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

Papal Rome

Papal Rome, the city on the seven hills, symbolizing the temporal power of the pontiff and his influence over the spiritual edifice, which can be overthrown by divine wrath.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

High Priestess Tarot CardConcept

The High Priestess tarot card symbolizes secrets and traditions that challenge the establishment of Papal Rome's authority. This card is associated with the secret Albigensian church, which opposed the dominant religious and political structures centered in Rome, thereby representing a counterbalance to the patriarchal control exerted by the Papacy. The card emphasizes hidden knowledge and esoteric wisdom, aligning with the spiritual and mysterious aspects often associated with the mystical Albigensian movement.

Tower Struck By Lightning Tarot CardConcept

The Lightning striking the Tower is a potent symbol of the downfall of the papal order in Rome.

Archæologist Court De GebelinPerson

Court de Gebelin's work has indirectly contributed to the symbolic destruction of Papal Rome, as embodied by the Tower card.

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

Arthur Edward Waite, through his work, could have contributed to the symbolic destruction of Papal Rome, as embodied by the Tower card.

Etteilla TarotConcept

The Etteilla Tarot, through comparisons, could support symbolic interpretations of the destruction of Papal Rome in the Tower card.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesTarot →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Tarot

Etteilla, whose full name is Étienne-Ogier Etteilla, was a significant figure in the history of Tarot divination. He is recognized as the first known author to have published a book on Tarot divination, thereby establishing the Tarot as a tool for divination. According to historical records, Etteilla not only produced tarot cards but also dedicated considerable time and effort to the study and promotion of Tarot as a means of divination. This involvement was deeply influenced by his Kabalistic background, as he spent extensive periods exploring the Tarot's symbolism and practice. One interesting detail in his biography pertains to a noted incident where he reportedly misplaced the keys and the order of the Tarot, highlighting the personal connection he had with the Tarot cards. Etteilla played a central part in publishing works that discuss the Tarot's significance in divinatory practices. His contributions greatly influenced the perception and usage of the Tarot cards in the 18th century and beyond.

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesSubstance →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Substance

Etteilla's work involved the transformation of substances through alchemy, emphasizing the relationship between the two.

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesPhilosophical Stone →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Philosophical Stone

Etteilla's work with the tarot influences the creation of the Philosophical Stone

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesResurrection →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Resurrection

ETTEILLA and RESURRECTION are interconnected within the domain of alchemy and mysticism. Etteilla, the French occultist who lived in the 18th century, integrated the concept of resurrection into his practices, which were deeply rooted in both alchemical and religious beliefs. According to the descriptions provided, Etteilla's work explores the symbolic and potentially symbolic-alchemical process of resurrection, suggesting that this concept serves an essential office in his alchemical rituals and mystical teachings. This connection between resurrection and alchemy, as well as the religious underpinnings, indicates a complex interplay of spiritual, philosophical, and scientific elements in Etteilla's work, positioning him as a key figure in the history of occult practices in Europe. The inclusion of resurrection in Etteilla's alchemical work highlights the broader cultural and historical context of alchemy as a multidisciplinary pursuit that often intersected with religious and spiritual themes.

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesPapus →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Papus

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

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesRaymond Lully →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Raymond Lully

Both alchemists explored the transformation of life through their practices, with Etteilla directly referenced in the context of Lully's work.

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesCourt De Gebelin →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Court De Gebelin

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

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesMaterialistic Science →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Materialistic Science

Etteilla's practices, from a materialistic standpoint, may be seen as scientific experiments rather than mystical events.

Papal RomethroughEtteillailluminatesFountain Of Youth →
I. Papal Rome & Etteilla

The work of Etteilla, through comparisons, could support interpretations of the Tower card's symbolic destruction of Papal Rome.

II. Etteilla & Fountain Of Youth

Etteilla's work encompasses a deep exploration of the concept of the Fountain of Youth, intertwining his philosophical and alchemical practices. This idea of the Fountain of Youth serves as a symbolic representation in his philosophy, reflecting broader understandings of life, transformation, and rejuvenation. Through his explorations and practices, Etteilla connects the tangible and mystical realms, viewing the Fountain of Youth not just as a mythical source of eternal youth, but as a profound symbol of continuous growth and renewal.

Papal RomethroughArthur Edward WaiteilluminatesKnut Stenring →
I. Papal Rome & Arthur Edward Waite

Arthur Edward Waite, through his work, could have contributed to the symbolic destruction of Papal Rome, as embodied by the Tower card.

II. Arthur Edward Waite & Knut Stenring

Arthur Edward Waite and Knut Stenring both contributed to translations of the Sepher Yetzirah