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

Origine Des Cartes À Jouer

Romain Merlin's "Historie de la Magie" debates the claims made in his own work on the Tarot's origins Book that questions the Egyptian and Indian origins of the Tarot

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

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

"ORIGINE DES CARTES À JOUER" is a work that addresses and counters the ideas presented in "HISTORIE DE LA MAGIE" by the renowned occultist and writer Eliphas Lévi. This work, authored by Gebelin, serves not only as a critical engagement with Lévi's thoughts on the history of magic but also as an exploration that seeks to challenge certain aspects of Lévi's narrative. Gebelin's piece is characterized as both a response and a counterpoint to Lévi's foundational ideas in the field, contributing to a more nuanced and perhaps contentious discussion around the historical and mystical significance of magic and its symbols.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesTarot →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

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.

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesHigh Priestess →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

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.

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesEtteilla →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

II. Court De Gebelin & Etteilla

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

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesCagliostro →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

II. Court De Gebelin & Cagliostro

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

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesEliphas Lévi →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

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.

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesTrumps Major →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

II. Court De Gebelin & Trumps Major

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

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesLast Judgment →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

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

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesLouis XVI →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

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

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesMarie Antoinette →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

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

Origine Des Cartes À JouerthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesGreater Arcana →
I. Origine Des Cartes À Jouer & Court De Gebelin

COURT DE GEBELIN's primary work on the Tarot, titled "Origine des Cartes à Jouer," remains a pivotal yet contentious text in Tarot history. First published in 1781 and later expanded in 1783, Gebelin's thesis posits that the Tarot has its origins in ancient Egypt, proposing a symbolic and esoteric interpretation of the cards. Although his theories were groundbreaking, they were and continue to be subject to significant dispute among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite criticisms, Gebelin's work significantly influenced later Tarot studies and interpretations.

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).