hierophant

/ˈhaɪərəˌfænt/
noun
  1. A person who explains or interprets sacred mysteries or esoteric knowledge; a priest or teacher of hidden wisdom.
    • In ancient Greece, the hierophant led the secret rites of the Eleusinian Mysteries.
    • Some see the museum curator as a modern hierophant, revealing the secrets of ancient art.
    • The guru acted as a hierophant, guiding his students through complex spiritual teachings.
  2. A person who advocates or promotes a particular doctrine, cause, or system of thought with great authority.
    • In the tech world, he served as a hierophant for open-source software.
    • The professor became a hierophant of environmentalism, inspiring many young activists.
    • She was the hierophant of the new design movement, explaining its principles to the public.
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