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

Trumps Major

The TRUMPS MAJOR, comprising 22 central cards in a tarot deck, are a fundamental and revered component of the broader tradition and practice of Tarot divination. These cards are intricately woven into the fabric of the Major Arcana, serving as essential symbols that guide the querent through a spiritual and philosophical journey. Each card in this series is crafted to encapsulate profound and transformative messages, often symbolizing significant milestones in the soul's path and the moral implications of human will and its manifestation through deeds of mercy and beneficence. Major Trumphs, as they are often referred to, were presented by Court de Gebelin in his series of rough plates, further highlighting their importance in understanding the deeper narrative and symbolism of the tarot. These cards are not merely illustrated with mystical and spiritual symbolism; they are a key concept in the Tarot, presenting a series of archetypes and spiritual truths that are integral to the practice of Tarot divination.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Dr. PapusPerson

Papus created a scheme for the Trumps Major that focuses on numerical sequence and interrelation within the Divine World, Macrocosm, and Microcosm

Tarot Of BolognaSubstance

The Tarot of Bologna, possibly created by the Prince of Pisa, is believed to be a significant source of inspiration for the Major Arcana in tarot decks. This deck combined elements from minor and philosophical cards, merging different aspects of symbolism and numerology into a cohesive system. Initially intended for philosophical and possibly esoteric study, the cards from the Tarot of Bologna may have later undergone adaptation, finding their way into the practice of fortune-telling. This evolution suggests a bridge between ancient intellectual traditions and the mystical practices associated with tarot cards, highlighting the flexibility and enduring appeal of these symbols across various cultural and practical contexts.

M. PicardPerson

Picard discusses the Trumps Major in his historical description of the Tarot

Grand OrientPerson

Grand Orient, in his Manual of Cartomancy, provided a method of transcendental divination that used the order of the Major Arcana

Iphas LéviPerson

Tarot symbolism claimed by Eliphas Lévi includes the Major Arcana

Secret Tradition In FreemasonryRitual

Major Trumps in the Tarot form part of the Secret Tradition in Freemasonry, suggesting the transmission of esoteric knowledge.

Hierooglphic symbols are associated with the major arcana in tarot

Fool→Substance

The Major Trumps provide the foundational messages for the Fool's journey of transformation and experience

Minor ArcanaRitual

The symbolism of the Major and Minor Arcana are interrelated in the broader Tarot tradition, with the Minor Arcana providing additional symbolic depth and elaboration.)

RegenerationConcept

The Major Trumps symbolize the process of regeneration and transformation throughout the Fool's journey

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Trumps MajorthroughDr. PapusilluminatesSun →
I. Trumps Major & Dr. Papus

Papus created a scheme for the Trumps Major that focuses on numerical sequence and interrelation within the Divine World, Macrocosm, and Microcosm

II. Dr. Papus & Sun

Papus' new interpretations, such as the depiction of a naked child on a horse instead of two children in a walled garden, reflect his influence on the symbolism of the Sun card.

Trumps MajorthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesTarot →
I. Trumps Major & Court De Gebelin

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

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.

Trumps MajorthroughHieroglyphicsilluminatesPantacle →
I. Trumps Major & Hieroglyphics

Hierooglphic symbols are associated with the major arcana in tarot

II. Hieroglyphics & Pantacle

The Pantacle, as a symbol, is used in conjunction with hiero-glyphic representations of numbers and letters in the kabalistic practices described.

Trumps MajorthroughFoolilluminatesSpirit →
I. Trumps Major & Fool

The Major Trumps provide the foundational messages for the Fool's journey of transformation and experience

II. Fool & Spirit

The Spirit represents the essence of the Fool and guides his journey towards wisdom and simplicity

Trumps MajorthroughDr. PapusilluminatesMoon →
I. Trumps Major & Dr. Papus

Papus created a scheme for the Trumps Major that focuses on numerical sequence and interrelation within the Divine World, Macrocosm, and Microcosm

II. Dr. Papus & Moon

Papus' new interpretations, such as the depiction of naked human figures instead of small demons, reflect his influence on the symbolism of the Moon card.

Trumps MajorthroughCourt De GebelinilluminatesHigh Priestess →
I. Trumps Major & Court De Gebelin

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

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.

Trumps MajorthroughFoolilluminatesEarth →
I. Trumps Major & Fool

The Major Trumps provide the foundational messages for the Fool's journey of transformation and experience

II. Fool & Earth

The Fool card represents the principle of Earth in the Tarot

Trumps MajorthroughHieroglyphicsilluminatesTable →
I. Trumps Major & Hieroglyphics

Hierooglphic symbols are associated with the major arcana in tarot

II. Hieroglyphics & Table

Hieroglyphics, ancient Egyptian symbols, are used to represent the spiritual truths and divine attributes depicted on the Isiac Table

Trumps MajorthroughGrand OrientilluminatesPapus →
I. Trumps Major & Grand Orient

Grand Orient, in his Manual of Cartomancy, provided a method of transcendental divination that used the order of the Major Arcana

II. Grand Orient & Papus

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

Trumps MajorthroughFoolilluminatesWorld →
I. Trumps Major & Fool

The Major Trumps provide the foundational messages for the Fool's journey of transformation and experience

II. Fool & World

The Fool, as the first emanation, symbolically relates to the perfected world represented by The World The symbolism of carrying a bag of symbols and the Fool being associated with the journey align with the ultimate completion symbolized by The World card.