higher dimension, towards infinity.
On his head he wears a three-tiered tiara and in his left hand he holds a cross: these two symbols of the Papacy refer to the image of the patriarch and the protector.

INTERPRETATION OF THE CHARTER
In operation
The Pope represents moral authority.
He is well-liked for his generosity, indulgence, and gentleness. Worthy of respect, he embodies a paternalistic figure capable of giving sound advice to those around him.
Alongside the Lovers and Judgement, he evokes union and love, to which he gives his blessing by virtue of great wisdom and a profound knowledge of human aspirations.

Not in operation
The Pope apparently has a closed mind.
His moralism leads him to dogmatism and conformism and his inclination to teach can lead him to a form of authoritarianism due to questions of principle.
The Pope is a far-sighted person who knows how to take care of himself and the people around him.

ADVICE FROM THE POPE
– Ask a wise and spiritual person for advice.
– Act in accordance with the highest moral principles.
– Be religious.
– Advise those who turn to you by transmitting your wisdom to them.
– Let your moral sense guide you.
– Leave aside anything that could be considered unethical.
– Surround yourself with people who share your values.
– Be wary of people who only seek material goods.
– Follow your highest values.
– Act in a methodical and organized manner.
– Find guidance in religious texts and spiritual traditions.
– Listen to those who are wiser than you.
– This is not the time to be a nonconformist or a rebel.
– Act together with like-minded people, rather than alone.
– Respect authority.
– In a group situation, the role and position of each member must be clarified, and the hierarchy must be respected.

KEYWORDS
Spiritual Authority, Teaching, Guidance, Wisdom, Tradition.

Look at the other tarot cards…

THE TAROT OF MARSEILLE
I – THE MAGICIAN
II – THE POPESS
III – THE EMPRESS
III – THE EMPEROR
V – THE POPE
VI – THE LOVERS
VII – THE CHARIOT
VIII – JUSTICE
VIIII – THE HERMIT
X – THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
XI – THE STRENGTH
XII – THE HANGED MAN
XIII – DEATH
XIIII – TEMPERANCE
XV – THE DEVIL
XVI – THE TOWER
XVII – THE STARS
XVIII – THE MOON
XVIIII – THE SUN
XX – THE JUDGMENT
XXI – THE WORLD
THE FOOL