Nestled in the heart of Griffith lies an enchanting place where people can go to access natural health options. Proudly serving Canberra for 35 years, The Hierophant, a natural medicine store and clinic, is a must visit for those who are curious and looking to develop a deeper connection with themselves and nature. Tim Thomas, owner and co-founder of The Hierophant, shares insights into how The Hierophant began, why you must visit and where it is headed in the future.
Congratulations on 35 years in business. Can you tell us about The Hierophant’s journey?
I grew up in Wales and studied at a college in London, pursuing a degree in Physics. I became interested in massage, aromatherapy, and other modalities in my 20s which opened my mind to a new path leading to natural therapies. Through fate, I came to Canberra to study with Kim Dudley, who was running some education on homeopathy, herbalism, and naturopathy. I was totally thrown into this world, but it all made complete sense to me. While I studied with Kim, I also trained and worked as a registered nurse at the Canberra hospital. Kim and I began lecturing on homeopathic and herbal remedies and rented a space in May 1988. The Hierophant was born. By December 1988, we expanded into a bigger space. Kim and I ran workshops and consulted one-on-one and also brought on other consultants. Kim unfortunately passed away several years ago which affected a lot of our community, as he was so well respected. We have been pottering along the last few years, however, along with our 35 years celebration this year, came the realisation it’s time to take the business through a revamp. Now, with some new team members coming on board, The Hierophant is excitingly taking on some new projects in 2024.
Can you share some insights into what The Hierophant offers the community?
We have a mission to empower people to explore natural medicines, and realise that nature has provided incredibly powerful healing remedies. We have customers who have been coming in since we started all those 35 years ago, however, we find the majority of our newer customers are people who come in for the following reasons: sleep struggles, stress and anxiety, and gut health or allergies. People love that not only do they have access to practitioners, but our book store has a wealth of knowledge so they can do their own research as well.
What kind of unique experience does The Hierophant offer?
A lot of customers tell me that the first thing they notice when they walk through the doors is the smell of the place – the teas, the oils, the incenses, and herbs. It’s like walking into a little wonderland where they can walk around and get wrapped up in the warmth of the energy of the remedies on the shelves. Those remedies have a healing presence in which they are bursting to give themselves to people. You can have a wander around, sit and look at books while feeling embraced by health. Customers will feel like they are entering a whole new world of possibility.
What does 2024 have in store for The Hierophant?
We have an exciting 2024 planned, with an upgrade to our store, several new ranges of products and a new website coming. We also have lots of new courses coming soon, to inform young people on herbal medicine and natural remedies. I would love to leave a legacy where The Hierophant continues to be a place for you to learn and connect. I want young people to understand that the herb they just walked across could lessen your menstrual cramps. The plant you just weeded out of your garden could aid in cleansing your liver. So, there are lots of fun things we are creating for the community … some we can’t speak about yet.
What is something simple everyone should do to look after their wellness?
Tell your kids you love them. Walk around the block and smell the roses. Look at a tree and a blade of grass and experience the wonder and the awe. Observe a strange insect and just be in nature. Feel the heat of the sun. Feel the dampness of the rain and the smell just before a thunderstorm. Nature is in a continual state of meditation – just tune in.
You have a special Christmas event coming up, tell us more about that.
The Hierophant is celebrating with a Christmas party on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December. On both days, there will be samples of our brand-new luxury tea range to try, and herbal tonic mocktails each evening. We have a new range of beautiful Christmas gifts in store, plus, all weekend there will be 10 per cent off all homeopathic and herbal remedies and complimentary zinc testing.
The Saturday line-up will include free herb-themed Christmas decoration making in the morning, complimentary 15-minute psychic readings from midday, an intention setting session with ceremonial cacao in the afternoon, finishing with mocktails in the evening.
Where can people find out more?
You can find The Hierophant upstairs at 6 Barker Street, Griffith or at www.thehierophant.com.au or by calling 02 6295 6939.
