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

William Postel

William Postel was a 16th-century alchemist and astrologist, distinguished as a scholar and expert in the field of alchemy. Known for his profound Kabbalistic works, Postel had a significant association with the Zohar and the mystical tools known as Urim and Thummim. He divined that the Tarot was the ancient and hieroglyphic work attributed to Enoch, contributing to the understanding of early esoteric practices. Despite his flaws, Postel is widely acknowledged as a key figure whose extensive knowledge and writings on the Kabalah underscored his importance in the study and interpretation of the concept. His interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of alchemy, astrology, and Kabbalah, has left a lasting impact on occult history and the related fields of study.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Enoch→Person

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

Scientifique Et Magique ClavicilesConcept

William Postel, through his studies, contributed to the understanding of both science and magic

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesTarot →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Tarot

The Tarot is the primitive and hieroglyphic work of Enoch, used in kabalistic symbolism

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesParacelsus →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Paracelsus

Enoch's key of the arcana is key to Postel's interpretations and decoding work with Paracelsus.

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesHermes →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Hermes

Both figures symbolize divine knowledge and spiritual insight, connecting their mystical significance Hermes and Enoch are two influential figures within the domain of alchemy, with their teachings interconnected through early alchemical instruction. Specifically, Hermes is often associated with the Emerald Tablet, a mystical text considered foundational in hermetic and alchemical traditions. According to legend, this tablet encapsulates vital knowledge that Hermes passed down through his teachings. Similarly, Enoch, an ancient figure rich in mythological and religious lore, seems to have been a key conduit for early alchemical wisdom. The connection between Hermes and Enoch suggests a cohesive history where the knowledge of alchemy, passed through Hermes, may have roots or influences from Enoch's teachings. This intertwined relationship underscores their shared importance in the early development of alchemical practices, emphasizing the legacy and continuity of mystical and philosophical traditions between these two historical and mythological figures.

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesEgypt →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Egypt

Enoch, as a key figure, is indirectly connected to Egypt through his teachings, which are closely bound to the Egyptian preservation of alchemy. Enoch's philosophical and esoteric teachings played a significant role in the intellectual heritage of ancient Egypt, contributing to the development and understanding of alchemical principles within the Egyptian cultural context. These teachings likely served as a bridge between Enoch’s origins and the advancement of alchemical knowledge in Egypt, demonstrating the enduring influence of Enoch’s ideas on Egyptian preservation and dissemination of alchemical practices.

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesAlchemical Art →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Alchemical Art

Enoch, as a prophet and instructor, may have contributed to the early teachings and knowledge passed down in the practice of alchemy. Enoch is portrayed as a pivotal figure in the history of alchemical practices, serving as both a key instructor in the alchemical art and a conduit for its divine wisdom. Enoch is frequently mentioned in the context of transmitting alchemical knowledge and teachings, highlighting his significant role in the early development of alchemical practices. According to various sources, the alchemical art, as taught by Enoch, encompasses not only practical processes but also embodies divine wisdom, signifying its deep spiritual and philosophical significance. Enoch's teachings are integral to the alchemical art, making him an essential figure in the transmission of this knowledge. His role as an instructor in the alchemical process demonstrates the practical and theoretical aspects of the art he imparted. The consistency in describing the alchemical art taught by Enoch as containing divine wisdom further emphasizes the mystical and philosophical dimensions of the practice. Overall, Enoch is depicted as a central figure in the alchemical tradition, bridging the realms of practice and spirituality through his teachings and contributions to the art.

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesBase Metals →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Base Metals

Enoch, an important figure in various religious and mythological traditions, is associated with the concept of base metals in alchemy. According to his teachings, base metals hold divine potential, symbolizing a spiritual significance within the alchemical process. This connection between base metals and Enoch's teachings highlights the integration of spiritual and materialistic elements in early alchemy, indicating that these metals are not merely physical substances but hold a profound mystical and divine significance. Enoch’s teachings thus provide a metaphysical framework that intertwines the transformation of base metals with spiritual enlightenment and divine purpose.

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesPure Gold →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Pure Gold

Enoch is associated with the spiritual and alchemical significance of pure gold, which is regarded as the pinnacle of divine potential. According to the descriptions, pure gold embodies the culmination of divine teachings and qualities that are closely tied to Enoch's doctrine. This valuable metal holds a special place in the esoteric and alchemical teachings attributed to Enoch, where it symbolizes a higher and more refined state of existence. Through the alchemical process, which aims at transforming base metals into pure gold, the material and spiritual aspects of creation can be paralleled, highlighting the connection between Enoch’s teachings and the transformational power of alchemy.

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesAstral Influences<astro_time_place →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Astral Influences<astro_time_place

Enoch's work on the Tarot and celestial book underpins the astrological calculations

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesPlanisphere →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Planisphere

Enoch possibly influenced the creation or understanding of the celestial planisphere

William PostelthroughEnochilluminatesGenesis Of Enoch →
I. William Postel & Enoch

William Postel divined the Tarot as a work of Enoch, influencing Enoch's symbolism in astrology

II. Enoch & Genesis Of Enoch

Enoch's text is central to the key, as described in Postel's work.