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

Papus

Papus, a prominent French occultist and author, has significantly contributed to tarot studies and esotericism in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Gavriel Sion, Papus worked closely with figures like Éliphas Lévi and made substantial advancements in tarot divination. He is renowned for his works on Kabbalistic symbolism and esoteric properties, authoring numerous books that have shaped the understanding of tarot's spiritual and mystical significance.

Papus’s contributions to the field of tarot are diverse and profound. He published a series of books, notably “The Tarot of the Bohemians,” where he explored the deeper layers of meaning within the tarot cards, aiming to uncover their esoteric and mystical properties. His works, including the claimed absolute key to occult science, emphasize the spiritual and symbolic nature of tarot cards, suggesting that the cards' symbols signify the materialization of the spiritual word and not the literal fall of Adam.

As a leader in neo-Martinism, Papus was instrumental in the revival of tarot divination, advocating for certain trumps' arrangements and elaborating on the esoteric significance of the cards. His descriptions of the greater and lesser arcana provided foundational insights and remain influential to this day. Despite the presence of contradictory elements, Papus’s work is generally celebrated for its depth and scholarly approach to the tarot and Kabbalism. His prolific writings have played a central part in the continued exploration and interpretation of tarot in modern occult traditions.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Papus was a key figure in the exploration and interpretation of the Lesser Arcana, a component of the tarot deck. He delved deeply into the tarot through his work titled "The Tarot of the Bohemians," where he sought to uncover the profound and mystical meanings inherent in each card of the Lesser Arcana. Through extensive writings, Papus underscored the significance of the Lesser Arcana, emphasizing their essential part in the broader context of tarot symbolism and the importance of their meticulous interpretation. His contributions were instrumental in advancing the understanding of the mystical and esoteric properties embedded within the tarot cards.

Tarot Of The BohemiansSubstance

Papus’s work, "The Tarot of the Bohemians," focuses on the symbolism and meaning of the tarot cards, exploring the divine elements of the Trumps Major and Lesser Arcana. Papus authored the complex work known as the "Tarot of the Bohemians." This text is regarded as a significant piece within the domain of occult science, presenting a comprehensive exploration of the esoteric knowledge associated with the tarot. The work's complex nature reflects the depth and intricate understanding of the subject matter that Papus aims to convey to his readers.

Levi's TableauConcept

Papus follows the work of Levi, specifically in the Tarot research Papus extends the work of Levi, specifically in the Tarot research

Hierarchy Of ThothRitual

Papus is a key figure in the development of modern tarot studies, and he firmly establishes the "Hierarchy of Thoth" as the foundational basis of his work. According to Papus, the Hierarchical tradition, particularly the Hierarchy of Thoth, serves as the backbone of his tarot interpretation and analysis. Papus believes that the Tarot is deeply rooted in this ancient hierarchical framework, suggesting a connection between medieval esotericism and the symbolic imagery of the tarot cards. Through this integration, Papus aims to uncover the mystical and spiritual significance behind the symbols and meanings embedded within the tarot, positioning it not merely as a divinatory tool, but as a profound and ancient esoteric text. The "Hierarchy of Thoth" thus becomes a central concept in Papus’s approach to understanding the tarot, emphasizing its historical and esoteric origins. Papus asserts the Hierarchical tradition as the basis of his tarot teachings

Livres De La Science ÉternelleRitual

Papus is the author of "LIVRES DE LA SCIENCE ÉTERNELLE," an influential occult text known for its attempt to present absolute knowledge within the domain of esoteric sciences. This comprehensive work by Papus aims to explore and articulate the fundamental principles and truths of the occult, positioning it as a seminal contribution to the field.

Éliphas LéviPerson

Both Éliphas Lévi and Papus influenced modern Tarot interpretations, particularly concerning symbolism and occult principles

Arthur Edward WaitePerson

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

Art Of DivinationConcept

Papus contributed significances for the Tarot that are foundational for divination practices

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

Whaleite WaitePerson

Papus's theories and illustrations have influenced the representations of lesser arcana cards

Papus was involved in the study and interpretation of tarot for divination, a practice that involves predicting the future through the tarot cards.

Will→Concept

Papus associates the Will with the concept of the divine motive in the Magician.

W.Person

Papus and Waite provide interpretations of Aries, the Magician, Eternity, and the Will.

