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

Eternity

ETERNITY, a concept symbolizing the profound and abstract, is prominently featured above the head and waist of the Magician in certain depictions. It signifies the eternal and is closely associated with the endless cycle of creation and destruction, often depicted through the snake's coils, representing the regenerative and cyclical nature of life and the universe.

Significantly, Eternity contrasts with the present condition, acting as a symbol to be attained through liberation from the confines of linear time. In this context, Eternity is characterized by internal knowledge and wisdom, existing within diaphanous elements, suggesting a state of pure understanding and existence beyond the temporal constraints of the material world. This state encapsulates the infinite and the timeless, providing a profound philosophical and mystical essence.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

CoesepotRitual

Symbols like the Coeceptot, representing the motion of serpents, depicted the concept of eternity

Egg-shaped GlobeSubstance

The egg-shaped globe represented the primordial essence of eternity, a basic cosmological concept

Papus→Person

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

W.→Person

Waite supports the idea that Eternity represents the eternal and the abstract in the Magician.

MagikancierConcept

The Magician, known as "THE MAGIKANCIER," symbolizes eternity, embodying the concept of the eternal and the abstract. This entity is deeply rooted within the domain of the timeless, reflecting ideas that transcend the physical and temporal boundaries, encapsulating the essence of infinity and intangibility.

Bruce PetersonPerson

Bruce Peterson, in his work, discussed symbols like the Coeceptot, which symbolize eternity

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesWill →
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Will

Papus associates the Will with the concept of the divine motive in the Magician.

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesHigh Priestess →
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & High Priestess

Papus was interested in the symbolism of the High Priestess card.

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesDivination →
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Divination

Papus was involved in the study and interpretation of tarot for divination, a practice that involves predicting the future through the tarot cards.

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesEtteilla →
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Etteilla

Papus continued the work of Etteilla and preserved parts of his system.

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesLesser Arcana →
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Lesser Arcana

Papus was a key figure in the exploration and interpretation of the Lesser Arcana, a component of the tarot deck. He delved deeply into the tarot through his work titled "The Tarot of the Bohemians," where he sought to uncover the profound and mystical meanings inherent in each card of the Lesser Arcana. Through extensive writings, Papus underscored the significance of the Lesser Arcana, emphasizing their essential part in the broader context of tarot symbolism and the importance of their meticulous interpretation. His contributions were instrumental in advancing the understanding of the mystical and esoteric properties embedded within the tarot cards.

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesArthur Edward Waite →
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Arthur Edward Waite

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesAries →
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Aries

Papus discusses the concept of Aries in relation to the High Priest.

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesTarot Of The Bohemians
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Tarot Of The Bohemians

Papus’s work, "The Tarot of the Bohemians," focuses on the symbolism and meaning of the tarot cards, exploring the divine elements of the Trumps Major and Lesser Arcana. Papus authored the complex work known as the "Tarot of the Bohemians." This text is regarded as a significant piece within the domain of occult science, presenting a comprehensive exploration of the esoteric knowledge associated with the tarot. The work's complex nature reflects the depth and intricate understanding of the subject matter that Papus aims to convey to his readers.

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesLevi's Tableau
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Levi's Tableau

Papus follows the work of Levi, specifically in the Tarot research Papus extends the work of Levi, specifically in the Tarot research

EternitythroughPapusilluminatesHierarchy Of Thoth
I. Eternity & Papus

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

II. Papus & Hierarchy Of Thoth

Papus is a key figure in the development of modern tarot studies, and he firmly establishes the "Hierarchy of Thoth" as the foundational basis of his work. According to Papus, the Hierarchical tradition, particularly the Hierarchy of Thoth, serves as the backbone of his tarot interpretation and analysis. Papus believes that the Tarot is deeply rooted in this ancient hierarchical framework, suggesting a connection between medieval esotericism and the symbolic imagery of the tarot cards. Through this integration, Papus aims to uncover the mystical and spiritual significance behind the symbols and meanings embedded within the tarot, positioning it not merely as a divinatory tool, but as a profound and ancient esoteric text. The "Hierarchy of Thoth" thus becomes a central concept in Papus’s approach to understanding the tarot, emphasizing its historical and esoteric origins. Papus asserts the Hierarchical tradition as the basis of his tarot teachings