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

History Of Playing Cards

Taylor discussing the history and origin of playing cards, touching on the Tarot

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Romain Merlin's work "Origine des Cartes à Jouer" references theories found in "The History of Playing Cards" "The History of Playing Cards" contains references to Romain Merlin's work on the Tarot's origins

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesTarot →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Tarot

Guillaume-Chaïmétin de Gebelin, also known as Court de Gebelin, is renowned for his significant contributions to the understanding and interpretation of the Tarot, particularly in the context of its alleged connection to ancient Egyptian culture and magick. His work, based on extensive study and publication, formalized the idea that the Tarot holds symbolic and metaphysical associations with Egypt, advancing the discourse on the Tarot's historical and spiritual significance. While Gebelin's theories laid the groundwork for linking the Tarot to Egyptian traditions, it is important to note that different scholars have contributed to the Tarot's mystique. Jean-Pierre Brasseur de la Tour, for instance, has also developed theories about the Tarot's symbols and their supposed Egyptian origin, continuing the exploration into the Tarot’s potential roots and meanings. The concept of the Tarot as a reflection of Egyptian magick and symbolism is a complex one, with multiple scholars contributing to its interpretation. Court de Gebelin's formalization of the connection sets the stage for subsequent discussions, while Brasseur de la Tour's theories provide additional perspectives on the Tarot's symbolic and historical context. Together, their works have paved the way for a deeper understanding of the Tarot’s significance in both esoteric and cultural studies.

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesHigh Priestess →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & High Priestess

The High Priestess is a key figure in Gebelin's interpretation of the Tarot, representing a blend of Egyptian and philosophical wisdom.

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesEtteilla →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Etteilla

Étienne-Ogier Etteilla and Court de Gebelin both contributed to the early understanding and interpretation of the Tarot

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesCagliostro →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Cagliostro

Cagliostro spoke with Court de Gébelin and impressed him with his knowledge and speaking ability

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesEliphas Lévi →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Eliphas Lévi

Both Court de Gebelin and Eliphas Lévi made significant contributions to the symbolic and occult interpretations of the Tarot. Court de Gebelin, a 18th-century Swiss historian and occultist, is recognized for his extensive work on the Tarot's origins, heavily emphasizing the card deck's connection to ancient Egyptian mythology and religion. His ideas about the Tarot's Egyptian roots were particularly influential, serving as a foundational text for many subsequent interpretations. Eliphas Lévi, an 19th-century French occultist and mystic, was profoundly affected by Court de Gebelin's theories. Lévi's work often expanded and built upon de Gebelin's concepts, developing a more elaborate symbolism and esoteric significance for the Tarot cards. Lévi's writings further emphasized the Tarot's role in theurgy and the occult sciences, integrating symbolic elements from various ancient traditions, including Kabbalah and Egyptian mysticism. Together, the works of these two authors weave a rich body of Tarot symbolism and esoteric understanding. While Court de Gebelin laid the groundwork by asserting the Tarot's Egyptian lineage, Eliphas Lévi refined and expanded these ideas, creating a more intricate and detailed interpretation that continues to influence modern Tarot studies and practices.

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesTrumps Major →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Trumps Major

The Trumps Major sequence originates from Court de Gebelin's work

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesLast Judgment →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Last Judgment

Court de Gebelin's work, "Monde Primitif," postulated a connection between the Tarot and ancient symbolism, including the concept of the Last Judgment

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesLouis XVI →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Louis XVI

Court de Gébelin, as an initiate, was eager to understand the Mysteries of Cagliostro, potentially due to the significance of Louis XVI's position

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesMarie Antoinette →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Marie Antoinette

Court de Gébelin, being an initiate in Masonic philosophy, was curious about the reputation of Marie Antoinette and her association with Cagliostro

History Of Playing CardsthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesGreater Arcana →
I. History Of Playing Cards & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN, a key figure in the historical context of playing cards, is mentioned in the scholarly work titled "The History of Playing Cards." According to the references provided, Gide's ideas, which include the concept of the Chinese Tarot, have been documented and utilized by the authors of the aforementioned book. These ideas appear to be significant components in the narrative and analysis of the historical development of playing cards, emphasizing the influence that Gide's research has had on the field. Similarly, "The History of Playing Cards" also draws from Taylor's work, integrating Gide's concepts, including the Chinese Tarot, to provide a comprehensive examination of the evolution of playing cards, suggesting that multiple scholarly efforts have contributed to our understanding of this subject.

II. Court De Gebelin & Greater Arcana

Court de Gebelin linked the Greater Arcana to Egyptian sources, seeing them as remnants of an ancient Egyptian book (as described in the text).