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

White Horse

The entity "WHITE HORSE" is a manifold symbol with contradictory yet intriguing connotations. On one hand, it represents the conquering and the act of conquest itself, signifying the rider's triumph over challenges. This interpretation also links the horse to themes of birth and the impetuous energy of youth, suggesting its role in representing vigor and new beginnings. The attributes associated with this white steed include a crown, indicating a high status or victory, and a bow, symbolizing readiness and preparedness for action.

On the other hand, the description "The horse of Death" reveals a darker, more ominous aspect of the entity, associating it with the bringing of night and death to the world. This side emphasizes the horse’s role in demise and destruction, suggesting a more malevolent or ominous presence.

Resolving the contradictions, the entity "WHITE HORSE" encapsulates a complex and dual nature. It symbolizes both the hopeful elements of victory, new beginnings, and youthful energy, as well as the more somber aspects of death and endings. The entity appears to be a potent symbol that can evoke a range of emotions and perceptions in different contexts.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Red HorseSubstance

The entities "WHITE HORSE" and "RED HORSE" in the surviving literature are symbolic figures representing different stages and aspects of human life, particularly in a spiritual journey. The white horse is predominantly linked with birth and conquest, symbolizing the commencement of life and the process of conquering new horizons. This symbol of birth and conquest together signifies movement and the proactive nature associated with beginning a significant phase of existence. On the other hand, the red horse stands as a symbol of youth and impetuosity, indicating the youthful phase of life marked by enthusiasm and vigor. Simultaneously, it also symbolizes turmoil and suggests the challenges and uncertainties often associated with youth. Collectively, these two entities highlight the broader spectrum of human life, from the initial phase of birth and conquest through the vibrant and tumultuous years of youth, encapsulating the dynamic nature of growth and transition.

Card 13. DeathConcept

The white horse is described as the horse of Death in the text

King→Person

Kings fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

High priests fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

The Phrygian Mysteries use the white horse as a symbol, representing birth and conquering in the spiritual journey

Card 10. The Wheel Of ChanceConcept

The white horse is associated with the Wheel of Life, contrasting with the Wheel of Chance

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

White HorsethroughPhrygian MysteriesilluminatesWater →
I. White Horse & Phrygian Mysteries

The Phrygian Mysteries use the white horse as a symbol, representing birth and conquering in the spiritual journey

II. Phrygian Mysteries & Water

The Phrygian Mysteries use Neptune, symbolizing water, as a key part of the ritual and spiritual symbolism

White HorsethroughKingilluminatesEmperor →
I. White Horse & King

Kings fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

II. King & Emperor

Kingship is derived from the Emperor, as a hierarchy of power and responsibility

White HorsethroughPhrygian MysteriesilluminatesAir →
I. White Horse & Phrygian Mysteries

The Phrygian Mysteries use the white horse as a symbol, representing birth and conquering in the spiritual journey

II. Phrygian Mysteries & Air

The Phrygian Mysteries use Juno, symbolizing the air, as part of the spiritual hierarchy and ritual symbols

White HorsethroughHigh PriestilluminatesHierophant →
I. White Horse & High Priest

High priests fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

II. High Priest & Hierophant

The concept of the Hierophant is equivalent to the High Priest or Pope

White HorsethroughKingilluminatesSignificator →
I. White Horse & King

Kings fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

II. King & Significator

King is a Significator used for individuals younger than 40

White HorsethroughHigh PriestilluminatesHigh Priestess →
I. White Horse & High Priest

High priests fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

II. High Priest & High Priestess

The High Priestess and High Priest (Emperor) are significant entities within the major arcana of the Tarot, each carrying symbolic importance according to the theory proposed by S.L. McKay Gebelin, who posited connections to ancient Egyptian origins. These figures are conceptually related as counterparts, though in different capacities. The High Priestess represents deeper wisdom, veiled knowledge, and intuition, aligning with spiritual and mystical understanding. In contrast, the High Priest (Emperor), as a concept from the major arcana, symbolizes authority, control, and the structured order of Church and papacy in Gebelin's theoretical framework. Together, they encapsulate differing yet complementary aspects of spiritual and temporal power and governance.

White HorsethroughPhrygian MysteriesilluminatesEarth →
I. White Horse & Phrygian Mysteries

The Phrygian Mysteries use the white horse as a symbol, representing birth and conquering in the spiritual journey

II. Phrygian Mysteries & Earth

The Phrygian Mysteries use Vesta, symbolizing the earth, as a core part of the spiritual hierarchy and symbols

White HorsethroughKingilluminatesPentacles →
I. White Horse & King

Kings fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

II. King & Pentacles

Pentacles may represent the authority or power of the king in the layout

White HorsethroughKingilluminatesDurke Bataglani →
I. White Horse & King

Kings fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

II. King & Durke Bataglani

Durke Bataglani is formally greeted by the King and Queen in the throne room, serving as one of the central guests in the event.

White HorsethroughKingilluminatesMeggie Tazbah →
I. White Horse & King

Kings fall on their knees before the white horse of Death

II. King & Meggie Tazbah

Meggie Tazbah is formally greeted by the King and Queen in the throne room, serving as one of the central guests in the event.