This HIEROPHANT to me is a symbol of teachng and learning, rational advice, and religion, dogma... traditional and conservative. You see the two students/disciples at his feet looking towards him from knowledge.
Judgmental? definitely.
Kind of narrow-minded. Morality and religious laws. Things of that nature. In a  spread, he can represent someone's father figure, or even a professor, or someone's boss... a figure of authority that possesses some knowledge about what we are supposed to be doing (in society's rules). Or it is the person we go to see for advice... like a psychologist, a doctor...
Also, this card gives me a message of MODERATION. let's calm down a little and think carefully about what we are supposed to do.

Oh... and I think also, somebody we go to to settle our differences and arguments with others... like a mediator... someone who will try to reason two people who are angry at each other.
Below the picture of the corresponding card in the marseille tarot deck.

Well known highly respected religous figure. The Pope. You could go to him for spiritual advice which could give you a different perspective on life. One you have never thought of before.

Marchetti's Hyerophant is not sitting in front of us but standing in a pose that reminds me of the Hermit, even though he is clearly a bishop with a beautiful stained window behind him. This is my favorite because of the amazing colors.

Taliesin was a Welsh bard, thence the harp standing close-up. I like the fact that this figure is removed from the usual Cristian priest and also that he sits surrounded by beautiful nature with a stream flowing at his feet.

Universal Hierophant is sitting on a strange, high throne that looks a bit like the legs of a crouching animal. He is flanked by two candelabra (even if also on a profile) and sports a couple of nude women instead of the usual acolytes that are entirely missing in the previous two cards.

I see a lost,troubled girl looking for guidance,  the head and hand of a man in the background  he is holding his hand up and seems to be saying I told you so. I would link it to mean requiring guidance from an authoritive figure.

For me the Heirophant is about knowing what is appropriate. Knowledge of what you should do, that is always within if you look and see. It is a card of order and morality, balance and rules/discipline. This card says to me it may be a time for accepting advice and guidance, being part of the community, not a time for  "going it alone."