EternityConcept

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

EletillaPerson

Eteilla and Papus collaborated in their Tarot works and shared similar sources of information

HoroscopyConcept

Papus's work is comparable to horoscopy in combining abstract philosophical concepts with practical divinatory tools

Papus was interested in the symbolism of the High Priestess card.

AriesConcept

Papus discusses the concept of Aries in relation to the High Priest.

D'odoucetPerson

D'Odoucet was influenced by Papus's work

Grand OrientPerson

They both contribute to the discussion on card interpretation but focus on different aspects of its symbolism

Christian BibliographerPerson

Both propose alternative interpretations of the card's symbolism, in contrast to the literal fall of Adam

ThesisConcept

Papus was influenced by the thesis that the Tarot had ancient Egyptian roots.

Etteilla Tarot CardsSubstance

Papus references Etteilla's tarot in his work

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

PapusthroughLesser ArcanailluminatesTarot →
I. Papus & Lesser Arcana

Papus was a key figure in the exploration and interpretation of the Lesser Arcana, a component of the tarot deck. He delved deeply into the tarot through his work titled "The Tarot of the Bohemians," where he sought to uncover the profound and mystical meanings inherent in each card of the Lesser Arcana. Through extensive writings, Papus underscored the significance of the Lesser Arcana, emphasizing their essential part in the broader context of tarot symbolism and the importance of their meticulous interpretation. His contributions were instrumental in advancing the understanding of the mystical and esoteric properties embedded within the tarot cards.

II. Lesser Arcana & Tarot

The Lesser Arcana are a subset of Tarot cards which are more focused on everyday events and experiences The Lesser Arcana make up the majority of the Tarot, complementing the Greater Arcana with detailed and practical symbols.

PapusthroughLesser ArcanailluminatesAlchemy →
I. Papus & Lesser Arcana

Papus was a key figure in the exploration and interpretation of the Lesser Arcana, a component of the tarot deck. He delved deeply into the tarot through his work titled "The Tarot of the Bohemians," where he sought to uncover the profound and mystical meanings inherent in each card of the Lesser Arcana. Through extensive writings, Papus underscored the significance of the Lesser Arcana, emphasizing their essential part in the broader context of tarot symbolism and the importance of their meticulous interpretation. His contributions were instrumental in advancing the understanding of the mystical and esoteric properties embedded within the tarot cards.

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.

PapusthroughÉliphas LéviilluminatesAstrology →
I. Papus & Éliphas Lévi

Both Éliphas Lévi and Papus influenced modern Tarot interpretations, particularly concerning symbolism and occult principles

II. Éliphas Lévi & Astrology

Éliphas Lévi incorporated astrological knowledge into his magical writings, notably in Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie

PapusthroughWillilluminatesTruth →
I. Papus & Will

Papus associates the Will with the concept of the divine motive in the Magician.

II. Will & Truth

The will, as a concept in the Axiomata Hermetica, operates under the truth

PapusthroughDivinationilluminatesAstral Light →
I. Papus & Divination

Papus was involved in the study and interpretation of tarot for divination, a practice that involves predicting the future through the tarot cards.

II. Divination & Astral Light

The Astral Light is the basis of the illusion through which divination occurs, affecting the perceptions during divination

PapusthroughWillilluminatesBewitchment →
I. Papus & Will

Papus associates the Will with the concept of the divine motive in the Magician.

II. Will & Bewitchment

Bewitchment relies on the will as a primary tool to exert harm or benefit

PapusthroughWillilluminatesMaster →
I. Papus & Will

Papus associates the Will with the concept of the divine motive in the Magician.

II. Will & Master

The will of a master is strong enough to overcome the swings of the mental pendulum, allowing them to remain in control of their moods and emotions.

PapusthroughEtteillailluminatesSubstance →
I. Papus & Etteilla

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

II. Etteilla & Substance

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

PapusthroughLevi's TableauilluminatesMoses →
I. Papus & Levi's Tableau

Papus follows the work of Levi, specifically in the Tarot research Papus extends the work of Levi, specifically in the Tarot research

II. Levi's Tableau & Moses

Levi's Tableau explores the relation with God and Man, a concept Moses can relate to in the spiritual lineage

PapusthroughDivinationilluminatesSignificator →
I. Papus & Divination

Papus was involved in the study and interpretation of tarot for divination, a practice that involves predicting the future through the tarot cards.

II. Divination & Significator

The Significator is a key element in the divination process