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

Friendship

Friendship, a central and manifold concept in both Tarot and historical philosophies, involves deep, emotional connections and attachments, symbolized by the Two of Swords in the Tarot. This card represents reliable and agreeable surroundings outside the family, reflecting the good intentions and good-will that characterize friendship. In the broader context of human relationships and societal connections, friendship signifies inter-relational harmony, particularly noted in its representation by the Two of Cups, which denotes the soul-union and connection between the sexes.

From the perspective of ancient philosopher Pythagoras, friendship was considered the truest and most perfect relationship among all forms of human connection. Pythagorean teachings described a natural friendship not only between gods and men but also encompassed broader relationships such as those between doctrines and the soul, the rational and irrational parts, philosophy and theory, men and their countrymen, strangers, wives, children, and even servants. This holistic view of friendship underscores its universal and profound significance in various aspects of life, both personal and professional, providing reliable and agreeable surroundings that contribute to societal harmony and well-being.

Thus, the comprehensive description of friendship, as encompassed in these various contexts, highlights its deep emotional, social, and philosophical dimensions, emphasizing its role in fostering reliable and agreeable connections across different levels of human society.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

Well-beingConcept

Well-being and friendship, both associated with social and personal support

Co-operationConcept

Co-operation and friendship, both associated with strong and supportive relationships

BusinessConcept

Good business and profitable cooperation are outcomes of being in good friendship.

MoneySubstance

Money and friendship, both associated with business and co-operation

MistressConcept

Mistress and friendship, both associated with sympathy and support

GoodwillConcept

Friendship entails good intentions and goodwill, producing advantages and good business outcomes.

HospitalityConcept

Hospitality and politeness can be associated with the trust and openness in friendship relations.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesSun →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Sun

Sol, often associated with Apollo, is mentioned in connection with Pythagoras, symbolizing divine knowledge and wisdom

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Alchemy

Pythagoras is mentioned as a potential alchemist in ancient tradition, although no historical proof of his alchemical practice exists

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesMysteries →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Mysteries

Pythagoras was an initiate in the Mystery schools, teaching divine knowledge and founding the Philosophical movement

FriendshipthroughBusinessilluminatesFire →
I. Friendship & Business

Good business and profitable cooperation are outcomes of being in good friendship.

II. Business & Fire

Business requires skill and bravery, outcomes of the fire's influence.

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesPentagram →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Pentagram

The pentagram was a symbol significant in the teachings and practices of Pythagoras and his school

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesIsis →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Isis

Pythagoras incorporated Egyptian teachings, particularly those of Isis, into his philosophical work

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesFreemasonry →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Freemasonry

Pythagoras and Freemasonry share historical and philosophical connections, both dealing with wisdom and symbolism Ancient Masonry influenced and was influenced by the philosophies of Pythagoras, in particular his focus on wisdom and symbolic practices

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesTriad →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Triad

Pythagoras used the triad in summarizing his philosophical and mathematical teachings

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesAristotle →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Aristotle

Pythagoras indirectly influenced Aristotle through his works on philosophy

FriendshipthroughPythagorasilluminatesEgypt →
I. Friendship & Pythagoras

Friendship was a core concept in Pythagorean philosophy, as articulated by Pythagoras, emphasizing the interplay between different forms of relationships and the idea of friendship as the most perfect relationship.

II. Pythagoras & Egypt

Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, was initiated into the Egyptian Mysteries of Isis and delved deeply into the rich traditions of Egypt. His study and initiation into these religious and philosophical practices in Egypt are well-documented, highlighting the significance of Egyptian knowledge and beliefs in shaping his thoughts and contributions to various fields. Through his immersion in Egyptian traditions and the mysteries of Isis, Pythagoras likely enriched his philosophical and mathematical philosophies, making his contributions even more profound and manifold. Pythagoras was initiated into the Egyptian Mysteries of Isis