The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is the source of the claimed origin for Tarot cards, though this is now widely disputed

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Tarot→Substance

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

Jean-Pierre Brasseur de la Tour's theories about the Tarot and its Egyptian origin were significant

Étienne-Ogier Etteilla's initial studies of the Tarot were influenced by the supposed Egyptian origin

Isidore-Henri-Jean d'Azuelos's work on the Tarot continued the debate on its Egyptian origin

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesSun →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Sun

The Tarot includes The Sun which represents spiritual illumination, truth, and the renewal of life

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Paracelsus

Paracelsus, the renowned Renaissance physician, alchemist, and astrologer, is associated with the Tarot in various legends and historical accounts. According to one narrative, Paracelsus is credited with revealing a significant insight into the Tarot after interpreting hieroglyphs in a dream. This suggests that Paracelsus believed in the symbolic and potentially hidden meanings within the Tarot's intricate designs and symbolism. It is also suggested that Paracelsus may have utilized or had an understanding of the Tarot as part of his broader astrological practices, which were central to his overall approach to medicine and philosophy. Both narratives highlight Paracelsus' deep engagement with esoteric knowledge and his belief in the sympathy of various forms of wisdom, including the astrological and the alchemical, as well as the mystical significance of the Tarot.

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesPantacle →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Pantacle

The Pantacle, a ritual symbol, is part of the Tarot, which contains kabalistic alphabets and symbols used in magical practices.

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Alchemy

TAROT and ALCHEMY are interconnected in the works of individuals like Papus, who utilize the Tarot as a tool to apply alchemical principles in his occult teachings. Both the Tarot and Alchemy are recognized as symbols and systems that seek deeper metaphysical and psychological truths. These disciplines are related through their esoteric and symbolic nature, with the Tarot often seen as a symbolic system parallel to Alchemy, both aiming to explore the same profound dimensions of reality. Through the lens of Papus, the Tarot becomes a means to translate and apply the concepts of Alchemy into a more accessible and intuitive framework, emphasizing their shared pursuit of understanding the nature of the universe and the human psyche. Alchemy and Tarot are both practices associated with ancient mysticism and transmutation

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesKabalah →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Kabalah

The Tarot serves as a key to the Kabalah, indicating its significant symbolic and mystical importance Kabalistic theosophy is tied to the Tarot as Lévi and others discuss its connection to the Thirty-two Paths of Kabalistic theosophy.

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesAstrology →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Astrology

The Tarot was used by Etteilla to apply astrological principles in divination.> Astrology is seen as a parallel system to the Tarot, both dealing with human consciousness and relations to celestial bodies, and thus is related to the Tarot in the context of understanding deeper metaphysical truths.

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesPentagram →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Pentagram

Both symbols are used in the same occult practices to achieve different goals, symbolizing the same fundamental principles

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesMoon →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Moon

The Moon card is directly linked to the divine tears of Isis, symbolizing the Moon's nurturing and life-giving qualities in Gebelin's interpretation. The Tarot includes The Moon which symbolizes illusion, the subconscious, and the path of the subconscious mind

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesDeath →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Death

The Tarot includes Death symbolizing the transformative cycle of nature from one state to another

Ancient EgyptthroughTarotilluminatesIsis →
I. Ancient Egypt & Tarot

The Tarot was initially claimed to have an Egyptian origin, though this is now widely disputed

II. Tarot & Isis

The three of cups shows the figure of Isis, and therefore is part of Tarot symbolism.