Court De Gebelin→Person
Court de Gebelin linked the Greater Arcana to Egyptian sources, seeing them as remnants of an ancient Egyptian book (as described in the text).
Greater Arcana
The Greater Arcana refers to the 22 major trumps or cards within the Tarot system, which serve as symbols of archetypal forces and life journeys. These cards represent macrocosmic principles and are central to the symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the Tarot. They also symbolize higher principles and the houses of the Celestial City, providing a framework for understanding the structure of the Tarot as a whole. The Greater Arcana's primary role is to guide the seeker through the complexities of life, offering insights into the underlying forces that shape existence.
Concordance & Cross-References
Primary Correspondences & Figures
Lesser Arcana→Ritual
The Greater Arcana and Lesser Arcana are interrelated components of the complete Tarot, both utilized in the practice of Tarot divination. The Greater Arcana establishes the overarching themes and overarching narratives within the Tarot, providing a macrocosmic perspective. In contrast, the Lesser Arcana offers specific and individual aspects, examining the microcosmic details that complement and flesh out these broader themes. Together, these two interconnected sets form a comprehensive tool for divination, offering both foundational and specific insights.
Houses Of The TarotConcept
Greater Arcana represents the higher cosmic principles and houses
Tarot→Substance
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
Horoscope→Ritual
Both use a horoscopic basis, representing the interplay of celestial bodies on human life
Wands→Concept
Wands are indicative of the Intelligences working through the Greater Arcana
Eliphas Lévi→Person
Eliphas Lévi allocated specific cards to virtues, including the greater arcana
Mediate Correspondences
Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
II. Tarot & Sun
The Tarot includes The Sun which represents spiritual illumination, truth, and the renewal of life
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
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.
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
II. Tarot & Pantacle
The Pantacle, a ritual symbol, is part of the Tarot, which contains kabalistic alphabets and symbols used in magical practices.
I. Greater Arcana & Lesser Arcana
The Greater Arcana and Lesser Arcana are interrelated components of the complete Tarot, both utilized in the practice of Tarot divination. The Greater Arcana establishes the overarching themes and overarching narratives within the Tarot, providing a macrocosmic perspective. In contrast, the Lesser Arcana offers specific and individual aspects, examining the microcosmic details that complement and flesh out these broader themes. Together, these two interconnected sets form a comprehensive tool for divination, offering both foundational and specific insights.
II. Lesser Arcana & Alchemy
The Lesser Arcana can be seen as part of the broader esoteric tradition that includes alchemy, both exploring deeper symbolic and mystical meanings.
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
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.
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
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.
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
II. Tarot & Pentagram
Both symbols are used in the same occult practices to achieve different goals, symbolizing the same fundamental principles
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
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
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
II. Tarot & Death
The Tarot includes Death symbolizing the transformative cycle of nature from one state to another
I. Greater Arcana & Tarot
The Greater Arcana are a subset of the Tarot, representing the most fundamental and profound symbols and stories within its structure.
II. Tarot & Isis
The three of cups shows the figure of Isis, and therefore is part of Tarot symbolism.